Winter Sports Insurance Switzerland

Good afternoon,

I would like some advice on purchasing travel insurance for a ski trip.

I am a British citizen but am currently residing in Switzerland on a one year internship. I have an exemption from Swiss heath insurance on the grounds that I am an intern, and therefore use my European Health Insurance Card as insurance whilst here in Switzerland. However after a year I will be moving back to the UK.

I am going skiing in Austria in 2 weeks time and I am unsure what health insurance cover I need. I am not sure if, in this case, my permanent country of residence is Switzerland.

I would be grateful if you could give me some advice on what insurance I should purchase which will cover me for my trip.

Hi,

The fact that you have been allowed to retain your UK health insurance coverage during your stay in Switzerland indicates that you are still considered a habitual resident of the UK for social security purposes. As such, you can use your UK-issued European Health Insurance Card during your visit to Austria in much the same way as you use it in Switzerland.

However, a European Health Insurance Card does not cover all possible costs. For example, search and rescue operations and treatment in private facilities generally are not covered.

As an intern working for a Swiss company, you will normally be covered by compulsory Swiss occupational accident insurance through your employer. If you work more than 8 hours weekly, you should also be insured against non-occupational accidents, including accidents which occur while vacationing outside of Switzerland.

Swiss accident insurance covers most medical expenses, including the cost of search and rescue operations. It also compensates you for loss of income during the recovery period. If you receive this coverage from your employer, you probably do not need additional travel medical insurance.

More information on this topic:
Ski insurance: how to insure your winter fun