Studying in Switzerland is a dream for every Pakistani student. The quality education, beautiful valleys, and international environment attract everyone. 😍 But when it comes to settling there, the paperwork, visa procedures, and most importantly, insurance issues make you scratch your head. 🤔
I myself have been associated with the insurance sector for a long time and educate people about insurance policies on dotzee.eu. Many Pakistani students contact me and seek guidance regarding insurance before going to Switzerland. Today, in this article, I will share all the information that will be useful for you. ✨
Switzerland’s healthcare system is one of the best in the world, but it’s also expensive. That’s why health insurance is mandatory here. If you stay in Switzerland for more than three months, the cantonal (provincial) government will automatically enroll you in a local insurance company and send you a bill if you don’t have the right insurance. 😨 This bill can range from 400 to 500 Swiss francs (approximately 1.25 to 1.55 lakh Pakistani rupees) per month.
In this article, we’ll learn how you can avoid this confusion, under what conditions you can get an exemption from insurance, and what Pakistani students should be especially careful about. 🛡️
Basic insurance requirements in Switzerland 📌
As soon as you step foot in Switzerland, you have certain legal obligations. The most important of these is health insurance.
Why is health insurance mandatory? 🏥
Under Swiss law (KVG/LAMal), everyone who takes up residence in Switzerland is obliged to have health insurance. This law applies not only to Swiss citizens but also to all foreigners, including international students.
You must arrange health insurance within three months of your arrival in Switzerland. If you do not do so, the cantonal government will compulsorily enroll you in an insurance company.
Disadvantages of not having insurance ⚠️
Many students think “let’s see now, we’ll get there first”. But this thinking can be expensive. If you don’t arrange insurance within the specified period:
- The cantonal government will automatically include you in an insurance policy ❌
- This will usually be the most expensive policy 💸
- You will also have to pay the premiums for the previous months
- There may be problems with the residence permit 🛂
Exceptions for European students 🇪🇺
If you are from a European Union (EU) or EFTA country, the insurance issue is relatively simple for you.
Using the EHIC card 💳
European students can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from their country. With this card, they can receive medical care in Switzerland. However, the condition for this is that:
- You do not have a paid job in Switzerland
- Your stay is temporary and you intend to return after completing your studies
- You have valid health insurance from your home country
If these conditions are met, you can obtain an exemption from Swiss health insurance. For this, you must apply to the relevant cantonal office.
Situation in case of employment 💼
If you are a European student and start working part-time in Switzerland, your situation will change. In this case, the “place-of-work principle” applies and you will be required to have Swiss health insurance.
Remember that if you do an internship or work online and receive a salary for it, this will still be considered “earnings”.
Insurance requirements for non-European students 🌍
This is the part that is most important for Pakistani students. We are from non-European countries, so the rules are a little different for us.
Three-year exemption ⏳
The good news is that non-European students can also get an exemption from Swiss health insurance. According to the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), non-European students can be granted an exemption for three years, which can be extended for another three years.
The condition for this exemption is that you have private insurance that offers benefits equivalent to Swiss insurance.
Equivalence of insurance ⚖️
“Equivalence” here means that your insurance policy covers all medical services that are mandatory under Swiss law (KVG).
The problem is that many foreign insurance companies refuse to sign a confirmation that their policy is equivalent to Swiss insurance. If this happens, you will have to take out a policy with a recognized insurance company based in Switzerland.
Special insurance packages for students 🎓
Some insurance companies in Switzerland offer special packages for students.
Swisscare and other options 🏢
Companies such as Swisscare, Scorestudies, and ERV Coverio have special insurance packages for students. These packages are significantly cheaper than regular Swiss health insurance.
For example, the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) has an agreement with Swisscare under which students receive insurance for 89.10 Swiss francs per month. This is a much cheaper option compared to regular insurance, which costs 350 to 400 francs per month.
Comparison: Regular insurance vs. student packages 📊
It is important to know the difference between regular LAMal insurance and special student packages:
- Monthly premium: Regular insurance costs around 380 francs per month, while student packages cost 65 to 100 francs per month 💰
- Deductible: Both can range from 300 to 2,500 francs per year
- Coverage: Regular insurance offers full coverage, while student packages offer coverage for basic medical treatment in Switzerland
These student packages are usually for students under 30 who are not employed.
Other important types of insurance 🛡️
In Switzerland, not only health insurance is important, but also some other insurances.
Personal Liability Insurance 🧑⚖️
This insurance is optional but very useful. This insurance covers the damage if you cause damage to someone (for example, breaking someone’s mobile phone or damaging someone’s car). 📱🚗
When renting a house, the landlord often asks you to show this insurance.
Household Insurance 🏠
This insurance protects your household contents against theft, water damage, and fire. It is not mandatory, but most rental agencies and student residences ask for this insurance.
Accident Insurance 🚑
Accident insurance is also mandatory in Switzerland. If you take out health insurance, it usually includes accident coverage. However, if you work more than 8 hours a week, your employer will provide you with insurance against accidents.
AHV (old-age insurance) 👴
This is part of the Swiss social security system. Students on a B permit are exempt. But if you have a C permit, you will have to get this insurance.
How to get an exemption 📝
Now we will talk about how you can get an exemption from insurance in practice.
Where to apply 🏢
The exemption application must be submitted to the relevant office in your canton. Each canton has its own system:
- Geneva: SAM (Service des assurances maladies)
- Vaud: OVAM (Office vaudois de l’assurance-maladie)
- Lucerne: Einwohnerkontrolle
- Zug: Online application via the Migration Office
Required documents 📂
The following documents are usually required to apply for an exemption:
- Exemption form (completed and signed) ✍️
- University admission certificate 🎓
- Copy of insurance policy 📄
- Copy of residence permit (if available)
- Copy of passport 🛂
- Copy of EHIC card if you are a European student
Three-month limit ⏰
It is extremely important that you apply for an exemption within three months of your arrival in Switzerland. If this period has passed, you will then be obliged to take out regular Swiss health insurance.
Some universities, such as USI, recommend that you apply within about two and a half months to avoid any problems.
Special instructions for Pakistani students
Now let’s talk specifically about Pakistani students.
Acceptance of Pakistani insurance ❓
Policies from Pakistani insurance companies are generally not considered equivalent to Swiss insurance. This is because Pakistani insurance varies in terms of coverage limits, treatment standards, and list of medical facilities.
Most Pakistani students are required to take out local insurance upon arrival in Switzerland.
Preparation before arriving in Switzerland 🧳
You can prepare the following before going to Switzerland:
- Take out temporary travel insurance. This will be enough for the first few days or weeks until you arrange regular insurance. ✈️
- Contact the university. Most universities provide guidance to students regarding insurance.
- Have your documents ready. Carry copies of all documents required for visa and insurance.
- Make a budget. Include insurance costs in your monthly budget. 💵
Special instructions for doctoral students 👨🎓👩🎓
If you are doing a PhD and you get a paid job (as a research assistant), you will not be eligible for student insurance packages. In this case, you will be required to have regular LAMal insurance.
Similarly, if you are a visiting researcher and you are getting a scholarship, you will still be required to have regular insurance.
Common mistakes related to insurance ❌
Based on my experience, I am telling you that Pakistani students often make these mistakes:
Mistake No. 1: Thinking that travel insurance is enough 🚫
Many students think that the travel insurance they have taken out in Pakistan will also work in Switzerland. But travel insurance is not suitable for long stays. It is only for short trips (less than 90 days).
Mistake No. 2: Not applying for an exception 🙅♂️
Some students think that they have taken out insurance, that’s it. But taking out insurance is not enough, it is also necessary to apply for an exception. If you do not apply, the canton can include you in regular insurance.
Mistake number 3: Not paying the premium 💸
Once you have taken out insurance, you must pay the premium regularly. The university will not award a degree if the student has insurance arrears.
Mistake number 4: Not informing when starting a job 👔
If you start a part-time job, you must inform the insurance company and the canton. Failure to do so may invalidate your exemption.
Practical advice and tips 💡
Based on my experience, I would like to give you some practical advice.
How to choose an insurance company ✅
When choosing an insurance company, keep these things in mind:
- Is the company accredited in the canton?
- Is the policy in accordance with Swiss law (KVG)?
- Is the deductible in line with your budget?
- Is the network of doctors and hospitals extensive?
Include insurance costs in your budget 📉
Accommodation in Switzerland is expensive. According to the University of Lausanne, the average monthly cost for a student is around 2,050 francs, including 80 francs for insurance.
Remember that there are also initial costs (visa fees, accommodation guarantee, local taxes) to pay, so budget for these costs as well as insurance.
Keep documents safe 🗂️
Keep your insurance policy, premium receipts, and exemption letter from the canton in a safe place. Make scanned copies of them and save them on the cloud. ☁️
How to find a doctor 🩺
Finding a doctor in case of illness is not difficult. Companies like Swisscare have a “Find a doctor” feature in their mobile apps. You can also find a doctor at For official medical info, visit Doctor FMH Switzerland.
Medical Expenses Reimbursement 💰
If you have paid for your own medical expenses, to get them reimbursed:
- Fill in the claim form
- Attach a copy of your insurance policy
- Submit your medical bills and proof of payment
- Provide your bank account details
This process can usually take 3 to 5 weeks.
More information on dotzee.eu 🌐
At dotzee.eu we provide detailed information on different types of insurance. Our goal is to help people understand the complex issues of insurance policies in simple language.
If you are planning to visit Switzerland, read other articles on our website. We have prepared detailed materials on insurance issues while studying in different European countries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ❓
Here are answers to some common questions:
Can I take insurance from Pakistan?
Pakistani insurance is generally not considered equivalent to Swiss insurance. Most students have to take out local insurance upon arrival in Switzerland. However, you can take out travel insurance for the first few days. 👍
How much does insurance cost per month?
Special student packages cost between 65 and 100 francs per month. Regular insurance can cost between 350 and 500 francs per month. 💵
Does working part-time affect insurance?
Yes. If you start working, your insurance exemption may end and you will have to take out regular LAMal insurance. 👔
Do I need to take out separate accident insurance?
Health insurance usually includes accident coverage. But if you work, your employer also provides accident insurance. 🚑
When should I apply for an exemption?
Apply within three months of arriving in Switzerland. It is better to apply within two and a half months to avoid any problems. ⏰
Is insurance mandatory for my children too?
Yes. Insurance is mandatory for everyone who takes up residence in Switzerland, regardless of their age. 👶
How long does it take to file an insurance claim?
It can usually take 3 to 5 weeks. When submitting a claim, have all the necessary documents complete to speed up the process. ⏱️
Can the insurance company be changed?
Yes. But there are conditions for this. Usually, the company can be changed at the end of the year and specific dates must be observed for this. 🔄
Is dental treatment included in the insurance?
Dental treatment is not included in the basic health insurance. Separate dental insurance must be taken out for this. 🦷
Can I get insurance through the university?
Many universities have special insurance packages for students. Contact the university’s international office and get information. 🎓
Conclusion 🏁
Studying in Switzerland is a wonderful opportunity, but it also comes with responsibilities. Proper insurance arrangements provide legal protection for your stay and protect you from medical problems. 🛡️
Important things to remember: 📌
- Health insurance is mandatory in Switzerland
- Arrange insurance within three months
- European students can use the EHIC
- There is a three-year exemption for non-European students
- Special student packages are cheap and useful
- The insurance situation changes when you start working
- Apply for an exemption in good time
At dotzee.eu we guide you through all insurance issues. If you have any questions, please contact us. 📩
Choosing the right insurance is essential for a peaceful and safe trip to Switzerland. Focus on your studies, we will help you understand the rest. 😊
Note: This article is for informational purposes only. Insurance laws may change over time. It is best to check with the Swiss embassy or the relevant cantonal office for the latest information.