Do LAMal and accident insurance provide sufficient protection when travelling?

In Switzerland, we all have to subscribe to the LAMal (Compulsory Health Insurance). This provides basic cover for medical treatment at home. Combined with compulsory accident insurance (LAA), which covers us at work and in everyday life, we often think, wrongly, that we are well covered when we travel in Switzerland or abroad. Here are some very important points to consider if you have booked your next trip.

KVG/LAMal cover abroad

KVG/LAMal and accident insurance do not generally provide comprehensive cover abroad. You may benefit from limited cover (or in specific cases, such as a business trip under the LAA/UVG), but you should find out about the extent of your sickness and accident cover before you leave, whether you have supplementary cover, etc.

KVG/LAMal cover in Europe 

You will have the European Health Insurance Card, which allows you to access the local public health system in the same way as those insured in your own country. However, its coverage is limited in financial terms.

Emergency care and travel accident insurance

In the event of a medical emergency abroad, the LAMal can cover the necessary treatment up to the Swiss rate. However, in many countries, medical costs can be considerably higher than Swiss rates, which means that without supplementary insurance, you will have to pay the remaining amounts out of your own pocket. You will also be covered for accidents, but not for all treatment and in limited amounts.

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Medical repatriation from abroad

Cela fait partie des frais médicaux les plus élevés et la LAMal, autant que la LAA ne couvrent généralement pas les frais de rapatriement médical vers la Suisse depuis l’étranger. Un rapatriement, selon le pays de départ, peut vous coûter des dizaines de milliers de francs suisses.

Travel cancellation cover 

The LAMal and compulsory accident insurance do not cover the cost of cancelling a trip in the event of unforeseen events such as health problems, a death in the family or other circumstances. You are therefore likely to have to bear the cost of cancelling your holiday rental, your flight, any activities you may have booked, etc. yourself. All of which could put a big dent in your next holiday budget.

Of course, these two compulsory insurances (LAMal and LAA/UVG) do not protect you from other unforeseen events that may occur before or during your trip: lost or stolen luggage, necessary emergency transport, search and rescue if you get lost, unforeseen expenses, and so on.

To protect and insure yourself fully, we recommend that you take out travel insurance. It will be the perfect complement to your compulsory cover and will allow you to enjoy your holidays in Switzerland or abroad with peace of mind.

Whether for a single trip or for all your travels throughout the year, Europ Assistance offers you all the essential cover you need. Discover our 4 options and subscribe up to 1 day before your departure. 

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