Top 9 Expat Health Insurance Companies in Switzerland

Choosing the right health insurance provider in Switzerland as an expat can make a major difference in your access to quality care and financial peace of mind. The top international health insurance companies for expats in Switzerland include Cigna, Bupa, Allianz, AXA, VUMI, DavidShield, GeoBlue, William Russell, and IMG. Each offering reliable coverage with global benefits tailored for expatriate lifestyles.

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Navigating the Swiss and international insurance landscape can be overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure which provider fits your needs best. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to break down the key features, plan options, and benefit limits of the most trusted expat insurance companies in Switzerland so you can make an informed choice with confidence.

Our Pacific Prime team has over 20 years of experience as an international health insurance brokerage, and we have designed this article with the purpose of imparting our wisdom to you.

We will introduce you to the top 10 international health insurance companies in Switzerland, their health plans, their insurance benefits, and their annual maximum limits. We’ll also point you in the direction of where you can learn more about each and how to compare their quotes.

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Best International Health Insurance Options for Expats in Switzerland

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The top 9 companies that provide international health insurance for expats in Switzerland are:

  1. Cigna
  2. Bupa
  3. Allianz
  4. AXA
  5. VUMI
  6. David Shield/Passport Card
  7. GeoBlue
  8. William Russell
  9. IMG

These providers are not listed in any particular order, rather each offers spectacular coverage packages that allow expats to travel with peace of mind. Let’s explore a little deeper into each company.

Please Note: Each benefit chart below summarizes how much coverage may be available from several plans offered by the same provider. For example, partial coverage for a given benefit may be covered by a lower-level plan while full coverage for the same benefit may be offered in a higher-level plan from the same provider.

1. Cigna Global: Flexible Health Plans for Expats in Switzerland

Cigna Global is a top-tier international health insurance provider for expats living in Switzerland. Their health plans include Silver, Gold, and Platinum coverage level packages. Expats choose Cigna for their flexible plans, affordable and whole health focus, and emphasis on customer service.

Here’s a list of benefits offered by Cigna in Switzerland. Benefit amounts vary depending on your chosen international health insurance plan.

Cigna Health Insurance Benefits for Expats in Switzerland

Benefit Type

Coverage Offered

Worldwide Coverage Included; Optional inclusion or exclusion of the U.S.
Inpatient Care Full Coverage
Outpatient Prescriptions Partial Coverage
Emergency Medical Evacuation Full Coverage
Emergency Care Partial to Full Coverage
Cancer Care Full Coverage
Maternity Care No Coverage with the Silver and Close Care plans; Partial to Full Coverage with the Gold and Platinum plans
Mental Health Care Partial to Full Coverage up to 30 – 90 days
Dental Partial to Full Coverage as an optional benefit
Optical Partial Coverage as an optional benefit

To help you understand the coverage levels offered by each type of plan, the following chart highlights the annual benefit limit available in each of Cigna’s four plans.

Cigna Global Plans – Annual Benefit Limits At-a-Glance

Plan

Annual Benefit Limit

Silver $1,000,000
Gold $2,000,000
Platinum Unlimited
Close Care $500,000

Compare quotes for each of these plans by plugging in your travel plans and needs in our online insurance quote generator. This is an obligation-free resource for Switzerland expats.

2. Bupa Global: Trusted Coverage with Multiple Plan Options in Switzerland for Expatriates

Bupa offers expats living in Switzerland four health insurance plans to choose from: Major Medical, Select, Premier, and Elite. Bupa has about 80 years of experience providing international medical coverage, making it a highly reliable and experienced option for travelers.

Here’s a list of benefits offered by Bupa in Switzerland. Benefit amounts vary depending on your chosen international health insurance plan.

Bupa Health Insurance Benefits for Expats in Switzerland

Benefit Type

Coverage Offered

Worldwide Coverage Included with the Major Medical, Premier, and Elite plans
Inpatient Care Covered
Outpatient Prescriptions Partial Coverage
Emergency Medical Evacuation Covered
Emergency Care Covered
Cancer Care Covered
Maternity Care Only available with the Elite plan
Mental Health Care Covered
Dental Available with the Premier and Elite plans
Optical Available with the Premier and Elite plans

The next chart shows you the annual benefits limit for each of Bupa’s expat health insurance plans.

Bupa Plans – Annual Benefit Limits At-a-Glance

Plan

Annual Benefit Limit

Major Medical About $3,174,200
Select About $1,587,100
Premier About $2,380,600
Elite About $4,761,300

Compare quotes for each of these plans by plugging in your travel plans and needs in our online insurance quote generator. This is an obligation-free resource for Switzerland expats.

3. Allianz Care: Family-Friendly Expat Insurance Plans in Switzerland

Allianz provides international health insurance for expats in Switzerland and over 75 other countries. Allianz’s health plans include Care, Care Pro, and Care Plus. Allianz’s coverage includes family-friendly solutions, an expansive global network, travel security services, and digital tools.

Here’s a list of benefits offered by Allianz in Switzerland. Benefit amounts vary depending on your chosen international health insurance plan.

Allianz Health Insurance Benefits for Expats in Switzerland

Benefit Type

Coverage Offered

Worldwide Coverage Included; Optional exclusion of the USA; Optional exclusive Africa coverage
Inpatient Care Covered
Outpatient Care Optional add-on
Emergency Medical Evacuation Optional add-on
Emergency Transportation and Care Covered
Cancer Care Covered
Maternity Care Optional add-ons available with Care Plus and Care Pro
Mental Health Care Not Covered
Dental Partial Coverage
Optical Not Covered

The next chart shows you the annual benefits limit for each of Allianz’s global medical insurance plans.

Allianz Plans – Annual Benefit Limits At-a-Glance

Plan

Annual Benefit Limit

Care $2,500,000
Care Plus $4,000,000
Care Pro $5,000,000

Compare quotes for each of these plans by plugging in your travel plans and needs in our online insurance quote generator. This is an obligation-free resource for Switzerland expats.

4. AXA: Comprehensive Health Insurance for Swiss Expats

AXA is another phenomenal health insurance provider with 55 years of experience and over 95 million clients. AXA health plans for expatriates living in Switzerland are Foundation, Standard, Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus. AXA fulfills 80% of its claims within 48 hours.

Here’s a list of benefits offered by AXA in Switzerland. Benefit amounts vary depending on your chosen international health insurance plan.

AXA Health Insurance Benefits for Expats in Switzerland

Benefit Type

Coverage Offered

Worldwide Coverage Included; Optional exclusion of U.S.
Inpatient Care Covered
Outpatient Care Optional add-on for beginning plans; included with Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus
Emergency Medical Evacuation Covered
Emergency Transportation and Care Covered
Cancer Care Covered
Maternity Care Covered with Prestige and Prestige Plus
Mental Health Care Not Covered
Dental Covered with Standard, Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus
Optical Covered with Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus

The next chart shows you the annual benefits limit for each of AXA’s expat health insurance plans.

AXA Plans – Annual Benefit Limits At-a-Glance

Plan

Annual Benefit Limit

Foundation $160,000
Standard $1,600,000
Comprehensive $2,400,000
Prestige $3,200,000
Prestige Plus $8,000,000

Compare quotes for each of these plans by plugging in your travel plans and needs in our online insurance quote generator. This is an obligation-free resource for Switzerland expats.

5. VUMI: VIP Medical Coverage for Global Expats in Switzerland

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VUMI is a world-renowned health and travel insurance provider for expats worldwide. Their long-term medical plans are called Global Flex VIP plans, and they offer levels of coverage Basic, Standard, Superior, Ultra, and Total. Switzerland expats will love VUMI’s exclusive medical network.

Here’s a list of benefits offered by VUMI in Switzerland. Benefit amounts vary depending on your chosen international health insurance plan.

VUMI Health Insurance Benefits for Expats in Switzerland

Benefit Type

Coverage Offered

Worldwide Coverage Included; options to exclude the U.S.; options for exclusive coverage in Africa or Southeast East Asia
Inpatient Care Full Coverage
Outpatient Care Partial to Full Coverage
Emergency Medical Evacuation Covered
Emergency Transportation and Care Covered
Cancer Care Full Coverage
Maternity Care Covered with Superior, Ultra, and Total
Mental Health Care Covered
Dental Covered
Optical Optional Coverage with Standard, Superior, Ultra, and Total

The next chart shows you the annual benefits limit for each of VUMI’s expat health insurance plans.

VUMI Plans – Annual Benefit Limits At-a-Glance

Global Flex VIP Plan

Annual Benefit Limit

Basic $3,000,000
Standard $3,500,000
Superior $4,000,000
Ultra $4,500,000
Total $5,000,000

Compare quotes for each of these plans by plugging in your travel plans and needs in our online insurance quote generator. This is an obligation-free resource for Switzerland expats.

6. DavidShield/PassportCard: Hassle-Free Healthcare Access for Expats in Switzerland

DavidShield is another leading health insurance provider for international expats, including in Switzerland. DavidShield Global is renowned for their customers being able to get healthcare services without paying out-of-pocket fees or having to submit claim forms.

DavidShield is sometimes also known by their product Passport Card.  

The Passport Card Global Plan Excluding the U.S. is a plan that includes comprehensive coverage like the Relocation Worldwide plan, but it does not provide coverage for treatments offered in the United States.

The Passport Card Relocation Worldwide offers worldwide benefits with inpatient care, emergency evacuation, mental health, maternity and pregnancy care, infant and child care, and even coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.

The Insurance in Israel plan is a health insurance plan designed specifically for expats who want medical coverage while living in Israel.

Here’s a list of benefits offered by DavidShield in Switzerland. Benefit amounts vary depending on your chosen international health insurance plan.

DavidShield/Passport Card Benefits for Expats in Switzerland

Benefit Type

Coverage Offered

Worldwide Coverage Included in Worldwide plan
Inpatient Care Covered
Outpatient Care Partial Coverage
Emergency Medical Evacuation Covered
Emergency Transportation and Care Covered
Cancer Care Not Covered
Maternity Care Covered
Mental Health Care Covered
Dental Not Covered
Optical Not Covered

The next chart shows you the annual benefits limit for each of Passport Card’s international health insurance plans.

DavidShield/Passport Card Plans – Annual Benefit Limits

Plan

Annual Benefit Limit

Passport Card Global Plan Excluding the U.S. About $4,100,000
Passport Card Relocation Worldwide $5,000,000
Insurance in Israel About $4,100,000

Compare quotes for each of these plans by plugging in your travel plans and needs in our online insurance quote generator. This is an obligation-free resource for Switzerland expats.

7. GeoBlue: U.S. Focused Health Insurance for Expats in Switzerland

GeoBlue is a leading insurance company for U.S. expats living abroad in Switzerland. GeoBlue plans cater to the needs of U.S. travelers so you can secure health and travel coverage in the U.S. and Switzerland at the same time. Their health plans are Xplorer Essential and Xplorer Premier.

Here’s a list of benefits offered by GeoBlue that apply in Switzerland (there are separate benefits specific to coverage within the U.S.). Benefit amounts vary depending on your chosen international health insurance plan.

GeoBlue Health Insurance Benefits for Expats in Switzerland

Benefit Type

Coverage Offered

Worldwide Coverage Included; coverage within the U.S. is optional
Inpatient Care Full Coverage
Outpatient Care Full Coverage
Emergency Medical Evacuation Covered
Emergency Transportation and Care Covered
Cancer Care Not Covered
Maternity Care Optional add-on
Mental Health Care High Coverage
Dental Covered
Optical Optional add-on

The next chart shows you the annual benefits limit for each of GeoBlue’s expat health insurance plans that cater to the needs of U.S. expats abroad.

GeoBlue Plans – Annual Benefit Limits At-a-Glance

Plan

Annual Benefit Limit

Xplorer Essential $1,000,000
Xplorer Premier Unlimited
Voyager $50,000 Accidental Death and

Dismemberment Max Benefit

Trekker $25,000 Accidental Death and

Dismemberment Max Benefit

Compare quotes for each of these plans by plugging in your travel plans and needs in our online insurance quote generator. This is an obligation-free resource for Switzerland expats.

8. William Russell: Personalized Health Plans for Expats in Switzerland

Image of Calm River Flowing Through Historic Old Town In Lucerne, Switzerland with text overlay of "William Russell"

William Russell is one of the best insurance companies for expats living in Switzerland because they offer plans with extensive benefits, enhanced member services, and diverse insurance products. William Russell’s health insurance plans are Bronze, SilverLite, Silver, and Gold.

Here’s a list of benefits offered by William Russell in Switzerland. Benefit amounts vary depending on your chosen international health insurance plan.

William Russell Health Benefits for Expats in Switzerland

Benefit Type

Coverage Offered

Worldwide Coverage Included; options for regional coverage instead
Inpatient Care Full Coverage
Outpatient Care Partial to Full Coverage
Emergency Medical Evacuation Full Coverage
Emergency Transportation and Care Full Coverage
Cancer Care Full Coverage
Maternity Care No Coverage to Full Coverage
Mental Health Care Covered
Dental Optional add-on
Optical No Coverage

The next chart shows you the annual benefits limit for each of William Russell’s global medical insurance plans.

William Russell Plans – Annual Benefit Limits At-a-Glance

Plan

Annual Benefit Limit

Bronze $1,500,000 million
SilverLite $1,500,000 million
Silver $2,500,000 million
Gold $5,000,000 million

Compare quotes for each of these plans by plugging in your travel plans and needs in our online insurance quote generator. This is an obligation-free resource for Switzerland expats.

9. IMG: Affordable Global Coverage for Expatriates in Switzerland

IMG Global offers worldwide medical insurance for expats in Switzerland and beyond with prescription drug coverage and emergency medical evacuation included in all plans. IMG’s health plans Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum stand out because they have packages for individuals, students, and more.

Here’s a list of benefits offered by IMG in Switzerland. Benefit amounts vary depending on your chosen international health insurance plan.

IMG Health Insurance Benefits for Expats in Switzerland

Benefit Type

Coverage Offered

Worldwide Coverage Included; optional regional coverage instead
Inpatient Care Partial to Full Coverage
Outpatient Care Partial to Full Coverage
Emergency Medical Evacuation Covered up to the maximum limit
Emergency Transportation and Care Partial to Full Coverage
Cancer Care Full Coverage
Maternity Care Included with Platinum
Mental Health Care No Coverage
Dental Optional add-on
Optical Optional add-on

The next chart shows you the annual benefits limit for each of IMG’s international medical coverage plans.

IMG Plans – Annual Benefit Limits At-a-Glance

Plan

Annual Benefit Limit

Bronze $1,000,000
Silver $5,000,000
Gold $5,000,000
Platinum $8,000,000

Compare quotes for each of these plans by plugging in your travel plans and needs in our online insurance quote generator. This is an obligation-free resource for Switzerland expats.

Why Use a Broker to Buy Health Insurance as an Expat

It is a huge benefit for expats if they secure their insurance through a broker instead of from the insurance company directly. Working with a broker as an intermediary allows expats to get industry-experienced advice from an expert without any of the pressure from a sales team to buy their product.

The reason this works is because brokers work for the insured and their focus is on helping to make you happy with what you get. An insurance agent works for an insurance company and wants to convince you that only their products are sufficient for your needs, even if they don’t work for you.

To learn more about why expats prefer getting insurance through a broker, you can chat with one of our insurance experts online or by calling +852-3113-1331.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the best expat insurance provider in Switzerland?

The best expat health insurance providers in Switzerland are Cigna Global, Allianz Care, AXA International, Bupa Global, and William Russell. When deciding who is the right provider for your unique situation, you must consider your coverage needs, budget, provider network, and plan flexibility.

How much is health insurance in Switzerland for expats?

Health insurance in Switzerland for expats typically ranges from USD $330 – $900 per month, depending on factors like age, coverage level, and chosen deductible. Basic mandatory health insurance averages around USD $330 – $560, while private insurance with additional benefits can be more expensive.

What country has the best expat health insurance in the world?

Thailand has the cheapest average health insurance in the world according to Pacific Prime’s Cost of International Health Insurance Report. Thailand’s average cost for individuals in 2022 was USD $3,594 annually, compared to the U.S. which ranks as the most expensive in the world at USD $9,817.

Can expats get health insurance for pre-existing conditions in Switzerland?

Many providers, like Cigna Global and Allianz Care, offer plans that cover pre-existing conditions for expats in Switzerland. Terms and availability may vary. It’s essential to check specific policy details and compare options.

Conclusion

Expatriates in Switzerland will want to consider purchasing travel insurance from Cigna, Bupa, Allianz, AXA, April International, VUMI, DavidShield, GeoBlue, William Russell, and IMG because these are the top insurance companies. You should now have a solid foundation of who these providers are.

To talk to a third-party insurance expert who can help you analyze and compare these providers to decide which one is the best for your unique situation, send us a message or call us at +852-3113-1331. Pacific Prime offers impartial advice to expats without pressure to commit.

You are also highly encouraged to begin comparing the top insurance plans today with our free insurance quote generator.

If you found value in this article, you should also read our posts about the top 10 insurance providers in Oman and Turkey.

Head of Content at Pacific Prime
Serena Fung is the Head of Content at Pacific Prime, a global insurance brokerage and employee specialist serving over 1.5 million clients in 15 offices across the world. With 6+ years of experience writing about the subject, she aims to demystify the world of insurance for readers with the latest updates, guides and articles on the blog.

Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).

Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
Serena Fung
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