After the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine, Switzerland became one of the countries that introduced a special temporary legal status for citizens of Ukraine — status S, which operates outside the classical asylum system. It allows you to live, work, and use educational and medical services within the cantons. However, every step in the system of public services in Switzerland is closely related to the obligation to obtain health insurance. Without it, Ukrainians can neither get a visa, nor fully enjoy medical care, nor continue living in the country after changing their status.
Obligation to take out insurance: who does it concern?
Switzerland has a unique health care system based not on budget financing, as in many EU countries, but on compulsory insurance paid by all residents, from newborns to pensioners, regardless of citizenship or income level. Anyone staying in the country for more than 90 days is required to take out an insurance contract with a licensed company operating under the LAMal (Krankenversicherungsgesetz). Ukrainians are no exception. They are subject to the same rules as other residents.
Mandatory health insurance applies to all citizens of Ukraine who:
– stay in Switzerland for more than three months;
– submitted an application for a category B, C or L residence permit;
– applied for a long-term visa (type D);
– received the status of temporary protection S.
An insurance policy is a condition for obtaining a residence permit or visa: without it, documents may not be accepted or returned. If the permits are issued, but the person has not concluded an insurance contract within 3 months, he will be insured compulsorily — without the possibility of choosing an insurer or the terms of the contract. Such a procedure is provided for by law.
Insurance mechanism for Ukrainians with S status
For persons with S status (temporary protection), the registration procedure takes place centrally. The canton in which the person is registered concludes a basic insurance policy for him within the minimum LAMal package. This policy:
– covers outpatient treatment,
– includes hospitalization in the general ward of a state hospital,
– takes into account the costs of prescription drugs,
– involves treatment during pregnancy,
– includes emergency medical care,
– allows referral to licensed doctors.
Persons with S status do not choose the insurance company themselves – the canton does. But they are required to pay monthly premiums (often subsidized), as well as bear a personal financial contribution in the form of a deductible (from 0 to 2,500 CHF) and a 10% surcharge after exceeding it, within the established limit.
In case of loss of S status (for example, due to return to Ukraine, refusal to extend status or transfer to B, C, L permit), Ukrainians are no longer entitled to subsidized insurance through the canton. They must immediately conclude a personal insurance contract with one of the Swiss companies. Rates range from 270 to 420 francs per month, depending on age, canton, policy model and deductible.
At the same time, the scope of services remains the same: all basic insurances have the same scope of coverage, and differ only in terms of access to doctors (referral through a therapist, free choice, telephone consultations), level of franchise, and regional coverage.
Consequences if you do not take out insurance on time
Switzerland is one of the few countries where fines for breaching the insurance obligation are automatically applied. If a Ukrainian has not taken out insurance within three months of receiving a residence permit (of any type), the canton:
– forcibly registers a person with an insurance company;
– chooses the tariff at its own discretion;
– does not give the right to change the policy during the year;
– invoices for the entire previous period (retrospectively);
– may impose an administrative fine.
It may also affect the consideration of social assistance issues, permission to extend stay, applications for integration programs or work permits.
For whom insurance is not mandatory
For Ukrainians staying in Switzerland for less than 90 days — as tourists, on short-term courses, on business or on private visits — health insurance is not mandatory, but without it, medical care is virtually unavailable.
One day of hospitalization in a cantonal hospital can cost between 3,000 and 5,000 CHF. A visit to the doctor — 200–400 CHF. Medicines – from 50 CHF for a package of ordinary antibiotics.
That is why, even for short trips, it is recommended to take out travel insurance with coverage of at least 30,000 euros, which is valid in the Schengen area and covers COVID-19, emergency care, repatriation and treatment of injuries.
Car insurance when entering in your own car
All Ukrainians entering Switzerland by personal transport are required to have a “Green Card” policy, which indicates the CH code. This document certifies the availability of international civil liability insurance coverage. Without it, entry into the country may be prohibited, or at the border you will be asked to take out temporary insurance on the spot, which is many times more expensive.
Benefits of taking out an insurance policy before arrival
You can take out a medical or travel policy in Ukraine through recognized Ukrainian insurance companies. This has several advantages:
– lower price;
– clear conditions;
– support in Ukrainian;
– coverage immediately upon entering the country;
– legal action when crossing the border;
– the option to return part of the cost if the policy is not used.
Health insurance in Switzerland is a legal obligation that directly affects access to health care, residence permits, work, social services and subsequent legalization. For Ukrainians who are in the country for any reason – temporary protection, visa, employment or study – the insurance policy must be issued on time, correctly and under the conditions that correspond to the specific situation. Otherwise – financial sanctions, compulsory insurance, debts for medical services and administrative complications. In Swiss realities, health insurance is the basis of legal status, and neglecting it is risky.
