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19 August 2026
Overview of key points:
Anyone moving to Switzerland for a semester abroad, a doctoral programme or a temporary stay (au pairs and interns) will need to take care of several things during their first few weeks. This includes registering with the local municipality, obtaining a residence permit, finding an apartment, opening a bank account and, above all, arranging health insurance. In Switzerland, health insurance is mandatory: anyone who stays in the country for more than three months must have health insurance within three months of arrival, effective retroactively from the date of arrival. If you fail to comply, you’ll be assigned to a health insurer by your canton.
Exchange students, doctoral candidates, interns and au pairs who are in Switzerland on a temporary basis only may, under certain conditions, opt out of mandatory basic health insurance and instead choose a more affordable private solution, such as coverio, that covers the same benefits under the Health Insurance Act (HIA). The exemption process is slightly different in each of the 26 cantons. You can find an overview for the individual cantons here:
This guide takes you step by step through all the tasks and ends with a practical checklist.
To put it briefly, you need to register, apply for a residence permit, find accommodation, open a bank account and arrange health insurance. Here’s an overview of the most important steps.
1. Registering with the local municipality
After entering the country, you must register with the municipality where you live. Make sure to bring along your passport/ID, rental agreement and proof of enrolment from your university. (The exact deadline for doing this varies by municipality. Please check with your local municipality.)
2. Housing
Consider shared flats, student accommodation and temporary rentals. In cities like Zurich, Geneva, Lausanne and Basel, the housing market is difficult. Start looking early. You need a rental agreement to register with the municipality.
3. Swiss bank account
Convenient for rent and everyday life.
4. Health insurance
It's worth taking a close look at this topic. See the next section for details.
Does the insurance requirement also apply to me?
Yes. Anyone who lives in Switzerland and stays for more than three months must obtain health insurance within three months of arrival in the country. Coverage is back-dated to the date of arrival. This is regulated by the Health Insurance Act (HIA). If you don’t take out health insurance on time, your canton will assign you to a basic health insurer.Basic health insurance covers medical examinations, treatments and medications in the event of illness, accident (where accident insurance does not apply) and maternity.
Can I be exempted from basic health insurance?
Yes, if you're only staying in Switzerland temporarily. International students, doctoral candidates, interns and au pairs can apply to the cantonal authorities for an exemption from mandatory health insurance. Once your exemption has been approved, you may choose a private insurance plan, as long as it meets the requirements of the HIA. Private insurance solutions are often less expensive than the statutory basic health insurance.
Important: This exemption does not relieve you of your obligation to have insurance. You must remain insured and continue to pay premiums. It simply allows you to choose a private insurance solution instead of statutory health insurance.
How does the exemption process work?
The process varies in each of the 26 cantons (you can find an overview here:
Typical procedure:
1. Take out insurance with coverio. You’ll receive your policy as proof of coverage.
2. Fill out the exemption form for your canton of residence (online form or PDF, depending on the canton).
3. If necessary: Request confirmation of coverage from coverio.
4. Submit the application to the relevant cantonal authority.
5. Upon receipt of the exemption confirmation, send it to coverio directly without being asked (including the policy number).
The authorities can take a few weeks to several months to review an application. Your insurance coverage will remain in effect during this period, provided the decision is positive. In most cases, an approved exemption is valid for three years and may be extended for up to three additional years. In the case of a valid exemption, the insurance term with coverio is therefore a maximum of six years.
How much will a treatment cost me? (Deductible and coinsurance)
Even with insurance, you contribute to the costs in two ways:
Deductible: This is the annual deductible that you pay out of pocket before the insurance company covers the costs. The higher the deductible, the lower the premium.
Coinsurance: Once you've reached your deductible, you're responsible for 10% of the further costs yourself, up to a maximum of CHF 700 per calendar year. After that, the insurance company covers 100%.
coverio is a private health insurance solution specifically designed for foreign nationals who are temporarily in Switzerland for educational or professional development purposes, such as studying, pursuing a doctorate, completing an internship or working as an au pair. It offers the basic coverage required by law, similar to Swiss health insurance, but is often more affordable. If you take out the insurance online with a credit card, you'll receive your policy immediately by email. This serves as evidence for the exemption application. Here you can find more information about coverage details and premiums:
STUDENTS AND DOCTORAL CANDIDATES · AU PAIRS · INTERNS
Do I need to have health insurance during my stay in Switzerland?
Yes. Anyone staying longer than three months must have insurance within three months of entering the country. Insurance is back-dated to the date of arrival. You have the possibility to opt out of statutory basic health insurance and choose a private insurance solution such as coverio.
How long do I have to get insurance?
You have three months from the date of arrival. The exemption confirmation must also be obtained and submitted to the insurance company within this time frame. If you miss the deadline, the canton will assign you to a health insurer.
Can I keep my insurance from my home country?
Only if it meets the requirements of the HIA and the canton grants an exemption. Travel health insurance alone is generally not sufficient.
Can my application for exemption be denied?
Yes. If the authorities determine that you are not eligible, your application will be denied, along with an explanation of the decision and the deadline for filing an appeal. Then you'll need to get health insurance from a Swiss health insurance company.
How long is the exemption valid?
In most cases, it’s valid for three years and can be renewed for up to three additional years. So, a maximum of six years.
What should I do in the event of an emergency?
In the event of a medical emergency, go directly to an emergency clinic or a hospital. If you can't do this yourself, call 112 (the emergency number in Switzerland and the EU). Please note: ambulance and medical transportation costs are not fully covered by basic health insurance.
Do I have to pay out of pocket first for outpatient treatment?
As a general rule, yes. You’ll receive an invoice, pay it and then submit a reimbursement request to coverio using the online form. For inpatient treatment (requiring an overnight stay), you must apply to coverio in advance for a cost approval.
How do I cancel my insurance when I leave Switzerland?
You can cancel the day after you deregister with your local municipality (in writing, with confirmation of deregistration). Any excess premiums paid will be refunded, usually within 30 days.
Before arrival
o Receive confirmation of enrolment from the university
o Clarify visa requirements (especially in the case of third countries)
o Arrange accommodation / start searching
o Research health insurance (HIA vs exemption + private insurance)
First few weeks after arrival
o Register with the local municipality (passport/ID, rental agreement and enrolment)
o Apply for and receive a residence permit
o Open a bank account
o Arrange mobile/internet
Health insurance (within three months)
o Take out insurance (e.g. coverio) → receive the policy as proof
o Complete exemption form from the canton of residence
o Submit application to the relevant cantonal authority
o Send confirmation of exemption to coverio upon receipt (with policy number)
o Keep insurance policy / digital insurance card somewhere safe (for doctors and hospitals)
Good to know
o Save emergency number 112
o Read the insurance policy's general terms and conditions (exclusions, deductible and coinsurance)o Find out about the reimbursement and cost approval process
coverio is affordable health insurance for students, doctoral candidates, interns and au pairs who are temporarily in Switzerland – with all the basic benefits covered under the HIA.
Still unsure? Then book a consultation now.