A foreign health insurance policy is the fastest way to close the legal coverage gap of the mandatory basic insurance (OKP) abroad – whether for vacations, city trips, or world travel.
Your mandatory health care insurance (OKP) covers only medically necessary emergency treatments abroad – and even then only up to a maximum of twice the amount of the costs normally incurred in Switzerland. (Art. 36 KVV)
Your OKP only covers treatments abroad in emergencies – and at most up to the so-called double Swiss tariff (Art. 36 KVV).
Example: If an appendectomy in Zurich costs CHF 8,000, the mandatory health insurance (OKP) will cover abroad at most double that amount, i.e. CHF 16,000 (90% of that for an inpatient stay = CHF 14,400). In the USA, however, the same procedure can easily cost CHF 40,000 – you would have to pay the remaining approx. CHF 25,600 yourself.
Conclusion: Even a minor procedure can heavily impact your travel budget – a foreign health insurance policy covers the difference and
prevents you from having to pay upfront yourself.
NOTE: Tariffs according to SwissDRG 2024 and BAG exchange rate June 2025
| Region | OKP / EHIC Benefit | Valid for |
|---|---|---|
| EU / EFTA / UK | The EHIC covers only medically necessary emergency treatments at the domestic rate of the respective destination country. Personal expenses such as deductibles or additional fees must be borne by you. | The deductible due abroad is not credited toward your Swiss franchise. |
| Rest of the World | Max. double Swiss tariff (only 90% inpatient) | USA, Canada, Japan, etc. → potential personal costs in the five- to six-figure range. |
Region
EU / EFTA / UK
OKP / EHIC Benefit
The EHIC covers only medically necessary
emergency treatments at the domestic rate of the respective
destination country.
Personal expenses such as deductibles or additional fees must be borne by you.
Valid for
The deductible due abroad is not credited toward your Swiss franchise.
Region
Rest of the World
OKP / EHIC Benefit
Max. double Swiss tariff (only 90% inpatient)
Gültig für
USA, Canada, Japan, etc. → potential personal costs in the five- to six-figure range.
| Partner | Package | Product | Travel duration | Medical costs | Transport / Repatriation | Remarks | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atupri | Basic | Basic | Unlimited | 100% unlimited coverage for medical treatment costs abroad | 100% up to CHF 20,000 for rescue/emergency transport to the nearest doctor or hospital, medically necessary transfers and repatriations, search and rescue costs | Atupri emergency hotline +41 44 655 11 55 | atupri.ch |
| Medium | Mivita Reala | 100% up to CHF 50,000 for rescue/emergency transport to the nearest doctor or hospital, medically necessary transfers and repatriations, search and rescue costs | |||||
| Comfort | Intense | 100% unlimited coverage for rescue/emergency transport to the nearest doctor or hospital, medically necessary transfers and repatriations, search and rescue costs | |||||
| Assura | Basic | Mondia | 45 consecutive days (worldwide) | Full and unrestricted coverage of treatment and hospital costs | 100% unlimited for transport and complete repatriation via Partner-Assist | Assura emergency number 144 Accidents occurring before signing the insurance application, palliative treatments, and obesity are excluded. Also not covered are costs related to maternity. | assura.ch |
| Medium | Mondia Plus | 100% unlimited for medically escorted repatriation to Switzerland | |||||
| Comfort | Intense | Repatriation of the insured person’s children or travel of a close relative in case of hospital stay abroad Search, rescue, and recovery operations for missing or endangered persons | |||||
| CSS | Basic | Ambulant Economy | Unlimited | Outpatient: 90%, unlimited Inpatient: unlimited | Emergency transport and repatriation: unlimited; search and rescue operations: CHF 100,000 per case | CSS emergency number +41 (0)58 277 77 77 | css.ch |
| Medium | Ambulant Balance | ||||||
| Comfort | Ambulant Premium | ||||||
| Sanitas | Basic | Vital Basic | 180 days | 100% without cost cap for outpatient and inpatient treatments for up to 180 days | 100% for services organized by Sanitas Assistance, including medically necessary transport and repatriation | Sanitas Assistance +41 44 446 47 | sanitas.com |
| Medium | Vital Smart | ||||||
| Comfort | Vital Premium | ||||||
| Helsana | Basic | TOP | 12 months | 100% of all additional costs beyond OKP Targeted outpatient treatment abroad (excluding complementary medicine): 90% up to max. CHF 1,000/year Supplementary to COMPLETA: covers exceeding invoice amount at 90%, up to CHF 1,000/year | 100% of costs for transport to the nearest hospital and repatriation (Search: CHF 20,000 per year) | Helsana Emergency +41 58 340 16 11 | helsana.ch |
| Medium | Completa | ||||||
| Comfort | Completa / Completa Plus | ||||||
| KPT | Basic | Pulse Eco | Max. 8 weeks | For 8 weeks (56 days) per calendar year, you are insured while traveling abroad for medical treatment, personal assistance, loss/damage of luggage up to CHF 2,000, cancellation costs up to CHF 20,000, and international legal protection up to CHF 300,000 (outside Europe and Mediterranean countries up to max. CHF 100,000). | KPT SOS Hotline +41 58 310 99 99 | kpt.ch | |
| Medium | Pulse Top | For 8 weeks (56 days) per calendar year, you are insured while traveling abroad for medical treatment, personal assistance, loss/damage of luggage up to CHF 2,000, cancellation costs up to CHF 20,000, and international legal protection up to CHF 300,000 (outside Europe and Mediterranean countries up to max. CHF 100,000). | |||||
| Comfort | Pulse Premium | For 8 weeks (56 days) per calendar year, you are insured while traveling abroad for medical treatment, personal assistance, loss/damage of luggage up to CHF 2,000, cancellation costs up to CHF 20,000, and international legal protection up to CHF 300,000 (outside Europe and Mediterranean countries up to max. CHF 100,000). | |||||
| SWICA | Basic | Completa Top | 1–365 days | Full coverage for outpatient and inpatient emergency treatments | Search/rescue operations and emergency transport (abroad): up to CHF 50,000 per year. Repatriation: full coverage | Santé No. +41 44 404 86 86 | swica.ch |
| Medium | Completa Top | ||||||
| Completa Top | Comfort |
Partner
Atupri
Package
Basic
Medium
Comfort
Product
Basic
Mivita Reala
Intense
Travel duration
Unlimited ⏱
Medical costs
100% unlimited coverage for medical treatment costs abroad
Transport / Repatriation
100% up to CHF 20,000 for rescue/emergency transport to the nearest doctor or hospital, medically necessary transfers and repatriations, search and rescue costs
100% up to CHF 50,000 for rescue/emergency transport to the nearest doctor or hospital, medically necessary transfers and repatriations, search and rescue costs
100% unlimited coverage for rescue/emergency transport to the nearest doctor or hospital, medically necessary transfers and repatriations, search and rescue costs
Remarks
Atupri emergency hotline
+41 44 655 11 55
Source
Partner
Assura
Package
Basic
Medium
Comfort
Product
Mondia
Mondia Plus
Intense
Travel duration
45 consecutive days (worldwide)
Medical costs
Full and unrestricted coverage of treatment and hospital costs
Transport / Repatriation
100% unlimited for transport and complete repatriation via Partner-Assist
100% unlimited for medically escorted repatriation to Switzerland
Repatriation of the insured person’s children or travel of a close relative in case of hospital stay abroad<br><br>Search, rescue, and recovery operations for missing or endangered persons
Remarks
Assura emergency number 144
Accidents occurring before signing the insurance application, palliative treatments, and obesity are excluded. Also not covered are costs related to maternity.
Source
Partner
CSS
Package
Basic
Medium
Comfort
Product
Ambulant Economy
Ambulant Balance
Ambulant Premium
Travel duration
Unlimited ⏱
Medical costs
Outpatient: 90%, unlimited
Inpatient: unlimited
Transport / Repatriation
Emergency transport and repatriation: unlimited; search and rescue operations: CHF 100,000 per case
Remarks
CSS emergency number
+41 (0)58 277 77 77
Source
Partner
Sanitas
Package
Basic
Medium
Comfort
Product
Vital Basic
Vital Smart
Vital Premium
Travel duration
180 days
Medical costs
100% without cost cap for outpatient and inpatient treatments for up to 180 days
Transport / Repatriation
100% for services organized by Sanitas Assistance, including medically necessary transport and repatriation
Remarks
Sanitas Assistance
+41 44 446 47
Source
Partner
Helsana
Package
Basic
Medium
Comfort
Product
TOP
Completa
Completa / Completa Plus
Travel duration
12 months
Medical costs
100% of all additional costs beyond OKP
Targeted outpatient treatment abroad (excluding complementary medicine): 90% up to max. CHF 1,000/year
Supplementary to COMPLETA: covers exceeding invoice amount at 90%, up to CHF 1,000/year
Transport / Repatriation
100% of costs for transport to the nearest hospital and repatriation (Search: CHF 20,000 per year)
Remarks
Helsana Emergency
+41 58 340 16 11
Source
Partner
KPT
Package
Basic
Medium
Comfort
Product
Pulse Eco
Pulse Top
Pulse Premium
Travel duration
Max. 8 weeks
Medical costs
For 8 weeks (56 days) per calendar year, you are insured while traveling abroad for medical treatment, personal assistance, loss/damage of luggage up to CHF 2,000, cancellation costs up to CHF 20,000, and international legal protection up to CHF 300,000 (outside Europe and Mediterranean countries up to max. CHF 100,000).
For 8 weeks (56 days) per calendar year, you are insured while traveling abroad for medical treatment, personal assistance, loss/damage of luggage up to CHF 2,000, cancellation costs up to CHF 20,000, and international legal protection up to CHF 300,000 (outside Europe and Mediterranean countries up to max. CHF 100,000).
For 8 weeks (56 days) per calendar year, you are insured while traveling abroad for medical treatment, personal assistance, loss/damage of luggage up to CHF 2,000, cancellation costs up to CHF 20,000, and international legal protection up to CHF 300,000 (outside Europe and Mediterranean countries up to max. CHF 100,000).
Remarks
KPT SOS Hotline
+41 58 310 99 99
Source
Partner
Groupe Mutuel
Package
Basic
Medium
Comfort
Product
Mundo
Mundo
Mundo
Travel duration
Unlimited
Medical costs
Additional CHF 100,000/year for outpatient treatments and hospital stays (including EU/EFTA countries)
Transport / Repatriation
Repatriation via Allianz — medically necessary transport to the nearest hospital center
Transport back to Switzerland (including deceased persons), with insurer approval. Search and rescue of the sick or endangered insured person.
Remarks
Groupe Mutuel Assistance
+41 848 808 111
Source
Partner
SWICA
Package
Basic
Medium
Comfort
Product
Completa Top
Completa Top
Completa Top
Travel duration
1–365 days
Medical costs
Full coverage for outpatient and inpatient emergency treatments
Transport / Repatriation
Search/rescue operations and emergency transport (abroad): up to CHF 50,000 per year. Repatriation: full coverage
Remarks
Santé No.
+41 44 404 86 86
Source
| Foreign Health Insurance | Travel Insurance Bundle | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Medical costs & repatriation | Cancellation / Luggage / Assistance + medical coverage |
| Coverage amounts | CHF 100,000 – unlimited (depending on insurer) | often lower |
| Price | from ≈ CHF 32 (Atupri) | from ≈ CHF 120 |
Focus
Foreign Health Insurance
Medical costs & repatriation
Travel Insurance Bundle
Cancellation / Luggage / Assistance + medical coverage
Coverage amounts
Foreign Health Insurance
CHF 100,000 – unlimited (depending on insurer)
Travel Insurance Bundle
often lower
Price
Foreign Health Insurance
from ≈ CHF 32 (Atupri)
Travel Insurance Bundle
from ≈ CHF 120
| Scenario | Recommendation | Example partner |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend trip EU | Policy with 21–42 travel days per year. | Sympany tourist 21 days |
| 4-week USA trip | Policy ≥ CHF 250,000 & repatriation | SWICA Vacanza CHF 150,000 |
| World trip 9 months | Long-term or expat plan | KPT International Health Insurance |
| Digital nomad without return date | Policy without duration limit | Atupri Mivita Reala |
Scenario
Weekend trip EU
Recommendation
Policy with 21–42 travel days per year.
Example partner
Sympany tourist 21 days
Scenario
4-week USA trip
Recommendation
Policy ≥ CHF 250,000 & repatriation
Example partner
SWICA Vacanza CHF 150,000
Scenario
World trip 9 months
Recommendation
Long-term or expat plan
Example partner
KPT International Health Insurance
Scenario
Digital nomad without return date
Recommendation
Policy without duration limit
Example partner
Atupri Mivita Reala
Air ambulance or helicopter must be covered.
All partners offer emergency hotlines; save the number on your phone.
Check for exclusions or waiting periods.
e.g., Assura 45 days, Sympany flexible.
Many insurers (e.g., Groupe Mutuel) offer selectable deductibles.
To ensure your foreign health insurance reimburses costs quickly, proceed as follows:
You can find the number on your policy or insurance card.
You can find the number on your policy or insurance card.
e.g., myHelsana, Sanitas Portal, mySWICA
The health insurer reviews the received invoices
| What alletta offers | Your tangible benefit |
|---|---|
| Transparent overview of OKP + supplementary insurance | You immediately see which health insurers already include foreign benefits (emergency, repatriation, search/rescue) in their supplementary packages. |
| Digital tariff comparisons (basic & supplementary insurance) | Complete or switch your health insurance within minutes – fully online, paperless, and digital. |
| Cashback for self-service consultation | You receive part of the commission because you advised yourself. |
| Knowledge articles & checklists | Clear step-by-step guides on how to act correctly in emergencies abroad. |
| Partner links to travel insurers | If you want to take out separate foreign coverage, we’ll direct you to our partners’ T&Cs and online applications (no extra cost). |
What alletta offers
Transparent overview of OKP + supplementary insurance
Your tangible benefit
You immediately see which health insurers already include foreign benefits (emergency, repatriation, search/rescue) in their supplementary packages.
What alletta offers
Digital tariff comparisons (basic & supplementary insurance)
Your tangible benefit
Complete or switch your health insurance within minutes – fully online, paperless, and digital.
What alletta offers
Cashback for self-service consultation
Your tangible benefit
You receive part of the commission because you advised yourself.
What alletta offers
Knowledge articles & checklists
Your tangible benefit
Clear step-by-step guides on how to act correctly in emergencies abroad.
What alletta offers
Partner links to travel insurers
Your tangible benefit
If you want to take out separate foreign coverage, we’ll direct you to our partners’ T&Cs and online applications (no extra cost).
You don’t yet have foreign health insurance? With alletta, you can instantly see which attractive supplementary insurances from our partners fit your needs – so you’re well protected when traveling.
Yes, because supplementary insurance offers additional coverage, such as eyeglasses, contact lenses, and non-reimbursed medications (e.g., Helsana Top).
Yes, also for spontaneous short trips within the insured zone.
First contact your insurer’s emergency hotline – you can find the number on your policy or insurance card.
Upload the receipts in your insurer’s app (e.g., myHelsana, Sanitas Portal, mySWICA). The insurer will review and reimburse your share.
Yes, many insurers offer flexible extensions via app or phone.
The mandatory health insurance (OKP) covers only a fraction of costs abroad.
With a foreign health insurance policy from an alletta partner and a transparent online comparison, you’re covered worldwide – fast, clearly & with cashback.
| Abbreviation | Full term | Meaning / Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| OKP | Mandatory Health Care Insurance | Swiss basic insurance under KVG – covers basic medical services domestically and (to a limited extent) abroad. |
| EHIC | European Health Insurance Card | Back of your OKP insurance card. Allows medically necessary emergency treatment in EU, EFTA, and UK under the same conditions as residents of the destination country. |
| EFTA | European Free Trade Association | Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland. Treated as equivalent to EU countries under the EHIC agreement. |
| EU | European Union | 27 member states; together with EFTA countries covered by the EHIC agreement. |
| UK | United Kingdom | No longer an EU member since Brexit, but still EHIC-eligible due to a bilateral agreement. |
| VVG | Insurance Contract Act | Regulates the legal framework for private insurance between insurers and policyholders. |
Abbreviation
OKP
Full term
Mandatory Health Care Insurance
Meaning / Purpose
Swiss basic insurance under KVG – covers basic medical services domestically and (to a limited extent) abroad.
Abbreviation
EHIC
Full term
European Health Insurance Card
Meaning / Purpose
Back of your OKP insurance card. Allows medically necessary emergency treatment in EU, EFTA, and UK under the same conditions as residents of the destination country.
Abbreviation
EFTA
Full term
European Free Trade Association
Meaning / Purpose
Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland. Treated as equivalent to EU countries under the EHIC agreement.
Abbreviation
EU
Full term
European Union
Meaning / Purpose
27 member states; together with EFTA countries covered by the EHIC agreement.
Abbreviation
UK
Full term
United Kingdom
Meaning / Purpose
No longer an EU member since Brexit, but still EHIC-eligible due to a bilateral agreement.
Abbreviation
VVG
Full term
Insurance Contract Act
Meaning / Purpose
Regulates the legal framework for private insurance between insurers and policyholders.