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First, enquire about an insurance solution in your country of residence since health insurance may be mandatory there. For detailed information please contact the consulate or embassy in Switzerland that is in charge.
Regulations for individuals living in the EU:
Such individuals must only comply with one country's laws.
Generally, one holds insurance in the country of employment or past employment.
Self-employed individuals working in one country and being employed in another must buy insurance in the country in which they are employed.
Individuals who are employed in more than one country must buy insurance in their country of residence.
Unemployed individuals must hold insurance in the country paying unemployment benefits.
Information for Swiss pensioners living in an EU/EFTA country
Continuation of Swiss basic health insurance is acceptable under the following circumstances:
If the holder is abroad with a Swiss company or authority, Swiss basic health insurance may be kept from 2 to 6 years (within the EU since bilateral agreements were implemented: 1 year, may be extended to 2 years. Further extension may be requested if an agreement between Switzerland and the particular EU country exists).
If the holder does not move residence out of Switzerland, Swiss insurance may be kept. In order to guarantee payments, he may wish to consider direct debit.
If all possible solutions listed above are out of the question, you may opt for international health insurance or out-of-country health insurance (supplemental insurance with coverage identical to that provided by basic health insurance) from a Swiss provider.
International health insurance:
In any case, it is highly recommended you wait until an international insurance provider has accepted your application without reservation before cancelling any supplemental insurance.
Some providers of supplemental insurance will allow you to keep insurance for a limited period of time. Holders are usually able to suspend coverage within a certain time range if their provider will reactivate insurance without additional risk assessment.
