Compulsory Health Insurance: Is An Exemption Possible?

All persons who work or reside in Switzerland are generally subject to the Swiss social security system, including health insurance. Hereinafter the conditions under which foreign nationals can be exempted from this health insurance obligation are outlined.

Compulsory health insurance

Irrespective of nationality or origin, all persons resident in Switzerland must take out insurance with a Swiss health insurance within three months of taking up residence (Art. 3 para. 1 of the Federal Law on Health Insurance ["KVG"]).

This insurance obligation also applies to foreign nationals who have a short-term residence or residence permit valid for at least three months. Foreign nationals who are employed in Switzerland for a maximum of three months are also subject to compulsory health insurance if they do not have equivalent insurance coverage for treatment in Switzerland. For certain persons, the insurance obligation applies even if they are resident abroad,