Travel Insurance with Assistance Services for Switzerland

Nestled in the heart of Europe, Switzerland mesmerizes visitors with its blend of natural beauty, rich culture and world-class adventure options. From the snow-capped peaks of the Alps to the serene waters of Lake Geneva, every corner of the country offers opportunities to explore the area and engage with the locals for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Visitors flock to iconic destinations, such as Zermatt, to see the majestic Matterhorn up close and personal, and Lucerne, to take in the grandeur of its medieval architecture. Located in the Bernese Oberland region between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken serves as a gateway to alpine adventure thanks to its proximity to the towering peaks of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

Bustling cities, like Geneva and Zürich, provide opportunities to experience Switzerland's modern charm. Featuring renowned museums, such as the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire in Geneva and the Swiss National Museum in Zürich, these cities also offer upscale shopping and fine dining for days and nights in the country you won't soon forget. Most international visitors arrive via the Geneva Airport or Zürich Airport. Both let you seamlessly connect to the country's efficient train network, making it simple to explore even the most remote Swiss villages. Whether you're planning on skiing in St. Moritz, hiking in Lauterbrunnen Valley or eating your fill of Swiss chocolate in Gruyères, travel insurance with assistance services can play an essential role in helping protect your trip.

Traveling to Switzerland: What Do You Need?

Before you embark on your Swiss adventure, it's vital to understand the country's entry requirements to ensure a hassle-free trip. Part of the Schengen Area, Switzerland enforces specific passport and visa regulations that vary based on your nationality and the length of your stay. Whether you're planning a short visit to explore the Alps or an extended stay to take in the culture of Swiss cities, knowing what documents you need and the regulations you must comply with will help you better prepare for your trip.

Passport

When traveling to Switzerland, be sure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date. Your passport must have at least two empty pages for entry and exit stamps, and it must also be in good condition to avoid delays upon arrival.

Visa

Visa requirements in Switzerland align with Schengen regulations that let citizens of several nations, including the United States, Canada and Australia, enter the country for visa-free stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Longer stays for tourism or business typically require a national visa. However, travelers from nonexempt countries must apply for a Schengen visa before entering the country. This application process requires proof of accommodations, a return ticket and travel insurance. All visitors to the country must prove they have sufficient funds to support their stay, which normally amounts to CHF 100 per day.

What Travel Protection Do You Need for Switzerland?

Switzerland's sublime landscapes, thrilling outdoor adventures and vibrant cities make it a dream destination for many travelers. But its high costs and unpredictable conditions make travel protection more of a necessity than a precaution. If you're traveling from a Schengen-approved country, travel protection isn't mandated; however, it's highly recommended to help protect you against unexpected events, such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage and even alpine rescues. By choosing coverage that meets your specific needs, you can enjoy your stay in Switzerland with added peace of mind.

How Much Reimbursement Coverage Should You Get?

Because Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, look for a plan that may cover the cost of nonrefundable trip expenses. Add up your prepaid flights, accommodations and tours, plan before you purchase sufficiently reimburses you for certain cancellations, delays or disruptions occur. For instance, rail passes and mountain tours typically have strict refund policies that make coverage essential for helping protect your travel investment.

How Much Are You Taking With You?

Switzerland's outdoor adventures often require high-value sporting equipment, such as skis and hiking gear, not to mention cameras to capture the stunning scenery you encounter along the way. Include coverage for equipment you bring along plus your personal belongings, especially if you're carrying expensive items. Also, Baggage coverage comes to the rescue when you're moving between trains, flights and mountain cable cars.

How Much Medical Coverage Do You Need?

Though Switzerland's health care ranks among the best in the world, it comes with a steep price tag. Your plan should include at least $100,000 in Medical and Dental coverage, though $250,000 offers extra peace of mind, especially if you take part in high-risk activities, such as skiing or hiking. If you plan to engage in such activities, ensure your plan covers adventure sports, mountain rescue and air ambulance services for added assurance since emergency evacuations from alpine areas can run tens of thousands of dollars without adequate travel protection.

Do You Need Rental Car Protection?

If you plan to drive on Switzerland's scenic mountain roads or through the countryside, rental car protection can help with repairs or liability charges should something go wrong. Public transportation in Switzerland boasts exceptional reliability, but visiting remote areas or alpine chalets often means you need a car. Check if your travel protection plan includes a damage waiver and liability coverage since both come at a premium when you purchase them directly from rental car agencies.

Would Cancel for Any Reason Coverage Be Worth It for You?

A high demand for accommodations, tours and transportation in Switzerland means many of the country's tourist-facing businesses have strict cancellation policies. If your plans remain uncertain or you're booking your trip far in advance, consider Cancel for Any Reason coverage (not available to residents of NY). While this coverage typically increases the cost of your travel protection plan, it adds peace of mind by helping you recoup a significant portion of your costs should you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason.

How Do You Get Travel Protection for Switzerland

When you're ready to visit Switzerland, consider purchasing a travel protection plan from Generali Global Assistance while booking your flight and hotel stay. We offer three types of plans, so consider each carefully to pick the right one for your trip.

Standard Plan: Ideal for domestic travel within the United States, our Standard Plan helps cover medical and dental issues, trip cancellations, and delays and baggage loss. It also includes 24/7 Assistance Services when emergencies occur.
Preferred Plan: This plan includes everything the Standard Plan has plus coverage for sporting equipment. This plan works well for those who plan on engaging in sports such as golfing, skiing and hiking on their trips.
Premium Plan: Featuring everything offered in the first two plans, our Premium Plan also includes the highest coverage limits available and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, when requirements are met. Consider this Plan for international travel or high-end trips, such as cruises and tours.

Switzerland Travel Tips

Switzerland's breathtaking landscapes, charming villages and efficient public transportation system make it a one-of-a-kind experience for many travelers. However, having some insider knowledge helps travelers explore this alpine wonderland like a local. Help ensure a journey that's as smooth as Swiss chocolate by using these travel tips.

Buy a Swiss Travel Pass. Enjoy unlimited travel on Switzerland's extensive train, bus and boat network by purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass. This pass also provides free or discounted entry to many of the country's most famous attractions.
Understand train etiquette. Swiss trains run on time. Arrive early so you don't disrupt other passengers. Keep your voice low during your ride, especially in designated quiet zones, and avoid occupying multiple seats.
Dress for changing weather. Even during the summer, alpine regions can experience sharp temperature drops. Layering lets you remove clothing in warmer areas and put it back on during unexpected temperature changes.
Obey local quiet hours. Switzerland enforces quiet hours, usually between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Avoid noisy activities during those times, especially if venturing into residential areas.
Plan for Sundays. Many shops and businesses close on Sundays, so stock up on anything you need beforehand. You can often visit museums and restaurants on Sunday, so finish your high-end shopping during the week, and enjoy cultural experiences over the weekend.

With opportunities to ski the Alps, explore charming villages and view gorgeous scenery, Switzerland calls to travelers looking for a heady blend of adventure, culture and natural beauty. However, the unpredictable nature of travel and the high costs of health care and services in the country make purchasing travel protection a vital part of your planning process. Our travel insurance with assistance services plans may help protect you from the unexpected, so you can enjoy your Swiss adventure without compromising peace of mind. Focus on the beautiful views and timeless moments, knowing you're supported by Generali Global Assistance.