The situation is changing all the time. What do I need to know and who can I turn to? Answers to burning questions.
23.12.2020
You want to be tested for coronavirus, but aren’t sure if the costs will be covered? How to best protect yourself and others and what to be aware of when travelling: we’ll give you an overview of the most pressing issues.
You only need to go into mandatory quarantine if you have been in close contact with a person who is sick. That’s because in the days following your contact with this person, you could be infectious without realising it. If you have to go into quarantine, the relevant cantonal authority will contact you and inform you how to proceed.
Please consult the FOPH’s website for detailed information about what to do and answers to other questions. The link is provided below.
You need to immediately self-isolate at home to avoid infecting others. Get tested. How long you self-isolate depends on the test results. If you test positive, the responsible cantonal authority will get in touch with you and give you further information and instructions.
You will find the FOPH guidelines on self-isolation in this PDF.
Please consult the FOPH’s website for detailed information about what to do and answers to other questions. The link is provided below.
Doctors, hospitals, pharmacies and dedicated testing centres run by or on behalf of the canton all offer testing. Along with the usual test (PCR), they also offer a new antigen quick test.
You can find information on testing facilities on cantonal test sites; the FOPH website offers an overview. The link is provided below.
Do the coronavirus check. If it recommends that you get tested, you’ll receive instructions on how to proceed.
An antigen quick test is less sensitive than the usual coronavirus test. It returns a result within 15 minutes. This test is best used in situations where someone is infectious but not considered particularly at risk.
The FOPH recommends using the quick test for people who:
The cantons are providing the infrastructure for the COVID-19 vaccination. Please check the cantonal Department of Health website, where you will find information about the test centres and registration procedure. In general, over 65s will be vaccinated first, and over 75s will have first priority. The vaccination is free for insured people, and is not subject to a deductible or excess. You will not receive an invoice. The costs are covered by the federal government, canton and health insurance.
This differs depending on the situation.
The federal government covers the costs of the normal coronavirus test (PCR) as well as the antibody quick test if:
The employer covers the costs if:
The tested person pays if:
It is always important to take a combination of different measures to prevent the transmission of the coronavirus, wherever you are. Together, these measures can significantly reduce the risk of an infection.
Please consult the FOPH’s website for detailed information about what to do and answers to other questions. The link is provided below.
If you have the SwissCovid app, you can find out if you have been in contact with an infected person. This can help to break the chain of infection and prevent any resurgence of the epidemic. The SwissCovid app will also provide you with information on what to do if you have been in contact with an infected person. In this case you can be tested for free. We strongly recommend downloading the app. Watch this video to find out how simple it is.
The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) publishes recommendations for travellers that are updated on an ongoing basis. In addition to behaviour abroad, the recommendations also relate to possible measures after returning to Switzerland. Please note that a number of countries have announced restrictions and entry bans.
The provisions of our supplementary insurance solutions specify certain benefits that can be applied to travel in the context of the coronavirus problem:
*PLEASE NOTE: Please note that hospital beds may not be available abroad. Returning to Switzerland is currently difficult to arrange and is nearly impossible in some cases. Even Swiss Air-Rescue (REGA) only has limited options. Because the situation in various countries and regions can change on a daily basis, we currently recommend avoiding travelling abroad.
If you are currently having problems making your payments to Helsana, please contact us. You can contact your personal advisory team. You can find the telephone number on your policy and benefit statement or under our contacts. You can also reach us easily and securely via your myHelsana client portal. We will find an individual solution together.
You can order your medication from one of our partner pharmacies. Medically prescribed medication will be sent to your home and charged directly to Helsana. You can find the homepages with the contact details of our online pharmacies under partner companies.
No, don't stop using medication that was prescribed by a doctor on your own initiative. If you're worried, contact your doctor by phone.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are reports of long-term complications associated with COVID-19 for patients of all ages. Those affected have reported symptoms lasting months including severe exhaustion, trouble breathing, rapid heartbeat and memory problems, which sometimes make it impossible to return to work or daily life. According to WHO, there are not yet any completed studies with figures on the number of patients impacted.
If patients need to be transferred abroad due to a lack of hospital beds in Switzerland, the FOPH or respective canton is responsible for establishing the legal conditions. They manage the allocation of transfer and accommodation costs, and the Swiss hospital or cantonal doctor would be responsible for arranging the transfer.
If you travel abroad of your own will, this is considered elective treatment, and is only covered by certain supplementary insurance policies.
This information comes from the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) and the Robert Koch Institute.
The information on health topics listed here is general advice and is provided for information purposes only. It is not intended to replace any medical advice. If you have health problems, you should always seek advice from a doctor or health care professional.
For questions relating to medical treatment upon suspicion of the coronavirus, your attending physician is responsible.
The healthcare professionals of Medi24 are also continuing to help our customers around the clock in connection with health-related questions through the provision of specific recommendations – expert, independent and free advice for all Helsana customers..
Tel. 0800 100 008
Should you have any questions relating to the scope of your insurance cover in Switzerland, you can contact our Customer Services.
Tel. 0844 80 81 82
Our International Customer Service will be happy to answer questions on the scope of your insurance cover abroad.
Tel. +41 58 340 18 80
Customers who have already been hospitalised or who will have to be soon as well as customers who need to return prematurely or be repatriated to their country of residence can contact our Emergency Call Centre around the clock.
Tel. +41 58 340 16 11
For psychological support in the event of financial or social emergencies, you can make use of our free emergency psychological assistance.
Tel. +41 58 340 16 11
The FOPH coronavirus infoline can be reached around the clock.
Tel. +41 58 463 00 00
Important and current information can also be found on the website of the FOPH.
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