Whether you’re moving abroad to enjoy retirement in the sun or for work, good insurance cover is essential outside of Switzerland as well. You need to keep this in mind.
According to the Swiss Federal Statistical Office (SFSO), more than 770,000 Swiss nationals live abroad. In some cases, a change of residence also affects an individual’s insurance obligation. This is especially important for pensioners and employees posted abroad.
Would you like to reside abroad after you retire? Doing so can affect your insurance obligation.
If you move to an EU/EFTA country and receive a pension from Switzerland, you will continue to be subject to the Swiss health insurance obligation.
Exceptions:
If you move to a country outside the EU and EFTA, you will no longer be subject to the Swiss insurance obligation. As a Helsana client, however, you have the option of requesting international insurance cover from Cigna Insurance.
The European Union (EU) comprises 27 countries. Its members include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) includes the Principality of Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland. However, the “country of residence” principle applies in the Principality of Liechtenstein. Persons whose place of residence is in the Principality of Liechtenstein must therefore obtain insurance cover there.
Do you have the opportunity to work abroad for your Swiss employer? As an employee posted abroad who pays Swiss social security taxes, you and your non-employed family members remain subject to insurance cover in Switzerland. You can continue to benefit from Swiss health insurance for at least two years up to a maximum of six years.
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