Health insurance

Under the Swiss Federal Health Insurance Act (KVG/LAMal), insurance cover is compulsory for anyone living in Switzerland. Compulsory health insurance provides benefits in the event of illness, accident (if no accident insurance is available) and maternity. International students who have equivalent insurance cover in Switzerland may be exempted from the obligation to take out insurance in Switzerland if they apply to the cantonal office (in the canton where they live) within three months of taking up residence in Switzerland. The website of the Federal Office of Public Health provides further information and a list of the cantonal services responsible for requests for exemption from compulsory health insurance: Foreign students in Switzerland (admin.ch)

Accident insurance

Students who are gainfully employed for at least 8 hours a week by the same employer are insured by that employer for accidents occurring during work (occupational accidents) and accidents occurring during leisure time (non-occupational accidents), in accordance with the Federal Law on Accident Insurance (LAA). Students who work less than 8 hours a week for an employer are only insured for occupational accidents, but not for non-occupational accidents. Non-occupational accidents must be covered by health insurance.

Private liability insurance

The University strongly recommends that students take out private liability insurance. This covers personal injury and property damage caused to third parties. Private liability insurance is often offered in combination with household insurance. Household insurance covers not only damage caused by fire and water, but also, depending on the insurance contract, theft, for example. For students who own valuables (e.g. laptops, musical instruments, bicycles, etc.), such insurance may be recommended.