For a trip that’s as peaceful as it is adventurous, don’t leave everything to chance. An accident or illness doesn’t only happen to others—and in the USA, it can cost you dearly, even very dearly.
Indeed, for travelers used to the Swiss healthcare system, a stay across the Atlantic involves a real financial risk in case of medical issues. The figures are staggering: an emergency hospitalization can quickly exceed $10,000, and a standard consultation can cost as much as a city trip in Europe.
Don’t take any chances. Discover the right habits to adopt, all the useful precautions, and our valuable feedback, full of insights. Follow the guide to travel to the USA stress-free… and without unpleasant surprises for your health budget.
Emma, a United States specialist at a travel agency based in Lucerne, warns: “ Having an accident or falling ill—what could be worse when you’re on vacation? Especially if you’re in the United States, because medical costs there are exorbitant. The American dream can quickly turn into a nightmare. We advise all our clients: take out supplementary travel health insurance. In case of trouble, you’ll benefit from extensive and secure coverage. ”
Reminder: to travel to the USA as a resident of Switzerland, you must obtain an ESTA authorization through the Visa Waiver Program, which is required for stays of less than 90 days for tourism or business purposes. For longer stays or if you do not meet the ESTA conditions, a regular visa is required. These documents must be requested from the U.S. Embassy in Switzerland .
You’re used to the healthcare system in Switzerland. Forget everything you know. The healthcare model in the United States is unlike any other.
Some key benchmarks:
No wonder American hospitals systematically require proof of solvency and/or an advance payment before treating a foreign patient. If you don’t have a credit card or solid insurance certificate to present, you risk not receiving the necessary care.
Emma recounts the misadventure of a couple who went on a two-month trip: “ The husband had a cardiac episode during their first week there. Ambulance, hospital, tests, treatment and care. The bill: $10,000. If they hadn’t taken out suitable health insurance, it would have been impossible to pay. Once back in Switzerland, they were reimbursed and could regain some peace of mind. ”
As we can see, a medical emergency can put you at risk on every level: financial, practical, psychological. Adequate coverage is therefore essential for residents of Switzerland traveling across the Atlantic.
Be aware that the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) , which enforces the Federal Health Insurance Act (LAMal) , has no bilateral agreement with the United States. Across the Atlantic, medical expense coverage is therefore very limited for travelers coming from Switzerland.
What LAMal does not cover:
Have you taken out supplementary insurance and think you’re protected? Pay attention to the specifics of your insurance policy. There are still exclusions and limits, even with a premium plan.
Beware of misconceptions about credit cards. Your Visa, Mastercard, Swisscard, Viseca won’t open every door in the USA. The included guarantees are often limited, the coverage caps numerous, and the conditions and exclusions poorly understood. The trap is not checking in advance.
A few key points to watch out for:
And the list is not exhaustive, as Emma always reminds her clients: “ Many of these exclusions are unknown, and unpleasant surprises are common. Sometimes you have to read between the lines and in the footnotes of your contract. Most travelers don’t check their coverage when planning their trip, and then it’s too late to act. It’s often essential to take out supplementary insurance or travel insurance that covers the United States for full protection, including hospitalization and repatriation costs. ”
What are the essential criteria to consider for a worry-free trip to the United States? A good dedicated travel insurance policy should protect you against real risks, offer broad coverage, and be fully transparent. The insurance market is highly competitive, so careful selection is necessary and calls for utmost vigilance.
Essential basic criteria:
Additional criteria that make a difference:
Emma’s final tip? “ Before going to a doctor, you’ll often find valuable help at CVS Health, the largest pharmacy chain in the U.S., as well as at Walgreens. Walmart supermarkets also have large pharmacies with specialized staff. ”
You live in Switzerland and would like to take out travel insurance? Discover the policies offered by our partner Generali by clicking here .