Information on the obligation to have health insurance in Switzerland
English is not an official language in the canton of Bern. However, because of the large number of English-speaking students who use our services, we have provided information in English on the subject of exemptions for persons in basic and continuing education and training.
Persons in basic and continuing education and training
If you are resident in Switzerland for the purpose of taking a basic or continuing education and training course, you may not need to have insurance. The requirements for an exemption are:
- You are not working in Switzerland.
- The duration of your stay in Switzerland is determined by the length of your course.
- You intend to leave Switzerland on finishing your course.
- You are insured in your country of origin under a statutory health insurance scheme and are entitled to benefits assistance.
As soon as you begin work in Switzerland or if you are no longer resident in Switzerland for the purpose of taking a course, you are required to obtain health insurance in Switzerland.
If you are insured with a foreign private health insurance company or under a student health insurance scheme, you may apply for an exemption from the obligation to be insured in Switzerland.
What you have to do
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Check whether you belong to any of the groups of people who may apply for an exemption.
Information English: Exemption from compulsory health insurance in Switzerland
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Choose the relevant form.
Please submit the application to us with all the required documents as quickly as possible.
Forms: Assessment of the obligation to have health insurance/exemption
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We will examine your application and notify you within a few weeks as to whether your insurance cover is sufficient and you are entitled to an exemption or whether you have to take our health insurance in Switzerland.