Swiss Review / April 2022 / No.2 26 Taking out health insurance on my return to Switzerland The question: I thought I would automatically have health insurance when I return to Switzerland, because health insurance is mandatory after all. No one toldme I would have to take out health insurance myself. When can I actually do this? The answer: No, you do not automatically have health insurance. But as soon as you become a Swiss resident again, you can and must take out basic insurance. This cover will normally apply retroactively from the date you register with your local municipality (i.e. as soon as you legally reside in Switzerland). Health insurance is mandatory for everyone living in Switzerland. Health insurers are therefore also obliged to provide basic insurance to anyone who resides in Switzerland, regardless of age or state of health. Furthermore, you are free to choose your health insurer (from the list of authorised insurers). The law governs which services are covered by basic insurance. Heath insurers cannot refuse basic insurance to Swiss who have returned to Switzerland after living abroad, nor are they permitted to impose any restrictions (e.g. due to pre-existingmedical conditions). Youmust take out health insurance within three months of taking up residence in Switzerland. Cover will then apply retroactively from the date you started legally residing in the country. Certain people are exempt from the obligation to take out insurance in Switzerland. These include retired persons who drawa pension froman EU country but do not receive a Swiss pension, as well as anyone who is in Switzerland for education or training purposes and has insurance equivalent to basic Swiss cover. Health insurance is taken out individually for each family member (adults and children). All insured persons pay a premiumwhich can vary depending on the health insurance scheme, but the basic insurance services are the same for everyone. It isworth comparing premiums. The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) provides a comparison of premiums online: www.priminfo.ch. OSA LEGAL DEPARTMENT The 2nd Congress of Young Swiss Abroad will be devoted to green issues The Organisation of the Swiss Abroad is organising the 2nd Congress of Young Swiss Abroad this summer in collaboration with the Youth Parliament of Swiss Abroad (YPSA). The very first Congress of Young Swiss Abroad was held in July 2021 – and it was a success. Never before has there been a dedicated event of this type providing young Swiss Abroadwith a broad-based opportunity for interaction. The congress, which took place online, was organised in collaborationwith the Youth Parliament of Swiss Abroad (YPSA), which acts as the voice of all young Swiss living abroad. Topics of interest such as Swiss politics, education, jobs and culture featured on a varied agenda. Thanks to the virtual format, around 50 young people from 23 different countries ranging fromFrance to Sri Lanka, Chile andAustraliawere able to contribute. As this online get-together was such an encouraging experience, a second congress is nowbeing planned for 13 July 2022. “Green Switzerland” will be its key theme and focus. From 16 May 2022, you can enrol for the event on our website at www.swisscommunity.org > Youth Offers. Further information as well as a detailed schedule will shortly also be available on the website. (MB) Organisation of the Swiss Abroad, Youth Service, Alpenstrasse 26, 3006 Berne, Switzerland tel.: +41 31 356 61 24 email: youth@swisscommunity.org www.swisscommunity.org Photo montage: Thomas Schneider Photo: Thomas Schneider
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