Travel Insurance for Switzerland from India

Switzerland Travel Insurance

As you prepare to do everything needed for this trip, thinking about everything that could go wrong is the last thing anyone should do. However, better safe than sorry! Travel insurance for Switzerland will keep you safe from a number of issues that you may otherwise end up worrying (as well as paying) for! From losing your passport to suddenly falling sick, your trip insurance plan will cover everything!

Fast Facts about Switzerland

The Key Benefits of Travel Insurance for Switzerland

Switzerland is among the most beautiful places in the world and has everything you can ask for shimmering lakes, beautifully-preserved medieval towns, picturesque hills, amazing food, and incredible weather. All this comes with an added bonus of welcoming people and safety that will leave you spellbound. However, the trip will be incomplete without Switzerland travel insurance as it'll provide you much-needed peace of mind along with a host of benefits:

• Trip Delay Compensation:

  Many travel insurance policies in India have started offering compensation in case your flight is delayed over a fixed duration

• Trip Cancellation:

  You will be offered reimbursement in case your trip is canceled under insured cases

• Medical Assistance:

  If you fall sick or get injured while in Switzerland, your travel insurance will help you shoulder the costs abroad.

• Baggage Delay or Loss:

  If your baggage is delayed, lost by the airline or under covered reasons, you will be reimbursed for the items as per the policy schedule along with the costs of basic necessities like medicines, clothes, etc.

• Passport Loss:

  If you lose your passport while traveling, your insurer will help you with the costs of obtaining a duplicate or a new passport.

• Automatic Policy Extension:

  In case of a lockdown or other emergencies, your policy will be automatically extended to keep you protected while abroad

• Bounced Hotels/ Airline Bookings:

  If your booked flight or hotel is canceled or bounced for some reason, your policy will help you reimburse the costs.

• Emergency Medical Benefits: 

  Expenses like ambulance charges, treatment costs, and medical supplies, etc. will be covered so that you have nothing to worry about while recovering!

Travel Insurance for Switzerland from India

When visiting Switzerland, buying travel insurance is not just a choice but also a necessity as per the visa regulations for foreigners. It is one of the most expensive places in the world and requires plenty of money and preparations for a trip. Because of COVID-19, it has become even more important to be insured for any trip so that you're not left stranded in a foreign country or forced to exhaust your hard-earned savings.

Why Do You Need Travel Insurance from India to Switzerland?

As already stated, Switzerland travel insurance is necessary for any foreigner to visit this country. Not only does it insure your trip financially but also mentally. Make sure to buy a travel insurance plan from a reputable insurer who ensures transparent and quick claim redressals. The plan should also cover the following basic features:

• COVID-19 Covered: This is undisputedly the need of the hour; make sure your plan covers any COVID-19 related cancellation or sickness while you travel
• Hospitalization Costs: Ensure that all major medical emergency costs will be borne by your insurance in case you need medical help. This should include benefits like evacuation, repatriation, compassionate visit, etc.
• Passport Loss: This document is a necessity while in a country abroad and should be immediately replaced by a duplicate or new one. Your insurer will help you with its reimbursement costs
• Loss of Baggage: In case your baggage is lost by airlines or subject to theft, your insurance should help you get a reimbursement.

Switzerland Tourist Places

Though small in size, Switzerland lies in the heart of Europe and attracts tourists from all over the world. It is popular for clichés like skiing, chocolates, and luxury shopping as well as many other things. Take a look at Switzerland's best tourist attractions:

• Lake Geneva:

  This lake is among the top destinations in Switzerland and offers a score of activities to do. You can also go paddle boarding here which is one of the best adventure sports offered here.

• Matterhorn:

  Switzerland's iconic peak is also one of its highest mountains and shares its borders with Italy. You can visit the charming Zermatt village which offers luxury resorts amidst a peaceful ambiance. This is the perfect place for winter sports like mountain climbing, glacier skiing, etc.

• Rhine Falls:

  Most probably the biggest attraction of Schaffhausen, the Rhine Falls offer a breathtaking adventure and offer trails, boat trips or simply enjoy the view.

• Chillon Castle:

  This place is among the most visited historic buildings in Switzerland located near the banks of Lake Geneva. Over 3.5 million tourists visit this place annually and the place can even be booked for special events. Please note that the castle is closed during the Christmas holidays.

• Bernina Express Ride:

  Switzerland is famous for its scenic train rides and beautiful corridors; however, this one is the most popular train ride to savor this country's beauty. The Bernina Express gives a panoramic view at a slow speed between Davos in Switzerland and Tirano in Italy through the Swiss Alps. On the way, you can also visit the Rhaetian Railway which is a World Heritage Site.

• Lucerne:

  This place is famed for its musical concerts and festivals, the most popular being the International Music Festival. The city consists of several beautiful spots including a sparkling blue lake, historic buildings, promenades, fountains, and more!

Visa Information for Switzerland

Being a part of the Schengen Zone, all non-EU/EEA nationals need a visa to enter Switzerland. These visas are offered as per the purpose of visit and are briefly explained below:

• Visa for Official Visits: This is meant for officials from foreign and other ministries who are visiting Switzerland for diplomatic reasons
• Transit Visa: If you're visiting a country that requires a layover through Switzerland, then a transit visa is required
• Tourist Visa: This is meant for people visiting for sight-seeing and tourism purposes
• Business Visa: This is required if you mean to visit Switzerland for work or business purposes
• Study Visa: For students who wish to pursue higher education here
• Visa for Medical Reasons: For getting a specific treatment that is available here
• Visa for Visiting Family or Friends: This is a short-stay visa for third-world nationals who will visit family members or friends residing in the Schengen Zone
• Visa for Culture and Sports Activities: For those participating in cultural or athletic events

Entry Information for Indian Citizens Travelling to Switzerland

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Switzerland had imposed an entry ban on many third-world countries including India. Since then, it has provided several entry regulations to visitors. June 23, 2021, onwards, Switzerland has lifted entry restrictions for Indians coming to Switzerland on the Type C Schengen Visa.

Visitors intending to come will need to apply for a Schengen visa for the designated Schengen country's embassy in India. For Switzerland, you can visit their embassy in New Delhi.

Make sure to fulfill these entry requirements when traveling from India:

• Indians need to provide a complete vaccination certificate for COVID-19.
• A completed COVID-19 entry form at least 48 hours before the travel.

After filling out this form, a QR code will be issued on your email ID. This code needs to be provided upon arriving in Switzerland. This will require a prior appointment so ensure you have enough time before your planned departure. You can also contact VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. for your visa application at its various centers. Make sure to keep track of your latest

Travel Documents Required While Travelling from India to Switzerland

A Schengen visa is necessary to visit Switzerland. If only planning to visit Switzerland, Indians should apply for a Schengen visa at the Switzerland Embassy in New Delhi. If visiting more than one country, then separate applications must be sent as per the guidelines provided. Following are the requirements for applying for a Switzerland visa:

• Completed visa application
• Two recent photographs
• A valid passport
• Travel health insurance covering at least EUR 30,000
• Cover letter explaining your purpose of visiting Switzerland
• Flight itinerary and return/onward tickets
• Hotel booking proof
• Proof of having sufficient funds; CHF 100 or EUR 92.34 per day
• Swiss Visa fee receipt

Entry restrictions apply on foreign nationals without full vaccination. For Indians vaccinated with CHE, EU and WHO recognized vaccines, regular entry requirements will be applicable. Following are the important travel documents for Indians visiting Switzerland:

• A negative PCR Test Report is required before boarding the plane.
• Copy of your passport
• Government-issued ID
• International driving license if applicable

Switzerland Travel: Safety & Precautionary Measures to be Undertaken

While Switzerland is among the safest and most peaceful places in the world, there are a few safety precautions which should be taken at all costs:

• Maintain all the COVID-19 norms and protocols as per the regional government; maintain social distancing
• Keep your wallets and purses secure while traveling, especially among crowded areas
• Keep a track of weather conditions as mountain regions can have sudden weather changes, especially avalanches
• Avoid going to higher altitudes if you have heart or lung disorders. Make sure to keep sufficient medicines if you do.
• Make sure to buy comprehensive international travel insurance plan that meets all the requirements.  
• Include covers for adventure or winter sports if you plan to indulge in extreme sports.
• Do not stray from marked paths if you decide to hike or trek in Switzerland.
• Always carry an identification whenever you head out. Especially if on a solo-trip, always carry a copy of your passport.

The Indian Embassy in Switzerland

If you ever find yourself in a difficult situation, having contacts of the Indian Embassy in Switzerland will be a huge help. Following are some officers that can be contacted during working hours:

You can visit the embassy at the given address:

The Embassy of India

Kirchenfeldstrasse 28,

CH-3005 Berne,

Switzerland

International Airports in Switzerland

There are many international airports in Switzerland for easy commuting. Some of these are mentioned below:

Currency and Foreign Exchange

The official currency used in Switzerland is Swiss franc.  Here is the latest exchange rate to get an estimate:

Since the Swiss franc is the only currency used here. However, Euro is still used in some places but can’t be guaranteed. To avoid heavy exchange rates, make sure to convert enough cash before leaving India.