Fundamentals of travel insurance

Travel insurance must comply with the Insurance Contract Act. Furthermore, they are subject to the general insurance conditions and any additional conditions. However, each insurance company is free to determine which services are taken over in individual cases.

The policy always covers the persons who are also named in the insurance contract. In some cases, family insurance is possible, which includes a larger group of people and can be taken out for all people living in the household.
The scope of travel insurance is not always the same, but can be adjusted. 

The insurance usually applies to travel around the world, but it can also be limited to Europe. Insurance can also apply to trips that only take place within Switzerland's national borders. However, most insurers require that the travel destination must be at least 50 km from the place of residence in order for the insurance to work.

What benefits can be insured?

The offers for travel insurance are similar for all providers. The following modules are usually included or can be included individually:

• • Luggage insurance

    The luggage is insured against theft, loss and damage, but not against damage due to weather or temperature influences. A fixed sum of cover is agreed. Monetary values, misplaced objects or natural wear and tear are not insured.
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  • cancellation costs

    Costs for the cancellation of the trip will be covered, including rental cars, holiday apartments and entrance tickets. There are, however, predefined reasons for an insured cancellation (including strike, death of close relatives, terror, unforeseen termination, theft of passports). Separation from the partner, cancellation due to bad weather at the holiday location or entry tickets below CHF 100 are not insured.
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  • Personal assistance

    The insurance covers the termination of the trip due to an accident, injury, illness or death of the insured or a representative at the workplace. Rescue operations, repatriation, transfer costs for the deceased, costs for telephone calls and advances for hospital treatment are covered. Illnesses that are not emergencies, risks or epidemics are not insured, nor are illnesses that existed before the insurance was taken out.

• • Vehicle Assistance

    Depending on the provider and the tariff chosen, different coverage is insured. Among other things, the salvage of the vehicle and its return to Switzerland are taken over, as well as parking fees and costs for the delivery of spare parts. Additional transport costs (e.g. for the rental car) or costs for accommodation and meals are also part of the insurance's scope of benefits.
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  • Medical expenses

    Emergency treatment abroad is covered unless it is covered by health and accident insurance. In some cases, however, the travelers have to bear additional costs themselves. Non-emergency treatments are not covered, nor are the costs of epidemics, risks, the use of narcotics or participation in demonstrations. Even illnesses existing before the trip are not taken over in terms of costs.

Conclusion: That brings travel insurance

Travel insurance is available in all cases where the trip has to be stopped because of an accident or illness. It secures high additional costs. However, due to numerous exclusions, your degree should be carefully considered.

Before you decide on a provider, you should consider the offers for Compare travel insurance now! This gives you an overview of various providers and their tariffs.