HEAD does not provide any insurance cover. It is therefore necessary that each student cares for his.her insurance cover privately.

Health and accident Insurance:
Basic Health insurance (as defined by the Swiss law on Health insurance  - LAMal) is mandatory as of the student’s date of arrival in Switzerland.

Foreign students holding a « B » residence permit can apply for being exempted from the obligation as follows:
Students from EFTA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) or from EU countries (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany,  Greece, Holland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, United Kingdom), who are insured by the social Security of their country, can be exempted from the obligation to contract a Swiss insurance.

Exemption is not automatic and students must apply to “Service de l’assurance-maladie” (SAM) (Health insurance service, see address below) and present their European Health insurance card or a relevant certificate provided by the social Security service of their country.

Foreign students who do not have any Health insurance can contract insurances that are not recognized by the Swiss law (LAMal). Such insurance contracts are financially attractive (Golden Care, GMC, Student Wordwide Cover, etc.), but students are advised to pay careful attention to the exact insurance cover provided and to the conditions required. Always read contracts very carefully before signing.

Insurance against accident risks is also mandatory. Students, who are employed by a Swiss firm for a regular job of a minimum 12 hours/week are automatically insured by their employer.

Basic Swiss Health insurance contracts covers costs arising from sickness or accident, as well as maternity, such as:

• Medical care provided by or ordered by an officially recognized Doctor.
• Hospital costs for treatment and stay in the common division of the local hospital.
• Pharmaceuticals ordered by an officially recognized Doctor (with exception for the “out of list” pharmaceuticals).

Liability Insurance:
We advise students to contract a liability insurance including risk of theft that will cover the costs arising from the loss of, theft of or any damages to materials or devices borrowed from the school. Information is provided by insurance companies.

More information:

Pôle Santé-Social (PSS) de l'Université de Genève
4, rue de Candolle, 1211 Genève 4
T 022 379 77 79
F 022 379 77 47

SAM (Service de l’assurance-maladie)
62, route de Frontenex, 1207 Genève
T 022 546 19 00
F 022 546 19 19
Opening hours : by appointment only.
Phone :  Mon.-Fri.
9h -12h and 13h30 - 16h.