Medical emergency abroad

CSS emergency centre: here for you 24/7

In a medical emergency abroad, call the CSS emergency centre on +41 58 277 77 77 (press 3 for emergency abroad). 

It's essential to call the CSS emergency centre if repatriation to Switzerland is required. That way, the commitment to provide cover can be clarified and the transport organised. 

Assistance and steps to follow in Europe (EU/EFTA)

1. Go to a hospital or doctor's practice
2. Show insurance card
   The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is on the back of your physical CSS insurance card. The digital card stored in myCSS can't be used abroad. 
   
3. Costs are paid
   The hospital or doctor's practice bills the costs directly to CSS.
4. Report reason for treatment
   Let us know the reason for treatment abroad online. We'll then look into our share of the costs.
   

Assistance in other countries

1. Commitment to provide cover before major treatment
   First, call the CSS emergency centre on +41 58 277 77 77 (press 3 for emergency abroad). We'll provide you with support in obtaining a commitment to provide cover for bigger emergencies and help you to organise your treatment wherever you are.
   
2. Treatment is paid
   If a commitment to provide cover is issued, the bill will be paid directly by CSS. Your share of the costs will be calculated and charged to you or refunded automatically.

Paid the bill yourself? How to claim a refund

Keep the bill and proof of payment. The bill must be in English, German, French or Italian and must contain the patient's name, client number and clear information about the treatment.

1. Submit bill for refund
   Simply upload all pages of the bill given to you abroad to myCSS. You can find useful tips here on submitting a bill.
   
2. Report reason for treatment
   Let us know the reason for treatment abroad online. We'll then look into our share of the costs.