The International Health Plan (IHP) provides good medical cover wherever you are in the world. Call the CSS emergency centre before receiving treatment. That way, you’ll avoid running up high costs that you would then have to pay yourself.
In a medical emergency abroad, call the CSS emergency centre on: +41 58 277 77 77 (press 3 for emergency abroad).
Whether planned or unexpected – whenever you need to go into hospital due to illness or an accident, always call the CSS emergency centre first. Tell us over the phone what has happened and which hospital you would like to go to. We’ll be happy to help and arrange a commitment to provide cover.
A useful tip: If you're unable to give us a call in an emergency situation, because you’ve lost consciousness for example, then please get in touch with us as soon as you are able. If you don’t, the hospital may require you to make a large advance payment.
Wait on our ‘okay’ before going ahead with elective treatment. You won’t know clearly what costs we will pay until you receive our commitment to provide cover.
Maybe you need to see a doctor, have an x-ray, get physiotherapy, or require medication? You have two options:
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.
It’s a written undertaking given by CSS to the hospital stating what treatment is covered by the insurance and what costs we will assume. It protects you against unexpected costs and means the bill is sent directly to us.
Yes. You must call us every time you are admitted to hospital or use patient transport. If you don’t call us, we can’t issue a commitment to provide cover. And you might then have to pay the costs out of your own pocket.
No. If you have outpatient treatment that doesn't involve a stay in hospital you can pay the bill yourself and then send it to us for reimbursement. If you’re unsure about anything or expect high costs, give the CSS emergency centre a call.