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Initial contact in Switzerland
The cyclist overestimated himself, the bike went out of control on the descent from the Pragelpass and he fell heavily on his head. Immediate help was given by other cyclists. The emergency service was contacted without delay on tel. no. 144. 20 minutes later, the Rega helicopter landed and transported the cyclist to the Glarus Cantonal Hospital. That's how it works in an ideal case, in Switzerland.
But what does an emergency abroad look like? Who do I call, where can I get help quickly, can I communicate, am I even insured enough?
Initial contact abroad
Fortunately, it is rare for a tourist, business traveller, expat/posted employee to be left entirely to his or her own devices in an emergency situation abroad. Usually, "locals" are immediately on the spot to help, support and notify the emergency services, as is the case in Switzerland. Those travelling in Europe (EU/EFTA) can also count on a functioning local emergency number. The number 112 is a transnational emergency number in the EU/EFTA and some additional countries. But of course there are also functioning emergency numbers outside the EU/EFTA.
But it is another question whether these always work reliably in all countries, and whether it is possible to communicate at all. Caution is recommended.
Can my local/international health/travel insurer/Rega help quickly in the event of an emergency abroad?
Insurers more or less clearly distance themselves from a "time-critical first contact" in an emergency. There is not always a specific emergency number, i.e. the call may end up on the normal helpline and there may be waiting times. But even if I "get through", the insurer cannot always help quickly. Important, perhaps crucial time is lost. In any case, rapid help is always better organised directly locally.
Even Rega cannot and will not provide initial support abroad.
After the initial treatment, the insurers then take over the case. If the medical care is insufficient, a transfer to another hospital or repatriation is examined and organised. The insurers should be involved as soon as possible after the initial treatment.
So what to do in terms of preparation for an emergency? It is advisable to try out the emergency number provided and save the number on your mobile phone. In addition, the hotel, an international hospital, etc. can be a contact point. The embassy or consulate may also be able to help with a functioning local contact point in an emergency. Travel insurers often provide portals where you can get information about the respective local conditions. International health insurance companies can provide contact addresses for local service providers.
Incidentally, it should also be expected that in some countries, for example, an ambulance has to be paid for in advance. Travelling without money and a credit card is a bad idea.
Individual specialised service providers such as International SOS can also provide help in remote regions with their networks, partners and own service providers, but this requires that the employer has concluded a corresponding service contract. There are also international health insurers who work with such partners. But to mention it again: If the time is critical, and it usually is in the case of a serious accident/illness, then action must be taken quickly and this is preferably done directly locally.
Insurance coverage
The question of insurance coverage is "of course" important. Without specific "additional cover", e.g. search and rescue abroad is not insured (is it only standard with an international travel insurance cover). Neither KVG nor UVG nor the international health insurer (IPMI) provide cover. Supplementary insurance is important. IPMI cover applies to transport from the scene of the accident (e.g. ambulance). Transfer to hospital, transfer transport and repatriation are usually insured.
Rega: As mentioned above, Rega is also not an all-purpose solution abroad. It distances itself from the initial contact abroad.
The two most frequent questions concerning Rega are as follows:
- Can an expat living abroad continue to be a Rega patron? Yes, but only if he is Swiss abroad.
- Is Rega an insurance company? No, it is not an insurance company. There is no entitlement to benefits. It is a patronage. Rega describes it as follows:
As a token of gratitude for their support, Rega may, at its discretion and within the limits of its possibilities, waive part or all of the costs incurred by patrons for assistance provided by itself or organised by Rega, if insurance companies or other third parties are not liable to pay benefits and do not have to pay or only have to pay in part for the costs of the mission.
KVG - Curse or Blessing in International Mobility
Pensioner Müller emigrates to France. He remains subject to the KVG in Switzerland (Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons). He finds this objectionable. From his point of view, the KVG premium (so-called Bilas premium) is much too expensive. Pensioner Meier emigrates to Thailand. Because he has health reservations, he cannot find health insurance. He is not allowed to stay in the KVG.
In the case of a posting, the KVG obligation remains, depending on the country/agreement, for 2 to 6 years, even if there is an international IPMI plan (international medical expenses insurance) which offers sufficient cover - this can also be considered good or bad.
If there is no KVG at the time of the posting and there is no exemption, the posting under social security law will not be approved.
Over the years, the KVG has developed into a "serious" factor in the field of global mobility when it comes to secondments/cross-border assignments. Employers have recognised the risks and do not want to make any mistakes with regard to the KVG or generally with regard to social insurances (e.g. UVG). This was not always the case in the past - certainly not intentionally. However, as is well known, ignorance does not protect against punishment. In extreme cases, this could lead to a gap in coverage and the employer would be liable within the scope of his duty of care!
The range of services offered by expatpartners has evolved accordingly and we offer our clients, who also have their international insurance plans managed by us, KVG advice as an integrated service.