Swiss citizens who move to a non-European country in old age can only insure themselves against illness and accidents through expensive private insurance plans if available. This is why Swiss citizens living abroad are demanding access to Swiss basic health insurance. What is the problem? Swiss pensioners often move outside Europe to live after they retire. Typical destinations are Thailand, the Philippines or Kenya. The cost of living is low but these countries often lack health insurance comparable to that in Switzerland. If pensioners fall ill, they have to pay the costs themselves. In the case of a serious illness such as cancer or a heart condition, treatment can quickly cost tens of thousands of Swiss francs. Pension fund assets are quickly used up. Josef Schnyder, delegate to the Council of the Swiss Abroad for Thailand, says he knows people who have died because of a lack of health insurance. What are the Swiss Abroad asking for? Centre Party Parliamentarian Elisabeth ...
