Insurance in Switzerland: Form S1 for pensioners resident in the EU/EFTA/UK
Do you receive a Swiss pension and move to the EU, Iceland, Norway or the UK? You are generally covered by Swiss health insurance (AHV, IV, MV, UV, BVG – including lump sums at retirement age). Private pensions are excluded. In some cases, you may choose insurance in your country of residence.
Information on the S1 form:
Where can I obtain the S1 form?
Your Swiss health insurer will issue you with the S1 certificate. You submit this document to the competent statutory health insurance office in your new place of residence (temporary institution) to register there.
The ‘Gemeinsame Einrichtung KVG’ is not authorized to issue the S1 certificate.
What do I need the S1 form for?
You will need the S1 form if you move from Switzerland to another EU/EFTA country as a pensioner. It ensures that you continue to have health insurance in the new country. You remain insured with your Swiss health insurance fund but are entitled to the same medical benefits as a person insured in Switzerland.
Can I deregister from the Swiss health insurance fund using form S1 and be exempted from compulsory insurance?
The moment you have the S1 form issued by the Swiss health insurance fund confirmed in your country of residence by the sponsoring fund, you have exercised your right of option in favor of Switzerland. This means the following in particular:
- You remain insured with the Swiss health insurance fund.
- Exemption from the Swiss health insurance obligation is no longer possible.
- You cannot be insured directly in your country of residence Premiums are paid directly to the Swiss health insurance fund.
- You will still receive a European Health Insurance Card from your country of residence, but you will not be insured directly in that country.
For more precise and comprehensive information, please contact your Swiss health insurance company directly.