Travel with peace of mind on your trip to Switzerland
Switzerland has grown into a popular tourist destination for all kinds of travellers thanks to its diverse landscape.
The mountainous region is a place that attracts skiers and mountain climbers, while many of its towns and villages also appeal to fans of nature and scenic views. The country is known for its chocolate and watches, while the urban culture is something that interests people looking for peace and tranquillity during their holiday.
Swiss tourism has had steady growth in recent years with the Swiss Economic Institute forecasting that overnight stays in the country could increase by 2.4% in 2020, while more skiers are heading to the mountains thanks to the good snow conditions.
If you’re planning to climb a mountain, ski across the alps, or just enjoy the beautiful sights of the country, getting travel insurance is essential to ensure that you can enjoy your holiday stress-free. It means that you can step onto the plane with peace of mind that you will be covered if something happens during your trip.
Columbus Direct offers travel cover to suit your needs, with optional add-ons including winter sports cover, as well as extra protection for your gadgets and golf equipment.
Do you need travel insurance for holidays in Switzerland?
Holidaymakers looking to go to Switzerland are advised to get comprehensive travel insurance ahead of their visit.
Switzerland is not part of the European Union, but it is one of the countries in the Schengen area and it is part of the EHIC agreement, which entitles UK citizens to receive medically necessary state-provided healthcare for a reduced rate or for free. Even with an EHIC, travellers are advised to get insurance to help with certain medical costs that aren’t covered by the EHIC as well as issues like lost baggage or cancelled trips. Also, in Switzerland state-provided healthcare may not be available in certain areas. If the UK leaves the EU without a deal, then the EHIC card may no longer be valid.
Currently, British citizens don’t require a visa to enter Switzerland, only a valid passport. This could change with a no-deal Brexit, but the European Commission has proposed that that British travellers can go to countries in the Schengen area or the EU for up to 90 days during a 180-day period without needing to have a visa.
Leaving the EU with no deal may also mean that you need at least 6 months validity remaining on your passport on the day that you travel. If yours is close to expiry, then you would need to renew your passport before your holiday, which can take around three weeks.