Are there any travel restrictions for people living with HIV?

Until just a few years ago, many of the world’s approximately 195 countries had entry and/or residency restrictions for people with HIV. The rationale behind these restrictions was the outdated notion that they could help to contain the spread of HIV. Such restrictions are discriminatory and economically unjustifiable, not least because they also limit occupational mobility. Thanks to intensive lobbying efforts by UNAIDS and HIV organisations worldwide, the situation has improved in recent years. However, restrictions still exist in around 40 countries or territories, particularly for long-term stays. A list of HIV-specific travel restrictions can be found at www.hivtravel.org. 

Who pays if you get sick abroad?

Individuals are still covered by their basic insurance while on holiday abroad. Swiss health insurers cover emergency treatment in countries outside the EU/EFTA up to double the amount of the costs that would be reimbursed in Switzerland. Necessary medical services received abroad must be paid for there and then, and they can only be reimbursed once the patient is back in Switzerland. 

Everyone who is insured in Switzerland also receives a European Health Insurance Card from their health insurer. This card is located on the back of the Swiss insurance card, and allows the individual to receive necessary medical services for unforeseen incidents in EU/EFTA countries. The entitlement is determined by the laws that apply in the destination country. The costs are typically covered under the health insurance scheme in the destination country and can be claimed back from the health insurer in Switzerland. Cost-sharing is also based on the regulations of the country being visited.

Detailed information can be found in the Legal Guide HIV (chapter «Travelling Abroad»).