COVID-19 INFORMATION

Updated on : 28.01.2022

Coronavirus : tests

PCR test

A positive individual PCR test indicates that you are infected with the COVID-19 virus. PCR tests can be performed by means of a nasopharyngeal swab, a combined nose and throat swab, a throat swab or a saliva sample. The result is generally available within 12 to 24 hours. The swab is performed by your doctor or at a hospital or test centre. The sample is then analysed in a licensed laboratory.

Individual PCR tests

The federal government covers the costs of individual PCR tests in the following cases :
• You are being tested because you have symptoms
• You have received a notification from the SwissCovid app
• You have been in contact with a confirmed case
• You have been instructed by a cantonal authority or a doctor to perform a test

Who covers the costs ?
The federal government does not cover the costs of Individual PCR tests required to obtain a COVID certificate.

The costs of PCR tests are not covered if you are being tested for travel purposes, for example.

We advise you to find out in advance about the costs of tests that are not covered by the federal government

Pooled PCR tests

In a pooled PCR test, the saliva samples of several people are combined in one pooled sample. The laboratory performs their analysis on this pooled sample. If the result of the pooled sample is positive, individual samples subsequently have to be taken to identify which person is infected. For this purpose an individual PCR test will be performed.

Individual participation in pooled PCR saliva tests for certificates for people who have been tested is the recommended type of testing for a COVID certificate for people who have been tested (rather than rapid antigen tests)

Who covers the costs ?
This type of screening is covered by the federal government.

Information on test centres that offer these via a platform coordinated throughout Switzerland and information on the possibility of taking part in pooled tests, including the associated costs, can be found, for example, directly at pooltests.ch. For other options in your canton, please contact the cantonal authorities responsible.

Rapid antigen tests

Rapid antigen tests yield a result within 15 to 20 minutes. Like PCR tests, they determine whether you are infected with the new coronavirus. The test is performed by means of a nasopharyngeal swab. It cannot be performed on a saliva sample.

A positive result from a rapid antigen test with nose and throat swab is a clear indication of an infection in the current circumstances. A confirmatory PCR test is therefore possible, but not necessary.

Who covers the costs ?
The federal government covers the costs of nasopharyngeal rapid antigen tests for everyone.

Antigen self-tests

You can test yourself for coronavirus by using an antigen self-test. You take the sample yourself with a nose swab, and can read the result yourself. The result of the test is available within 15 to 20 minutes. Follow the enclosed instructions on how to carry out a self-test. Self-tests can determine whether you are contagious at the time of the test.

Caution: Self-tests provide a less reliable result than PCR tests or rapid antigen tests under professional use. It is possible that even if the test result is negative, you may be infected with the coronavirus and can pass it on to others.

Who covers the costs of tests?
The federal government no longer covers the costs of antigen self-tests. This means that you will have to cover the costs yourself, regardless of whether you have recovered from Covid-19 or have been vaccinated. Self-testing kits can be purchased at pharmacies, drugstores and some retail outlets.

Antibody tests

Serological tests detect certain antibodies in the blood, in this case those developed against the new coronavirus. The presence of a person’s own antibodies indicates that they have already been in contact with the virus or have been vaccinated.

Who covers the costs of tests?
A COVID certificate of recovery can be issued following a positive test for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, provided the sample was taken on or after 16 November 2021.

The costs of antibody tests to obtain a COVID recovery certificate are not covered by the federal government.

Where can I get a test ?

You can get tested for the new coronavirus at various doctors, test centers, hospitals and pharmacies.

The cantons are responsible for assuring access to tests. For this reason, you will find information on the various testing facilities on the relevant cantonal websites.

What should I declare ?

To obtain a rapid-test from pharmacies or a health centre, simply declare at the registration desk that you have student insurance and present your identity card, residence permit or passport

The pharmacies or health centres will invoice directly to the Gemeinsame Einrichtung KVG. (EAN: 7601003005530).

Vaccination against COVID-19

Who can get vaccinated?
Anyone from age 5 can be vaccinated. From January 2022, children aged from 5 to 11 have been able to be vaccinated with the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for children.

Who covers the costs ?
The costs of a COVID-19 vaccination are covered by compulsory health insurance. The costs that are not covered by health insurance are borne by the federal government and the cantons. This applies to both initial immunisation and the booster.

You have compulsory health insurance in Switzerland ?
Then the vaccination (initial immunisation and booster) is free of charge. You don’t have to pay any deductible or copayment.

You don’t have compulsory health insurance in Switzerland ?
Then the COVID-19 vaccination (initial immunisation and booster) is also free of charge in the following cases :
• Your permanent or habitual place of residence is in Switzerland. (This applies, for example, to people who work for a diplomatic or consular representation or an international organisation, including members of their families, and to employees on secondment, students and retired people
• You are a cross-border commuter. Please ask your employer for more information about how vaccinations are organised
• You are a Swiss citizen living abroad or an immediate family member (partner, child, parent, parent-in-law) living in the same household as the Swiss citizen living abroad

The costs will not be covered if you are not in one of the groups listed above. This is the case, for example, for travellers from other countries such as tourists or business travellers. You should have the COVID-19 vaccination at your place of residence.

You can contact the competent authorities in your canton to find out who the contacts are in your canton and for information on the vaccination strategy.

As the information is subject to change, we suggest that you consult the website of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) regularly.

Registration procedure for the vaccine

Depending on the canton, a 20 digit insurance card number will be required.

This standard only applies to cards issued by social health insurers. Insurance program subject to private law, such as the Advisor Swiss Insurance program, use a different standard which falls under the category “International/Foreign Insurance”.

When you meet the eligibility criteria, not all cantons proceed in the same way when registering on the vaccination platform.

Some cantons ask for the name of the insurer. In those cantons where this information is requested by means of a drop-down menu, the names of private insurers are often not included. In this case, you should contact the competent authorities in your canton.

Documents that must be presented at the vaccination center during the first appointment

• Persons residing in the canton in which they are applying for vaccination and who have compulsory health insurance (KVG/LAMal or an insurance recognized as equivalent) : Insurance card • Cross-border commuters with compulsory health insurance (KVG/LAMal) : Insurance card • Cross-border commuters who work in international organisations with expatriate status: legitimation card

Travel

General travel advice
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared on 11 March 2020 that the current epidemic can be described as a pandemic. There is a risk of infection with the new coronavirus in all regions of the world.

Follow the recommendations
Follow all the information and recommendations of :
• the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH)
• The World Health Organization – WHO
•The Federal Department Foreign Affairs – FDFA