My understanding is that VHI global is more than a simple travel insurance and for that reason *could* be accepted in CH (although I`m sure this will depend on the canton). What did concern me a little is that there was a limit on the amount they would pay...Blonaybear, I´m sorry to hear of your friend´s illness, but it does raise an important point - I´m still getting to grips with the Swiss system, but am I right that a Swiss insurance would be obliged to cover all medical costs, and that this is the major difference between the Swiss and "foreign" insurances? (btw are you working in insurance, or just writing from experience?). So, I´m leaning towards taking a Swiss insurance (helped by the fact that it has been almost impossible to get in touch with VHI for info anyway)...