Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is one of the most picturesque cities in the region. Other than being a popular tourist destination, Bern is also home to the Swiss parliament and several other national government buildings. The city is filled with ancient cathedrals, medieval castles, and several museums, art galleries, and historic sites.
Before you visit Bern, give this guide a good read. It will let you know everything you need to know, e.g., places to visit, things to do, risks for travelers, and information about travel medical insurance or travel insurance.
Bern Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs
Traveling the world is one of the most rewarding things you can do, but it also comes with risks. One of the most important things that you need to consider is what you would do if you were to get injured or become ill while traveling abroad. How would you pay for it? Would your insurance be accepted? The answer to these questions lies in travel medical insurance coverage.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Bern?
If you need to apply for a Schengen visa before visiting Switzerland, it is mandatory to buy a travel insurance plan providing at least €30,000 in medical benefits, as well as coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains.
If you do not need a visa to travel to Switzerland, a travel medical insurance plan is not legally mandatory for you. However, it is something you should not go without, as we will explain.
Why buy travel medical insurance for Bern?
Illnesses and injuries can range from mild inconveniences, to life-threatening emergencies. While the medical care available throughout Switzerland is excellent, it can also be extremely expensive, and is unlikely to be covered by your domestic health insurance. Receiving treatment at a private Swiss facility could result in a massive medical bill that could potentially put you in debt.
Travel medical insurance can help ease that financial worry. It allows you to receive the best treatment available, with less concern about the resulting bill.
Bern Trip Cancellation Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs
Trip cancellation insurance can reimburse the policyholder for prepaid, nonrefundable expenses if their trip must be cancelled for a covered reason. These reasons can include illness, natural disasters, and missed flights due to weather or airline issues.
Why buy trip cancellation insurance for Bern?
Booking an international trip requires a lot of planning, and a significant financial outlay before the trip even begins. You will need to book your flight in advance, book your hotel or Airbnb, and make reservations or buy tickets for attractions and events.
However, what if you became sick just before your trip? What if a family or personal emergency prevented you from traveling? What if there was a natural disaster, or a pandemic that shut down travel? Should any of these occur, you could find yourself facing financial loss, as much of what you’ve already paid for is nonrefundable.
To protect your travel investment, get trip cancellation insurance. A trip cancellation insurance plan can provide you with a way to get reimbursed for your prepaid, nonrefundable expenses if you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason. Some plans even offer an add-on cancel for any reason (CFAR) benefit.
What can be covered under trip cancellation insurance for Bern?
There are huge risks involved in international travel. Buy travel insurance so that you do not have to deal with a financial disaster in case you need to cancel your trip.
Things to Do for Travelers in Bern
Explore the Old Town
The Old Town in Bern is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It houses many popular attractions including the iconic clock tower. Enjoy a walk through the city which is studded with old sandstone buildings.
Visit the Bern Historical Museum
The Bern Historical Museum displays artifacts of the history of Switzerland from Prehistoric times through the present day. It is also home to the Einstein Museum, which is dedicated to the life and works of Albert Einstein. Taking a tour of the Bern Historical Museum will prove to be a truly enriching experience.
Visit the Einstein House
Einstein House is a museum and memorial located in Bern, Switzerland. It was the home of Albert Einstein from 1903 to 1905. It is here that he worked on and developed the theory of relativity. If you have already taken a tour of the Einstein Museum, visiting the Einstein House will let you learn more about the life this famous scientist and inventor.
Explore the Rosengarten
The Rosengarten, or The Rose Garden Park, is a breathtaking public park located on the top of a hill. It allows you to enjoy a marvelous view of the city while sitting in the picturesque garden.
Visit the Paul Klee Center
If you visit the Paul Klee Center in Bern, you can see a vast array of artwork that was created by Swiss artist Paul Klee. This is a museum that contains about 1,000 pieces of art that were created over the course of Klee's lifetime.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Bern
Beware of Pickpockets
Violent crimes in Bern are uncommon, but pickpocketing is on the rise. While in crowded tourist places, be extra wary of your belongings.
Do Not Carry Original Documents
Losing original documents such as your passport and visa while traveling can cause major problems. When going out sightseeing, leave your original documents in the hotel room and carry color photocopies instead.
Drink Enough Water
You are going to spend a lot of time outdoors in Bern. If you get dehydrated, it may leave you feeling dizzy and faint. To prevent this, hydrate yourself by drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day.
Avoid Altitude Sickness
Many hikers who explore the Swiss Alps have reported suffering from altitude sickness. If you hike in the mountains, make sure that you take time to acclimate yourself to the altitude, and carry any necessary medications.
Buy Insurance
It is impossible to predict if or when something might go wrong on your trip. To make sure that you do not have to worry about money while dealing with an emergency, buy travel medical insurance or travel insurance.
Before You Travel to Bern - Do This
You are almost ready to travel to Bern for your next holiday. Before you go, consider these final suggestions:
- Use public transportation instead of hiring a cab. Public transportation service in Switzerland is impeccable and inexpensive.
- Instead of buying a ticket every time you travel locally or regionally, get a travel pass. It is an economical option that will enable you to travel on all modes of public transport such as bus, train, and boat.
- Before you travel, buy travel medical insurance or travel insurance.