Switzerland's High-Risk Sports Burden: Who Pays for Uninsured Visitors?
Switzerland, famed for its high-risk sports, struggles with the financial burden of rescuing and treating uninsured foreign visitors. The responsibility falls on municipalities and cantons, with varying rules and costs.
The decision on who pays for these services depends on whether the tourist has a 'place of stay' in Switzerland. If not, the canton where the accident occurs foots the bill. Lauterbrunnen in canton Bern, a popular base jumping spot, has seen around 70 fatal accidents to date.
Rescue and hospital costs can be substantial. Engelberg's municipal clerk, Roman Schleiss, reports that most high-risk athletes are insured, but ordinary accidents and health issues can leave municipalities with uncovered costs. Alpthal in canton Schwyz once paid over CHF100,000 for a foreign pilgrim's hospital bill. The average Air-Glaciers rescue mission costs CHF3,600, with complex missions reaching CHF5,000 or more.
Despite occasional uncovered costs, tourism income far exceeds these expenses for municipalities. However, guests from third countries may not be sufficiently insured, leaving hospitals, rescue services, or municipalities with unpaid bills. While some municipalities like Flims and Engelberg still face these issues, the situation has improved due to better insurance among guests.
