Swiss travellers love to explore — from weekend city breaks to long-haul adventures. But sometimes, trips don’t go as planned. Lost luggage, sudden illness, or accidents abroad can turn a dream holiday into a nightmare. Here are real-life style tales of when things went wrong — and how travel insurance made all the difference.

1. Lost Skis in Canada

A couple from Bern arrived in Vancouver for a ski holiday, only to find their skis never made it off the plane. Their travel insurance covered the rental of high-quality replacements for the week. Without cover, the extra cost would have been over CHF 500.

2. Sudden Illness in Thailand

While visiting Bangkok, a Swiss student developed appendicitis and needed urgent surgery. The hospital bill came to over CHF 8,000. Travel insurance not only covered the medical costs but also arranged and paid for a return flight with medical assistance.

3. Hiking Mishap in the Dolomites

A Zurich man slipped on a mountain trail in Italy, injuring his ankle. His travel policy included mountain rescue, which paid for a helicopter evacuation and transport to a hospital in Bolzano. Without it, the rescue alone would have cost thousands of francs.

4. Stolen Passport in Barcelona

A family from Lausanne had their passports stolen during a city tour. Travel insurance covered the emergency travel documents, extra nights in a hotel, and rebooked flights. The insurer also provided a 24/7 helpline to liaise with the Swiss embassy.

5. Cancelled Flight from New York

A snowstorm grounded flights for two days. A Swiss couple’s policy covered hotel stays, meals, and transport costs until they could fly home. Without this, they would have paid over CHF 1,200 in unexpected expenses.

Conclusion

Travel insurance isn’t just about ticking a box before a trip — it’s about peace of mind when the unexpected happens. Whether you’re skiing in Canada, hiking in Italy, or relaxing on a beach in Thailand, having the right cover can save you money, stress, and time.