Franklin values a holistic student experience both in and out of the classroom, and your health and well-being are important to us. To support a positive student life experience, the University offers on-campus health services as well as access to off-campus services in Lugano.
We also assist students enrolled in our SWICA Health Insurance policy in managing medical bills. SWICA is a Swiss health insurance company with worldwide coverage; our contract with them ensures students have access to care both locally and internationally. This policy includes a telemedicine service, offering health advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week in Italian, French, German, and English.
On-Campus Health Services
Coordinator of Health and Wellness
The Coordinator of Health and Wellness, McKenzie Steiner, NMD (US) supports the health of the campus community and serves as a liaison between the local healthcare community and Franklin. McKenzie can assist with making appointments and coordinating referrals to specialists when necessary. This may be especially useful if a student encounters difficulty due to a language barrier. She advocates for the well-being of our students by ensuring they have access to resources in the community, but note that coverage by students' insurance providers may vary. The Coordinator can provide basic first aid and can help arrange support services such as transportation in the event of an emergency.
Please note: The Coordinator does not accompany students off-campus to medical appointments or the hospital. All student health information is kept secure and cannot be released to parents or guardians without the student's written consent. A list of English-speaking doctors and dentists is available in the Office of Student Life.
University Counselor
The University Counselor provides counseling and psychological support to students throughout the academic year. Erin Diaco is a qualified Integrative Counselor with a BACP registration and extensive clinical experience supporting young people and families through personal, emotional, and transitional challenges. Her background spans youth counseling in London, private practice in Ticino, and allied health coordination in Australia. Having lived as an expat in Switzerland herself, Erin brings personal insight into the challenges of cultural adjustment, language barriers, and identity questions that many Franklin students navigate. As a member of CoSi (Counsellors della Svizzera Italiana), she is embedded in the local Swiss counselling network and can facilitate referrals to English, Italian, German, or French-speaking specialists when students require additional support beyond what she can provide on campus.
Students are eligible for two complimentary sessions with the University Counselor during their first semester and one each semester after that. The counselor's office hours and the number of complimentary appointments for which each student is eligible is announced at the beginning of each academic year.
Health/Accident Insurance
Swiss law requires anyone living in Switzerland to carry health insurance. Franklin provides two pathways depending on one's citizenship:
Non-EU/EFTA Students
Franklin has contracted with SWICA, a well-known Swiss health insurance company with very good worldwide coverage, which is important for students while they travel. Non-EU/EFTA students are enrolled in the SWICA policy for the duration of their studies. The Office of Student Life assists with students' enrollment in this SWICA policy and also helps with billing and claims. For additional information, please contact Giulio Botta in the Office of Student Life.
EU/EFTA Students
Students who are EU/EFTA residents may satisfy the Swiss requirement with their EU health insurance, but they must register it. Obtain your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before entering Switzerland. Visit the KVG/LAMal site for more information.
The Franklin website is in the process of being updated, so in mid-July, please review the information related to students using EHIC while studying in Franklin.
Health Services contact information and office hours
Recreational Sports
Franklin students can take advantage of the natural beauty of the area and participate in numerous outdoor activities and sports throughout the year. A staff member in the Office of Student Life oversees Franklin's on-campus fitness facilities and coordinates recreational sport programs for students like ski trips, hiking opportunities, and other activities that connect students with the natural beauty in which we live. For more information, please visit Franklin's Sports and Recreation page or email Aniello De Lucia.