Healthcare in Switzerland

The standard of healthcare in Switzerland is world class, with top-tier medical facilities and highly trained professionals. Switzerland’s healthcare system ensures excellent treatment and access.

Switzerland has a universal healthcare system, but it works differently from the UK or the US. Health insurance in Switzerland is mandatory for all residents, but it isn’t state-funded like the NHS or tied to employers like many US plans. Instead, you’ll need to take out private health insurance, and insurers are legally required to accept all applicants.

You can expect short waiting times for most treatments, freedom to choose your healthcare provider, and English-speaking doctors in major cities. However, high-quality care comes with a price – monthly premiums, co-payments, and deductibles are part of the deal.

Public hospitals in Switzerland

Public hospitals in Switzerland uphold exceptional medical standards with cutting-edge technology and highly skilled doctors. Your basic health insurance covers most treatments at public hospitals, but certain specialist services may come with extra costs.

While emergency care is swift, non-urgent treatments can involve lengthy waits – sometimes stretching into months, particularly for dermatology, orthopaedics, and neurology specialists. Larger cities such as Zurich, Geneva, and Lausanne tend to have longer wait times due to higher demand. Smaller cantons may offer quicker appointments but could have fewer specialist options.

Patient experiences in public hospitals are overwhelmingly positive, with top-notch medical expertise and modern facilities. However, bureaucracy around insurance claims and hospital admissions can be frustrating.

Useful links

• Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH)
• ch.ch – Healthcare in Switzerland

Private hospitals in Switzerland

Private hospitals in Switzerland offer a premium healthcare experience, with shorter waiting times and more personalised care. Standards are high across both public and private hospitals, but private facilities often specialise in specific treatments, including cosmetic surgery, fertility treatments, and rehabilitation.

While public hospital appointments can take weeks or months, private hospitals may arrange consultations within days. Private hospitals also provide additional perks like private rooms, a wider choice of specialists, and quicker access to diagnostic procedures like MRI and CT scans. Some also cater to patients looking for alternative treatments.

Health insurance in Switzerland

You have three months after arriving in Switzerland to set up health insurance. Since the system can be tricky to figure out, it helps to compare options beforehand.

The government mandates which treatments private insurers must cover in their basic packages, including hospitalisation and essential medical care. Extras like private rooms, dental work, and alternative medicine require supplementary insurance.

Insurance premiums aren’t linked to income but rather to where you live, and costs vary widely across Switzerland. Since prices rise every year, many Swiss residents shop around for better deals.

Don’t assume that private insurance covers everything – many treatments require specific supplementary policies. And while Swiss healthcare is outstanding, it isn’t free: even public hospital visits come with co-payments and deductibles.

Useful links

• santésuisse Association of Swiss health insurers
• Comparis Health Insurance Comparison
• Moneyland Health Insurance Guide
• Priminfo Official Swiss Insurance Premium Calculator

Pharmacies and medication in Switzerland

Pharmacies in Switzerland are easy to spot – they’re marked with a green cross and the word Apotheke in German-speaking areas, Pharmacie in French-speaking regions, Farmacia in Italian, and Apoteca in Romansh. Most pharmacies operate during standard business hours, but emergency pharmacies in major cities stay open 24/7.

Swiss pharmacies follow strict regulations, and some medications that are available over-the-counter (OTC) elsewhere may require a prescription. Codeine-based cough syrups, higher-dose ibuprofen, and certain decongestants like pseudoephedrine are only available with a doctor’s approval. If you rely on specific medications, check availability before you move.

Prescription and OTC drug prices are high compared to bordering countries. Many Swiss residents buy medicines across the border in France, Germany, or Italy. Zurich and Geneva, in particular, tend to have higher prices due to operating costs.

Vaccinations in Switzerland

Vaccinations are not mandatory in Switzerland, but authorities strongly encourage them. Recommended vaccinations include those for MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), tetanus, and diphtheria.

Emergency services in Switzerland

In a medical emergency, dial 144. 

Switzerland’s emergency services are highly efficient, but response times vary. In cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Basel, ambulances typically arrive within 10 to 12 minutes. It can take 20 minutes or longer in rural areas, depending on distance and accessibility.

If you’re in a remote location, Swiss Air Rescue (Rega) can deploy a helicopter to transport you to the nearest hospital. Demand for air rescue remains high. If you enjoy outdoor activities such as skiing or hiking, it’s worth considering Rega membership for peace of mind.

While Swiss emergency care is top-notch, some expats are surprised by the high cost of ambulance services – even for insured patients. Hospital emergency rooms are efficient but can have long waits for non-life-threatening cases. Many insurers provide a list of emergency numbers for local hospitals, so keep them handy.