Zurich has public and private medical facilities, but the differences between the two are small and expats can be assured of a high standard of care at both. Be that as it may, health insurance is compulsory in Switzerland, and it isn't state sponsored, so residents have to take out a policy themselves.
Public hospitals are clean and modern, waiting times are almost non-existent, and most medical staff speak English. Many treatments are covered by even the most basic government insurance policies, but patients will have to pay extra for specialist procedures.
Waiting times at private hospitals are even shorter than at public facilities, but treatments cost a lot more and are only covered by comprehensive medical insurance policies. There are also a number of private clinics that offer specialist services such as geriatric rehabilitation.
Pharmacies can be found in shopping streets and in the few malls throughout the city. Some pharmacies are open 24/7.
Hospitals in Zurich
Klinik Hirslanden
Website: www.hirslanden.ch
Address: Witellikerstrasse 40, 8032 Zurich
Klinik Im Park
Website: www.hirslanden.ch
Address: Seestrasse 220, 8027 Zurich
Kinderspital Zurich Eleonorenstiftung
Website: www.kispi.uzh.ch
Address: Steinwiesstrasse 75, 8032 Zurich
Schulthess Klinik Zurich
Website: www.schulthess-klinik.ch
Address: Lengghalde 2, 8008 Zurich
Triemli Hospital
Website: www.stadt-zuerich.ch
Address: Birmensdorferstrasse 497, 8063 Zurich
University Hospital Zurich
Website: www.en.usz.ch
Address: Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich
Further reading
►See Healthcare in Switzerland for more on medical care
Expat Experiences
"I have received excellent healthcare while in Switzerland, particularly with the birth of my second son. I’ve never had a problem getting access to a doctor or specialist. But the medical culture is different here. Based on my experience and stories from friends, doctors here are more cautious about medical intervention than US doctors and often favour homoeopathic alternatives, which can be frustrating for an expat."
For more about American expat Tanya's experiences in Zurich, read our interview with her.
Are you an expat living in Zurich?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Zurich. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
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