Healthcare System in Switzerland: everything you need to know

How does the Swiss healthcare system work?

Switzerland has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. They have a mandatory universal health care system for all residents. It is not public, nor is it free, but it offers very affordable health plans that everyone has access to.

Employees pay a maximum of 8% of their salary for health. If their plan exceeds this percentage, the government covers the difference. This is possible because Switzerland is the country in Europe that invests the most in healthcare. For those with lower incomes, the government offers a discount on their health premiums in order to meet the requirement.

No health care service is free, each person has an annual deductible for medical expenses ranging from 300 to 2,500 Swiss Francs. Any service under that deductible must be paid by the patient, then the insurance begins to cover the cost. Residents must also pay 10% of the cost of medical appointments with a maximum of 700 Swiss Francs per year.

Since the basic mandatory plans do not provide coverage for dental care and alternative medicine, many choose to purchase an additional private plan that provides these benefits. 

How does the system work for foreigners?

Nationals from countries in the EU have access to health care using their European Health Insurance Card as long as they are visiting the country for a short period of time.

Anyone moving to Switzerland permanently is required to join the local private healthcare system. After arriving in the country, you have 90 days to sign up with one of the more than 60 insurance companies available in the country, otherwise the government will assign you one.

If you are traveling to the country for tourism, you should have a travel insurance plan which will cover you in case of any accident or illness. This will allow you to receive medical care at any local hospital. If you do not want to go into debt for medical services, hire insurance before your trip.

Visit InternationalHealth.com where you can find travel insurance plans with coverage not only in Switzerland, but throughout the Schengen area. You can compare and quote the entire insurance market and purchase a plan today, at no additional cost and 100% online. 

How do pharmacies work in Switzerland?

Switzerland has an extensive network of pharmacies (apotheke) which you can recognize by a green cross at their entrance.

To buy prescription medication, you must have a prescription written by a local doctor. If you are affiliated to the local system, you will have to pay about 20% of the price of the medicine, the rest is covered by the insurance. If you are a tourist, you will have to pay the full price and if the insurance you hire offers coverage for medication you will get a reimbursed afterwards.

There are independent doctors who have drug supplies in their own offices. They will be able to prescribe and hand you the medication directly.

Paracetamol, ibuprofen and other medications that do not require a prescription can be purchased directly from any pharmacy without any restrictions. These medications can be recommended to you by a pharmacist at the pharmacy, without the need to see a doctor.

If you are traveling with medication, the country recommends that you carry a translated prescription from your doctor with the details and quantity of the medication. In the following link you will find a list of the medications allowed in the country. 

What do I do if I have an emergency?

Switzerland has a very good and efficient emergency service, with public and private hospital ambulances. In any emergency, the ambulance must provide you with the necessary assistance, and in more serious cases, they do not check whether or not you have health insurance until you are stabilized.

The emergency number is 144 to request ambulance assistance. Also available is 112 as in the rest of Europe, with this service you can request police, fire and ambulance assistance.

If you are affiliated to the local system, part of the ambulance fee will be covered by your insurance and will be added to your hospital bill. If you are a tourist, it is important that you have health insurance with coverage for emergencies in order to cover the costs of the service, which can be high.

Each region of the country also has emergency pharmacies that are open 24 hours a day. 

Entry Requirements

There are no restrictions to enter Switzerland because of Covid-19.

Remember that it is an EU country, therefore the restrictions are the same as in the other member countries, find out if your country of nationality requires a visa to enter.