Your Complete Guide to Healthcare and Health Insurance in Switzerland

Switzerland has universal healthcare, but doesn’t provide free healthcare and individual private health insurance is mandatory for all residents and foreigners. Known for the high standard of living, it’s no wonder that the local healthcare system is also acknowledged as one of the best in the world.

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Do you know how Switzerland’s healthcare system operates? Wonder what’s the difference between the public and private health insurance? This Pacific Prime article will serve as a comprehensive guide to answering all your questions about healthcare and health insurance in Switzerland.

Key Features of Switzerland’s Healthcare System

The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) oversees the Swiss Healthcare System, and individual cantons are responsible for the regulation and financing of the public delivery system. The system’s operating costs are split between the cantons and the health insurers.

Here are some key features of Switzerland’s healthcare system:

There are 60 non-profit insurers in Switzerland, offering basic health insurance options for Swiss residents.
26 Swiss cantons individually administer healthcare within the region, and they come together to form the Swiss Conference of the Cantonal Ministers of Public Health (GDK). The GDK is responsible for the cooperation and consistency in healthcare policy making and insurance delivery between the cantons.
The Swiss healthcare system is one of the most efficient systems in the world, featuring an impressive patient-to-doctor ratio (280:1).
Medication costs can be expensive as pharmacies in Switzerland mainly sell branded medicine which tends to cost more.

Urban Switzerland

Public Health Insurance Switzerland

The Swiss Public Healthcare System is unique. Unlike other countries’ usual practices, it is not financed through taxation or employer-sponsored. All residents need to take out at least a basic health insurance plan from a range of local insurance companies under your local cantonal authority.

New arrivals to Switzerland have no more than three months to choose their policy and provide proof to the local authorities. There is no family insurance so each and every member must be insured individually.

After receiving a letter of confirmation on insurance coverage, you’ll need to pay monthly health insurance premiums and co-pay treatments (up to a limit) that you’ve undergone.

What Happens if You Are Not Insurance-Covered in Three Months?

Those who failed to secure one before the three-month period will have the policy and insurance company chosen by the government, which could end up in higher premiums and unnecessary coverage than choosing one yourself according to your healthcare needs and requirements.

It is essential to get health insurance coverage within the first three months upon your arrival. By doing so, you can claim healthcare expenses retrospectively (the first three months), and pay premiums from the beginning of your obliged insurance period (from after three months／starts working legally).

If you’re not satisfied with the service of the current insurance provider, you can change once a year and should give at least a month’ notice prior to the switch.

What Does the Basic Health Insurance Cover?

The Basic Health Insurance covers a large proportion (80-90%) of medical expenses. The plan is regulated by the Swiss Federal Law on Health Insurance, so insurers cannot make profit from selling them and are required to provide the same coverage universally.

You can expect to have the below basic health insurance plan coverage:

Benefits	Details
General Check-ups and Treatments	Check-ups are covered, along with treatments such as physiotherapy, except for some specialist procedures.
Hospital Visits	Inpatient, outpatient, and emergency hospitalizations are all covered.
Prescription Medication	Covers 80-90% of prescribed medication expenses
Maternity Care	Covers prenatal care and childbirth expenses.
Gynecological Exams	Covers gynecologist visits, except tests for sexually-transmitted diseases.
Vaccinations	Covers jabs listed in the Swiss Vaccination Plan Guidelines.
Medical Aids and Devices	Covers for certain items such as bandages and inhalers.
Cancer Screenings	Covers cancer screening tests for those over 50.
Alternative Therapies	Covers therapies like acupuncture and homeotherapy, if done by an accredited specialist.
Eye Care	For children under 18, up to CHF 180 (USD $210). It also covers adults with serious visual illnesses.

Who is Eligible for Exemption?

Generally speaking, foreigners and locals working or living in Switzerland need to secure Swiss health insurance. Unless you belong to the following group of people:

Insured under an international health insurance plan provided by a global insurer
EU citizens visiting for less than three months can access Swiss healthcare at a reduced cost through EHIC or GHIC (UK)

Other exemptions may apply according to individual circumstances. You can ask your local authority if your condition qualifies for an exemption.

How Can Expats Secure Health Insurance for Newborns in Switzerland?

Newborns are automatically insured upon birth, but parents must insure the infant within three months of the birth date. This is particularly important for newborns as the cost of maternity-related treatments is high, secure insurance coverage before the deadline will cover those costs and that helps a lot.

To do so, parents will need to visit their local civil register to complete preparatory paperwork before giving birth, and complete the several remaining administrative tasks after delivery.

Natural landscape of Switzerland

Private Health Insurance in Switzerland

All insurance is private in Switzerland, but private health insurance here is referring to the top-up coverage for the basic health insurance to distinguish between the two.

With top-up coverage, Swiss residents get access to more medical facilities that support direct billing for their convenience, a broader range of treatments outside basic insurance coverage, and enjoy private room services in hospitals as opposed to shared medical wards.

Should Foreigners Get Private Top-Up Insurance?

Expats and foreigners are recommended to get private top-up insurance, especially from international insurance providers. Their global mobility can be supported with medical coverage wherever their journey takes them.

Residents who foresee themselves from attending regular dental, optical, or mental treatments should also consider getting adequate top-up insurance as these areas are least covered in basic health insurance.

Even if none of the above is applicable to your situation, what you still get is a higher likelihood of getting an English-speaking staff to facilitate doctor-patient communication, more accessible specialist treatments, advanced medical facilities, and shorter wait times.

What are the Best Insurance Companies in Switzerland for Expats?

The top 9 insurance companies that provide international health insurance for expats in Switzerland are:

These insurance companies provide reliable, extensive medical coverage around the globe and in Switzerland. For detailed plan benefits, read more on our article focusing on international health insurance coverage for expats.

Each company has their unique advantages, so it is advisable to shop around, compare, and find out which company offers the most comprehensive coverage within your budget. Experienced brokers with a global presence like Pacific Prime can help you do that without a hustle.

Switzerland in Winter

Cost of Health Insurance in Switzerland

The average premium (annual) for international private health insurance is CHF 4,722 (USD $5,532). It is considered very expensive when compared to that of other European countries. That said, the final premium depends on various factors such as age, gender, existing health conditions, and benefit limits.

A determining factor for health insurance premiums specific to Switzerland is canton. This means where you reside in the country matters. Here are some examples of the most and least expensive cantons:

Most Expensive Cantons: Basel-Stadt, Geneva, Basel-Landschaft
Least Expensive Cantons: Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Uri, Nidwalden

How Can Expats Pay Less Insurance Premiums?

As with all other insurance plans, the insured can adjust the policy’s annual deductibles. Known as the “franchise”, the minimum deductible is CHF 300 (USD $350). You can choose to increase the deductible you pay up to CHF 2,500 (USD $2,930), and that results in lower monthly premiums.

In addition to the deductibles, you also need to co-pay between 10-20% of healthcare expenses up to a maximum of CHF 700 (USD $820) per year.

Other than deductibles, expats can also opt for a policy with less freedom in hospital choices, or a telemedicine-focused policy where you can get medical treatment using electronic devices at a lower cost than face-to-face doctor’s visits.

Pacific Prime is Here to Support Your Journey in Switzerland

Healthcare is expensive and health insurance is necessary in Switzerland. It gives you peace of mind and financial security that you can access the medical services and treatments that you need when facing unexpected illnesses and conditions.

Pacific Prime has over 20 years of experience in assisting countless expats find the ideal insurance plans for their life journeys. Our team of insurance experts can offer you a wide range of policies to meet your needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the quality of healthcare in Switzerland?

Switzerland is known for its high-quality healthcare system, with modern facilities and highly trained medical professionals. It consistently ranks among the top healthcare systems globally.

Can I use my Swiss health insurance abroad?

Basic Swiss health insurance typically covers emergency treatment in other countries, but the coverage may be limited. Additional travel insurance or international health insurance is often recommended for extensive coverage abroad.

How does maternity care work in the Swiss healthcare system?

Maternity care is covered by basic health insurance in Switzerland. This includes check-ups during pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care. There are also additional benefits like breastfeeding support.

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Eric Chung

Content Creator at Pacific Prime

Eric is an experienced content writer specializing in writing creative copies of marketing materials including social media posts, advertisements, landing pages, and video scripts.

Since joining Pacific Prime, Eric was exposed to a new world of insurance. Having learned about insurance products extensively, he has taken joy and satisfaction in helping individuals and businesses manage risks and protect themselves against financial loss through the power of words.

Although born and raised in Hong Kong, he spent a quarter of his life living and studying in the UK. He believes his multicultural experience is a great asset in understanding the needs and wants of expats and globe-trotters.

Eric’s strengths lie in his strong research, analytical, and communication skills, obtained through his BA in Linguistics from the University of York and MSc in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the University of Bristol.

Outside of work, he enjoys some me-time gaming and reading on his own, occasionally going absolutely mental on a night out with friends.