Switzerland’s Healthcare System: What Expats Need to Know
Switzerland has an exceptionally high standard of healthcare. In fact, the Swiss healthcare system is considered one of the best in the world. The World Health Organization ranks it as 20th overall in the world. The country is ranked first on the 2018 European Health Consumer Index. Switzerland scores particularly well in terms of accessibility, health outcomes, and staffing.
Additionally, Switzerland has the highest nurse-to-population ratio among OECD countries. There are about 17 nurses per thousand people. If you ever need to see a doctor or visit a hospital, Switzerland’s healthcare system makes the process easy and comfortable.
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How Healthcare in Switzerland is Organized
Healthcare in Switzerland is universal. While each canton has numerous administrative responsibilities, the system as a whole is highly regulated through the Swiss Federal Law on Health Insurance.
However, there are no free state-provided services. The system is not tax-based, and employers do not finance it. Instead, private health insurance is mandatory for all individuals residing in Switzerland.
Additionally, there are some partially subsidized private services. They include postpartum home care services and assistance for those recovering from illnesses and accidents.
While private health insurance is mandatory, residents have a lot of flexibility. Patients can choose from their preferred insurance providers. The basic packages – which is the minimum that people must hold -are always economical, as the companies cannot profit from selling them.
This basic health and accident insurance is known as “soziale krankenversicherung” in Swiss German, “assurance maladie” in French, and “assicurazione-mallatie” in Italian.
Costs and Funding in Switzerland’s Healthcare System
As of 2016, Switzerland’s healthcare expenditure, as a percentage of GDP, is the highest in Europe. The country spends 12.3% of its GDP on healthcare, up from 11.7% in 2015.
In Switzerland, patients pay up to 8% of their personal income towards the cost of a basic insurance plan. If their premiums exceed 8% of their income, the government provides a cash subsidy to cover the difference. Additionally, residents with low incomes are eligible for discounts on their insurance premiums.
Insurance doesn’t pay for all healthcare costs. Patients in Switzerland typically pay a portion of the cost of their medical treatment. Each patient has an annual deductible that ranges between 300 and 2500 Swiss Francs.
Patients must pay the set deductible before their insurance coverage takes effect. Additionally, patients are responsible for covering 10% of the costs for most medical appointments. This co-payment is capped at a maximum of 700 Francs a year.
The Differences Between Private and Public Care
Insurance companies in Switzerland are required to offer basic insurance to everyone. They cannot refuse on the basis of age, sex, or medical condition.
Additionally, they cannot make a profit on the sale of basic insurance. However, they can sell additional supplemental or complementary insurance plans.
As such, Switzerland has one of the largest private healthcare sectors globally. This benefits patients because all the competition creates a good amount of choice.
These complementary plans provide coverage for items not typically covered by basic insurance. This includes alternative medicine and dental treatments.
They also give patients the opportunity to upgrade the type of room they receive in the event of hospitalization.
Unlike the basic insurance program, complementary plans are risk-based. This means they can set their rates based on the applicant’s health, age, and other factors.
Although basic health insurance coverage is very comprehensive, more than 80% of Swiss residents have supplementary coverage.
These private plans enable patients to have a single room during their hospital stay. It also means you have a choice of doctors and significantly reduced wait times.
Who is Eligible For Coverage
Health insurance in Switzerland isn’t a matter of eligibility. Health insurance is mandatory! Anyone who is legally resident in Switzerland is required to have health insurance.
The actual amount you pay for your basic insurance coverage varies depending on the company. Some of the factors that determine the price include the level of coverage you choose, your location, and whether you opt for any additional supplemental plans.
With about 60 different insurance companies to choose from, there’s no shortage of choice for patients. If you’re not happy with your insurance provider, you can change once a year, provided you give adequate notice.
However, if you don’t make a choice within three months of arrival, the government might choose for you. If this happens, you might end up with more expensive premiums than you want or miss out on key services.
Healthcare Options for Expats and Foreigners
Residents of other European Union countries can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for short-term visits to Switzerland.
This program enables EU residents to access basic healthcare at the same rate as Swiss residents. The EHIC card is free, but you must apply for one before you leave home.
Aside from short-term visitors, all residents of Switzerland need to sign up for basic health insurance coverage. You have 90 days after your arrival to join an insurance plan.
The first step is to register with your local cantonal authorities upon arrival in Switzerland. After that, when you select your preferred provider, you will need to provide additional documents.
The insurance company will likely require identification, such as your passport or a Swiss residence permit, as well as proof of address, such as a utility bill. Upon completion of registration, you’ll receive your health insurance card in the mail.
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Maternity Care in Switzerland
Switzerland’s healthcare system includes comprehensive maternity care. Expectant mothers have several options when it comes to prenatal care and delivery in Switzerland.
Women can choose from the services of midwives, obstetricians, or general practitioners for their maternal care. Under basic health insurance, pregnant women can choose to deliver at home, in a hospital, or at a designated birthing center.
The state covers all associated costs of prenatal care from the 12th week of pregnancy onwards. This includes tests, checkups, antenatal classes, the delivery itself, lactation consultations, and a postnatal checkup.
Babies are not automatically registered for health insurance, and parents must take care of this administrative task after they are born.
Additionally, before giving birth, expectant mothers will need to visit their local civil registry, accompanied by the father-to-be, to complete the preparatory paperwork.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
Joe Cronin, President of ICI, is a leading expert in international health, life, and travel insurance. An MBA and founder of multiple global businesses, he helps expatriates and travelers access trusted, comprehensive insurance solutions worldwide.
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