Health care in Switzerland is universal, meaning it covers all members of society. The health care system is world-class and life expectancy is 79.4 years for men and 84.2 years for women - among the highest in the world.
Spending on health care is also very high and always increasing. The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) is responsible for promoting and maintaining the good health of all people living in Switzerland.
The Health care System
The Swiss health care system is one of the best in the world. There is an extensive network of hospitals and doctors, waiting lists are short, and the latest technology is available. These services are also some of the most expensive in the world, and the many facets of the insurance scheme help defray cost to the patient.
Health care in Switzerland is privately run, although the government decrees that by law all citizens must be covered by a basic package of health care services. A basic package includes treatment for illness or accident and pregnancy with each person covering part of their treatment themselves. Patients are free to choose their own doctor and have unlimited access to specialists.
General Practitioner/Doctor
Access to doctors and specialists is provided for with even basic insurance. Determine what kind of doctor you need. A General Practitioner (G.P.) is usually called Arzt für Allgemeinmedizin or Praktischer Arzt. People usually go here first as they prescribe drugs, treat acute and chronic illnesses, and provide preventive care and health education. If they need additional assistance or specialized care, they may receive an "Ueberweisung" (referral) to a specialist or consultant (Facharzt). It is also possible to see a specialist first if you decide to contact them first. Specialist fields include gynecology, oncology, pediatrics and dermatology
Citizens can register with the doctor of their choice. Private doctors take care of most outpatient treatment. Waiting times are generally very short and people usually make an advance appointment. There is usually a longer waiting period to see a consultant.
How to Find a Doctor
Doctors (German: Arzt/ French: Medicin) can be found in the Yellow Pages under Allgemeine Medizin or médecin généraliste. You can also look for recommendations among friends and acquaintances, or ask for recommendations on forums. There is also a helpful website to locate doctors: http://www.doktor.ch/or
http://www.medregom.admin.ch/. If you need a doctor that speaks your native language, contact your embassy or consulate as they can often provide a list.
Payment
All treatment is paid by the patient or their insurance company and fees are extremely high. Swiss doctors and hospitals send a bill for their treatment, which must be paid within 30 days. You must submit the bill to your insurance company for reimbursement.
Non-residents without sufficient insurance coverage will have to pay a deposit once admitted to hospital. This is usually between CHF 2000 to 10,000.
Update 26/02/2014
Expatriate health insurance in Switzerland
With so much to deal with before leaving your home country, (taxes, moving house, paperwork etc.) the careful planning of your expatriation to Zurich is an essential step. As far as healthcare is concerned, your local social security scheme won’t be accompanying you to your host country and, once abroad, you might be surprised by the care system you find in Switzerland So, before leaving, make sure you have appropriate cover!
Cigna is one of the world's biggest international insurers with more than 30 years' experience in providing global health insurance across 200 countries and territories. They have access to more than 1.65 million hospitals, physicians, clinics and specialists worldwide.
Cigna Global's flexible plans are specifically designed for expats and globally mobile individuals who move to Switzerland. All their plans can be tailored to your individual requirements in Switzerland, always finding the right healthcare solution, whatever the situation and budget.
Getting a health insurance quote
Create your perfect plan with Cigna and combine the reassurance of comprehensive inpatient cover with the flexibility of optional extra benefits.
Click on the button to access the online tool and get a quote in 2 minutes.