Health insurance is mandatory in Switzerland. Every person residing in Switzerland must be insured with a Swiss health insurance fund or private insurance company within three months of entry or birth. This compulsory insurance covers basic care in the event of illness, accidents and maternity.
Each person can choose between different health insurances. Persons who do not have a permanent residence in Switzerland have a wider selection of insurance options. Persons residing permanently in Switzerland must choose between the statutory health insurance funds. Although the basic insurance benefits are regulated by law and are therefore the same across all health insurers, premiums may vary depending on the provider and the chosen plan.
Accident and emergency departments are incorporated into almost all larger hospitals and many regional hospitals. They provide immediate medical care in the event of acute illnesses and accidents. You can go there if you have a medical emergency and need immediate assistance or if your health is likely to be impaired if the condition is not treated immediately.
If you are not able to make your own way to the accident and emergency department, call 112, the official medical emergency number within Switzerland and the EU. Please note that both emergency transport and admissions to the accident and emergency department involve additional costs, which are not incurred when receiving care from a specialist doctor.
A large number of hospitals in Switzerland are operated by public, non-profit and private sponsors. They offer a wide range of medical services – from basic care to highly specialized treatments.
You can find a comprehensive overview of hospitals in your canton here: Search hospital.
Specialist doctors in Switzerland work in hospitals as well as private practices. They specialize in specific medical fields.
If there is no emergency, an initial consultation will usually take place in a doctor's practice and not in a hospital. If you have a specific condition, first find out which medical speciality is most applicable and make an appointment with a specialist in this field. You can find a list of specialists in the Register of medical professions. The most frequently used specialities are as follows:
Doctors in general internal medicine are often the first point of contact for patients and offer comprehensive medical care for adults. They diagnose and treat a wide range of illnesses and coordinate further specialist care if necessary. In group practices, they often work closely with other specialists to ensure holistic and continuous care.
Psychiatrists and psychotherapists in Switzerland are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses. They offer support for depression, anxiety disorders, addictions and many other mental health problems. By working in multidisciplinary teams in clinics or health centres, they can develop comprehensive and individual treatment regimes involving both medication and psychotherapy.
Gynaecologists and obstetricians specialize in women's health. They offer comprehensive care in areas such as pregnancy, childbirth, menstrual disorders and gynaecological diseases, as well as preventive examinations. By working closely with other specialists and midwives in health centres and hospitals, they ensure holistic care for women at all stages of life.
There are many other medical specialities in Switzerland that offer specialized medical care. These include cardiology, neurology, orthopaedics and dermatology, to name but a few.
In addition to hospitals and medical practices, pharmacies are a good place to go if you have general health questions. Pharmacists in Switzerland undergo many years of intensive training and have extensive specialist knowledge. They usually offer advice over the counter without an appointment and can provide a variety of over-the-counter medications. You can also pick up prescription medication here with an appropriate prescription.
In addition, many pharmacists carry out health checks such as blood pressure readings or cholesterol tests.
Drugstores complement this offering with a wide range of health and care products, including vitamins, supplements, skincare products and natural remedies. You can also get over-the-counter medication here. Drugstores and pharmacies are often integrated into health centres or can be found in close proximity to each other in order to ensure comprehensive care and advice.