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Healthcare in Switzerland: cost & waiting times

Statutory health insurance

Compulsory private basic insurance ('LaMal/KVG'), bought individually from regulated insurers, with a chosen annual deductible ('franchise', CHF 300–2,500) plus 10% coinsurance up to a cap. Costs are high.

Emergency number: 112 (ambulance 144)

How residents get care

  1. Buy basic insurance within 3 months of arrival — Cover is retroactive to arrival. Premiums vary by canton, insurer and deductible.
  2. Choose your access model — Standard (free choice of doctor), or cheaper 'family doctor' / telemedicine / HMO models that require a first call or GP referral.
  3. Pay, then reclaim — You usually pay the bill and submit it to your insurer, who reimburses above your deductible and coinsurance.

Official waiting-time source

Switzerland has fast access and dense specialist coverage. The issue is cost, not queues.

No national register; waits are short ↗

MilestoneReference
GP appointment2 days (~0w)
Specialist appointment10 days (~1w)

Typical private costs

Typical self-pay prices — for an exact figure use the official links above or ask a clinic for a written quote.

ItemTypical range
GP consultationCHF 100–CHF 180
Specialist consultationCHF 150–CHF 300
MRICHF 600–CHF 1,100
Hospital day, privateCHF 1,500–CHF 3,000

Prescriptions

Medicines are covered subject to your deductible and the 10% coinsurance (20% for some originator drugs where a generic exists).

Visiting Switzerland?

EU/EEA EHIC covers necessary state-system care. Non-Europeans have no cover and face very high bills.

Emergencies Call 144 (ambulance) or 112. Expect a large bill without insurance.

Official links

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