Health Insurance in Switzerland, Europe

Information expatriation

Capital City:Bern
Total area: 41,284 km2
Population: 7,619,800 (2008)
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time zones by country
Calling Code: +41 XXX

Practical Information:

Wikipedia Switzerland

Health Product: Travel Insurance and Health insurance
Health Insurance information and Sanitary Risk:   World Health Map
BLOG: Expat Health insurance Information

Here is a brief description of the healthcare system in the country:

·      Switzerland has a universal multi-payer healthcare system that is regulated at the federal level.

·      It is primarily privately administered through non-profit insurers who offer regulated, compulsory health plans.

·      Swiss citizens and residents purchase private health insurance and have freedom to choose insurers and plans.

·      Insurers can charge higher premiums for those who don't buy coverage when they're young and healthy.

·      Insurers contract with healthcare providers like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and pharmacists directly.

·      Coverage includes primary care, inpatient/outpatient services, maternity, prescription drugs, etc.

·      The government subsidizes premiums for low-income residents on a sliding scale.

·      Primary care physicians act as gatekeepers for referrals to specialists and hospitals.

·      Quality is considered very high but costs are rising due to population aging and medical advances.

·      User fees still exist for certain services which are deducted from insurance reimbursements.

·      Preventive care and wellness measures are emphasized through the Swiss health promotion program.

Here are some key health considerations for expatriates living in the country:

·      Purchase mandatory basic health insurance within 3 months of arrival from a private insurer.

·      Consider supplementary insurance for services like alternative/dental care not fully covered.

·      Choose an insurer and plan that provides access to preferred doctors/hospitals in your area.

·      Bring adequate supplies of prescription medications and documentation.

·      Vaccinations should be up to date, especially if traveling domestically.

·      Learn some basic German/French/Italian medical phrases as language ability varies.

·      Monitor any impacts from lifestyle/altitude adjustments on physical or mental health.

·      Register your address with your embassy in case emergency assistance is needed abroad.

·      Save receipts for full reimbursement of deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums each year.

·      Consider ways to minimize costs through low-premium plans or HMO-style care networks.

·      Supplemental private insurance helps avoid large user fees at point of service.