Healthcare system and treatment in Switzerland for foreigners: cost of medical services and visa application

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Switzerland

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Healthcare system and treatment in Switzerland for foreigners: cost of medical services and visa application

The healthcare system of Switzerland is one of the best not only in Europe but also in the world. It is financed by the state at a high level, so it makes it possible to ensure high-quality medical services and high qualifications of specialists.
That is why in Switzerland not only high-quality treatment is provided, and patients feel like they are in elite hotels, but also extremely complex and high-tech operations are performed. Due to these advantages, not only the local population is treated in Switzerland but also many foreigners. After all, statistics always tell the truth: the average life expectancy of a Swiss is 82 years.

European Health Insurance Card. Read here how to get preferential medical care in the EU countries.

Types of treatment in Switzerland 

People come to this country for treatment not only for conservative treatment but also for operations. Swiss doctors can without exaggeration be called the best - here they know how to treat diseases that have not even been heard of in other countries. In particular, medical specialists in neurosurgery, diseases of the eyes and ENT organs, oncology, cardiology, reproductive medicine, surgery, and others are famous for their outstanding achievements and scientific breakthroughs. 
People also often come to Switzerland for rehabilitation, plastic surgery, aesthetic cosmetology, rejuvenation, etc.
As for medical facilities, the whole country is covered by a network of various medical clinics, centers, and medical practices. Payment for the provided medical services is made at the expense of medical insurance. That's why every Swiss or anyone who lives in the country for more than three months pays monthly insurance premiums.



How to go to Switzerland for treatment?

For treatment in Switzerland, you usually need a Schengen category C visa, which allows you to stay in the country for up to 3 months.
To go for treatment in Switzerland, you need to prepare the following list of documents:
1. Schengen visa application (can be filled out in English, French, Italian, or German) with signature;
2. Two passport-size photos;
3. Domestic and foreign passports;
4. Copies of foreign passport pages with Schengen visas;
5. Health insurance policy;
6. Evidence of solvency (this can be your bank account statement or a certificate from the place of work about the availability of the appropriate salary level, etc.).
If you are taking a child for treatment, you will additionally need an entry permit for children traveling without their parents or with one of them. A birth certificate and a certificate from the educational institution regarding the child's absence during the educational process are also required. All documents must be translated into one of the four languages mentioned above.
The original and a copy of the certificate from the medical institution confirming the intention to take the patient for treatment are also required. A receipt for partial or full payment for treatment must be attached to this document.

The cost of treatment in Switzerland

Although treatment in Switzerland is the second highest in Europe, and its economy is one of the most developed and stable, the prices for treatment here are quite democratic. 
In particular, the cost of medical services here is very different from the average European one. There are public and private clinics here. Of course, medical care in private institutions is somewhat more expensive. And in general, the price policy also depends on the clinic to which you apply.
We will guide you in the prices for various medical services in Switzerland, at least approximately:
Urological, gynecological examination, mammography - 1300-1700 francs;
Full body ultrasonography - 2,900 francs;
Doctor's consultation with a prescription - 7,000 francs;
Examination of the cardiovascular system with the purpose of treatment - 2,500 francs;
Visit the dentist - 800 francs;
Treatment of organs of the digestive system - 4,000 francs;
Orthopedic surgery - 25-50 thousand francs
Important: All prices are approximate.
People also often go to Switzerland to give birth. After all, childbirth in this country is associated with safety, comfort, and quality. The birth of a child in a private hospital will cost 30,000 francs for a natural birth and 43,000 for a cesarean section. The price includes all related services – accommodation, food, care, etc.

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