Switzerland regularly tops global rankings for the quality of its healthcare, but its healthcare system differs significantly from most European countries. There is no classic free public healthcare here – instead, there is mandatory private insurance for all residents, including citizens of Germany, Italy, France, Portugal and Spain. For expats, this means one thing: understanding the rules of health insurance in Switzerland is crucial before moving.

In this guide, we will look at how the healthcare system in Switzerland works, how much health insurance that covers a basic policy costs and how to avoid costly mistakes after arrival.

Health insurance is a reliable protection for travelers and those planning a long stay outside their country. The policy usually covers the costs of medical care, emergency hospitalization, medical evacuation, as well as unforeseen situations during the trip.

Order health insurance with optimal coverage and a validity period – from a few days to a year or more.

Swiss medicine is built on a mixed public-private model. The state sets the rules and standards, but all medical services are financed through mandatory private insurance.

Everyone who lives in Switzerland for more than 90 days – including foreigners, students and family members – is required to take out basic health insurance (LAMal / KVG). It is offered exclusively by private insurance companies, but its conditions are regulated by federal law.

Important: you can only register with the system after arriving in the country and registering with the canton. However, it is better to start looking for an insurer in advance.

No. Despite the universal nature of the system, there is no free public healthcare in Switzerland. All residents – both citizens and expats – pay for their own health insurance. Even pensioners and children have their own individual policies.

At the same time, the state guarantees equal access to healthcare: insurers are not entitled to refuse basic coverage or increase the tariff due to chronic diseases.

Health insurance in Switzerland is mandatory for:

- Expats and residents staying in the country for more than 90 days;

- Digital nomads and remote workers;

- Family members and dependents;

- Newborns (registration within 3 months of birth).

Exceptions exist, but they are few: some students with international insurance, cross-border workers, diplomats and pensioners with EU/EFTA pensions.

The basic policy is the same for all insurance companies and covers 80–90% of treatment costs. It includes:

- consultations with a general practitioner;

- treatment in public hospitals;

- emergency medical care;

- prescription drugs;

- pregnancy and childbirth;

- vaccinations and preventive examinations;

- rehabilitation;

- partly mental health;

- some alternative treatments.

Not included: dentistry, private wards, glasses for adults, scheduled cosmetic procedures.

The cost of insurance depends on the canton, age and the chosen deductible. On average:

- Adults: 300–600 CHF per month;

- Young adults: 220–400 CHF;

- Children: 100–200 CHF.

The most expensive cantons: Geneva, Basel-Stadt, Vaud.

The cheapest: Appenzell Innerrhoden, Nidwalden, Uri.

In addition to the monthly premiums, there is a deductible – an amount you pay yourself before the insurance starts to cover the costs. It ranges from 300 to 2,500 CHF per year.

If you plan to stay in Switzerland for more than 90 days, the law requires you to take out health insurance within three months of registering at your place of residence. The process is quite simple and consists of several steps.

You have the right to choose any licensed Swiss insurer from the official list. All companies offer the same basic coverage package approved by the state, but the cost of policies and the level of service may vary.

After choosing an insurer, you must fill out an application and provide a standard package of documents: a residence permit or confirmation of the submitted application, a residence address in Switzerland, a passport or ID card, and in some cases, a social security number. Many insurance companies allow you to apply for a policy online.

When you sign up, you choose a service model – standard, HMO, Telmed or family doctor model. You also need to set an annual deductible – from 300 to 2,500 Swiss francs. The higher the deductible, the lower the monthly premium.

Basic health insurance covers general practitioner consultations, treatment in public hospitals, emergency care, maternity care and most prescription drugs. At the same time, dental services, private wards and alternative medicine are paid for separately or through additional insurance policies.

Many Swiss residents take out additional policies to expand their coverage. These can include:

- dental treatment;

- alternative medicine;

- private clinics and wards;

- a wider choice of doctors.

Unlike basic insurance, such policies are not mandatory, and insurance companies have the right to refuse due to health conditions.

Most insurance models require you to first consult your family doctor. More expensive plans allow you to immediately make an appointment with a specialist.

Doctors usually work by appointment, and cancellations less than 24 hours in advance may result in a fine. The average waiting time is from a few hours to a few days.

Pharmacies in Switzerland are easy to find in any city. Most are open from 9:00 to 17:00, closed on Sundays. Each region has a pharmacy on duty for emergencies.

Branded medicines are expensive, so it is worth asking for generics.

In case of an emergency:

- 144 – ambulance;

- 112 is the pan-European number.

Emergency care is not fully covered, so additional insurance may be useful.

Childbirth in Switzerland can be done in a hospital, birth center, or at home. Without insurance, it can cost 7,000-9,000 CHF. With a basic policy, most of the costs are covered.

Although giving birth does not automatically grant citizenship, it can make it easier to obtain a Swiss passport in the future.

Advantages of the Swiss healthcare system

- Same standard of medicine for everyone;

- High level of hospitals and specialists;

- No discrimination based on health status.

Disadvantages of Swiss healthcare

- High cost;

- Significant out-of-pocket expenses;

- Mandatory insurance even for short stays.

The Swiss healthcare system is complex but logical. If you take out insurance on time, choose the right deductible, and understand what your policy covers, you will have access to one of the best healthcare systems in the world - without the stress and unexpected costs.

Before moving, it is worth budgeting for medical expenses in advance and considering additional insurance for full protection.

Switzerland has one of the most expensive healthcare systems in Europe, and having health insurance is mandatory for anyone staying in the country for more than 90 days. A properly selected policy will help avoid high costs for treatment, hospitalization, and emergency care.

You can purchase a reliable health insurance policy from a trusted agent on the Visit World portal!

Let us remind you! Switzerland is a popular country among expats, as it guarantees its residents safety, highly developed healthcare and education systems, and is a real haven of peace near major European capitals. Working here also has numerous advantages. We have already told you how many foreigners will be able to obtain the right to work in Switzerland in 2025.