Health care system in Switzerland

Switzerland is a country where people from all over the world traditionally go for medical treatment. Already in the Middle Ages local medical centers were very popular. Healthy climate, clean air, healing mountain springs - all this formed the basis for the development of health centers. Today Switzerland is a leader in the field of health care and one of the world's leading producers of medicines.

The Swiss healthcare system - in brief

The Swiss medical system is an efficient model, the costs of which are among the highest in the world. It is a huge extensive network of modern public, private and privately subsidized clinics, employing the most qualified doctors from all over Europe. The country holds leading positions in neurosurgery, cardiac surgery, oncology treatment, orthopedics, plastic and reconstructive surgery. All Swiss medical institutions are equipped with the most modern medical equipment. The basis of financing of the whole system is medical insurance, which is compulsory for all residents.

Switzerland is divided into 20 cantons and 6 semi-cantons. At the same time, the health care system is unified throughout the country - every resident is obliged to have a basic insurance policy. Total expenditures on health care in Switzerland amount to 11.5% of GDP. On average, citizens spend about 10% of their salary on medicine. In 2017, the monthly insurance premium of each adult citizen averaged 447 Swiss francs (more than 27 thousand rubles).

Hospitals and emergency hospitals are maintained with cantonal funds. On the basis of cantonal hospitals there are medical faculties that train specialists in various fields. Private hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, facilities for the disabled and patients with chronic diseases can also receive government subsidies. In this way, the government ensures that local residents receive quality medical care. In addition, the country has a large number of private clinics with a wide range of specializations, from health services to ambulance services.

Hospitals and emergency hospitals are maintained with cantonal funds. On the basis of cantonal hospitals there are medical faculties that train specialists in various fields. Private hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, facilities for the disabled and patients with chronic diseases can also receive government subsidies. In this way, the government ensures that local residents receive quality medical care. In addition, the country has a large number of private clinics with a wide range of specializations, from health services to ambulance services.

A basic insurance policy includes:
- outpatient treatment
- emergency care
- home medical care
- payment for medicines from the approved list prescribed by a doctor
- Pregnancy support, gynecological examinations, prenatal classes and assistance during childbirth
- immunizations
- post-traumatic and post-operative rehabilitation.

Switzerland has long realized that the rehabilitation period is the most important part of treatment. That is why they have created a unique institute of nurses who have a very high level of medical training: they independently prescribe and cancel medicines, work with technological equipment and can even provide psychological help if necessary. Clinics here resemble five-star hotels with luxurious rooms and first-class cuisine. Modern diagnostics, full screening upon admission and constant monitoring of the patient's health are the three pillars on which the entire Swiss healthcare system rests. And impeccable standards of comfort during rehabilitation allow to ensure quick recovery.
Treatment in Switzerland is a step that is difficult to take on your own. Finding a clinic, translating documents for consultation, concluding a contract, visa support, transfer and other issues can be a real puzzle. It is possible to do it yourself, but it is better to leave this work to professionals.

Presentation of the health care system in Switzerland You can also read and download the pdf file: Health Care System in Switzerland - presentation in Russian language

This presentation was prepared by the Federal Office of Public Health and the Swiss Red Cross.

As well as you can read and download the pdf file: Health care system in Switzerland - presentation in Russian

This presentation was prepared by the Federal Office of Public Health and the Swiss Red Cross