Switzerland Fact-File Part 7:
Business Owner Welfare and Lifestyle

7.4 Switzerland Individual Business Healthcare

Health Care

There is no free national health service in Switzerland, and Switzerland is not a member of the European Union so the right that EU citizens enjoy to obtain free health care in other EU countries does not generally apply in Switzerland, although emergency healthcare can be afforded to holders of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC); payment must still be made at the time that the treatment is provided, but can usually be claimed back in the traveller's country of residence on their return.

All residents of Switzerland are required by law to take out some form of health insurance. The legislation states that premiums paid by individuals to take out a health insurance policy must not exceed 8% of their personal income. If the premiums exceed 8%, the federal government may subsidise the difference. Policy excesses reduce the premiums, but require that part of the costs of health care will have to be paid by the policyholder. The average monthly health care insurance premiums for an adult aged over 26 are CHF333 (2009).

The Federal Office of Public Health governs the provision of health care services in Switzerland. All medical services, whether in hospital or not, must be paid by individuals or their insurance policies. Some hospitals even require that an individual must pay a deposit upon admittance.

Normally, a person will see a doctor located in the canton in which they live, although there are exceptions to this. Recent changes to health care provision include the option for an individual to nominate which hospital in which he or she wishes to be treated.

It may be necessary to take out additional health care to cover treatment with dentists and opticians.