What does a visit to the doctor cost in Switzerland?

Anyone emigrating to Switzerland not only has to worry about housing, work and registration, but also about the complex healthcare system. For people who are planning to move to Switzerland or have recently emigrated to Switzerland, it is crucial to understand the costs of medical visits and how Swiss health insurance works.

Doctor visits in Switzerland: general practitioner vs. specialist

A visit to the GP, for example for a cold, usually costs around 120 francs. Specialists, such as eye or skin specialists, are significantly more expensive and can easily cost CHF 300 or more. It is important for expats to know when a family doctor is sufficient and when a specialist is necessary. In our blog, expats can find out how to plan their medical costs and which insurance options make sense.

Preventive examinations and check-ups

Preventive examinations, often referred to as check-ups and including blood tests, cost between CHF 250 and 400. Anyone emigrating to Switzerland should know that these services are often covered by supplementary insurance so that the deductible of the basic insurance is not charged. If you choose suitable health insurance in Switzerland early on, you can save costs and benefit from comprehensive cover.

Dental treatments in Switzerland

Dental services are also an important part of the healthcare system. An annual dental cleaning costs between 140 and 180 francs, while major procedures such as fillings can cost up to 400 francs. It is advisable for expats emigrating to Switzerland to take out supplementary insurance in good time, as many dental services are not covered by basic insurance.

Compulsory insurance for emigrants

Compulsory health insurance is a key issue for anyone emigrating to Switzerland. Every person living in Switzerland must register with a Swiss health insurance company within three months of arrival. Basic insurance covers medical treatment, but you must pay the deductible yourself. Supplementary insurance can cover additional benefits such as preventive care, dental treatment or alternative medicine. Emergencies for emigrants Anyone emigrating to Switzerland should also know how emergencies are handled. If you do not yet have a family doctor, you can contact the emergency department of the nearest hospital. Emergencies are treated around the clock, even without prior appointment. In life-threatening situations, the emergency number 144 should always be dialled to get help quickly.

Permanence: medical emergency service

In many regions of Switzerland, there is a so-called Permanence, a medical emergency service outside regular consultation hours, for example in the evening, at night or at weekends. If you need urgent medical help but cannot reach your family doctor, you can go to the Permanence. Contact details can be found on the website of the regional medical association or in local information brochures. This is also an important point of contact for expatriates until a permanent family doctor has been found.

Health insurance card not yet received

After moving to Switzerland, it may take a few weeks for the physical health insurance card to arrive. During this time, medical services can still be utilised. In most cases, a temporary insurance document or the membership number sent by the Swiss health insurance company by e-mail or letter is sufficient. It is advisable to have this document to hand when visiting a doctor to ensure smooth billing.

Tips for emigrants

It makes sense for expats emigrating to Switzerland to consult their family doctor first, as this is the cheapest way to have minor ailments treated. Preventive check-ups, dental treatment and alternative therapies are often only covered by supplementary insurance. A higher deductible lowers the monthly premiums, but means higher costs in the event of illness. Choosing Swiss health insurance early on means you can plan better and avoid unpleasant surprises.