Where is the best medicine in the world? Are there any disadvantages of Swiss medicine?

Switzerland's medical system is considered one of the best in the world, and the life expectancy of residents is one of the highest, according to the World Health Organization.

We’re going to tell you all about the advantages and disadvantages of Swiss medicine in the following video by Oksana Dolgova. She is a psychologist, coach, and volunteer who moved to Switzerland because of the war in Ukraine and has already experienced all the nuances of the medical system.

All medical care is chargeable

Even though the Swiss state budget annually allocates considerable sums for healthcare, there is no free healthcare in the country. Health insurance is paid and mandatory. And not only for citizens of the state but also for everyone who is on its territory.

«The cost of a minimum medical policy is 300 francs. And every resident of the country must be insured,» says volunteer Oksana in video

Patients can choose among hundreds of insurance companies and be sure of their performance. The state strictly controls this. That’s why, insurance companies offer a huge selection of policies for any amount or need. But in any case, the cost of insurance is a significant part of the family budget. At least three and a half thousand francs per person must be paid annually, which is more than 135 thousand hryvnias (at the moment).

How does the compulsory insurance system work for Ukrainians in Switzerland?

Currently, healthcare in Switzerland is free for Ukrainians. An insurance policy will still have to be purchased, but it will be paid for either from the budget of the canton (region) or the municipality where the refugee resides.

«A big advantage for Ukrainians is that the state covers insurance not at the minimum cost (300 francs), but at a slightly higher price than usual – 500 francs,» says Oksana.

Similarly, disadvantaged people who cannot afford to insure themselves also have access to medical services.

What should Ukrainians do after obtaining health insurance?

The first thing is to find a family doctor in the district where you live. If the doctor is from another region, the insurance company will not pay for his or her services.

«To do this, you need to go to the website of your canton. And among numerous family doctors, you try to choose one and make an appointment,» advises volunteer Oksana.

Nowadays, it is not so easy to sign an agreement with a family doctor in Switzerland because doctors are overworked. A family doctor is a guide to all other medical services. It is he or she who determines which tests are necessary, whether there is a need for a consultation with a subspecialist, and prescribes medications.

Are there any waiting lists for doctors in Switzerland?

«You have to wait a month and a half to two months to see a family doctor. And this is the norm in Switzerland,» Oksana shares her experience.

Of course, if the situation is urgent, you can go to the emergency room, but you will have to wait in line for 3–4 hours.

To get an appointment with a narrow specialist without emergency conditions, you will need a referral from your family doctor and several months.

You can get a consultation without a queue and quickly for cash – with a private doctor, and the insurance company does not reimburse these costs. And they are considerable. The cost of an appointment starts at 300 euros, and then you will have to pay 100–200 euros for all additional examinations.

What medicines can be bought in pharmacies without a prescription from a family doctor?

In Swiss pharmacies, you can easily buy any kind of medicine. Even antibiotics and antidepressants.

If a patient wants to be reimbursed for the cost of medicines, he or she should only go to the pharmacy with a prescription from a doctor. But it’s worth noting that Swiss doctors are not fans of prescribing medications.

In addition to the philosophy of letting the body fight the disease on its own, prescriptions can also be influenced by strict control by insurance companies. If insurers have doubts about the appropriateness of a prescription, a doctor may even face litigation.

What should you know about emergency medical care in Switzerland?

The ambulance responds to absolutely all calls. But there is a nuance. If the doctors decide that the patient’s life isn’t in danger, the insurance company will not reimburse the cost of the call, and the patient will have to pay for the trip out of their pocket.

Does Swiss medicine provide for inpatient treatment?

Swiss doctors will try to treat the patient as much as possible on an outpatient basis. And there is no need for sick leave.

If the situation is really serious, the patient will be admitted to a hospital where he or she will receive the best medical services.

How do you get an appointment with a dentist or ophthalmologist?

Dentistry and ophthalmology are not included in basic insurance, even in its premium version. Because the services of these doctors are costly. So, most locals go abroad for dental treatment.

The main advantages of Swiss medicine

Every year, the country’s state budget allocates considerable funds for medicine. These funds are used to purchase state-of-the-art equipment for public medical institutions, to train personnel, and to conduct research.

Close cooperation has been established between Swiss universities and research institutes, which ensures that future doctors receive first-class professional training and patients receive the latest developments from scientists.

In addition, the headquarters of leading pharmaceutical companies are located in Switzerland, which allows clinics to quickly access the latest medicines, for example, for the treatment of cancer.