General practitioners (GPs) & doctors in Switzerland

Your first port of call for accessing healthcare in Switzerland is usually a type of doctor known as a general practitioner (GP) - but not always. This is because how you interact with doctors and the healthcare system in general is dependent on the health insurance model you have chosen. This page explains what you need to know about going to the doctor in Switzerland, from registering with a GP to making an appointment. 

The Swiss system of doctors

In Switzerland, great importance is placed on patients having the freedom to choose their own healthcare providers. Indeed, this right is regulated in Article 41 of the Federal Law on Health Insurance (KVG), which stipulates that - in principle - every person has the freedom to choose their doctor and care facility. 

This means that even someone with basic health insurance can choose which doctor they wish to go to for each treatment, and visit a specialist without a referral. This is different to the system in many other countries around the world. 

If you are covered by a standard health insurance policy, therefore, you are free to register with and make appointments with whichever doctor you prefer. You can find more information on this below. 

However, some health insurance companies provide alternative models of basic insurance that offer cheaper policies by reducing the range of medical professionals the patient has access to. These models include: 

• The family doctor model
• The health maintenance organisation (HMO) model
• The TelMed model
• The MultiAccess model

The family doctor model

Under the family doctor model, you must first speak to your regular GP about any medical concerns. They can then refer you on to a specialist, if necessary, but will continue to coordinate all further treatments and referrals. 

Under this model, you can freely choose your primary GP, but must then obtain recommendations from them for all other medical treatments and specialist referrals. 

Since family doctors are in short supply in Switzerland, it can sometimes be difficult to find a practice that is accepting new patients. 

The health maintenance organisation (HMO) model

The health maintenance organisation (HMO) model is similar to the family doctor model, but instead of choosing a specific doctor, you choose a specific medical practice or healthcare organisation that will provide your primary medical care.

All of your treatments must be arranged through this HMO and only doctors employed there are able to treat you. The HMO will arrange referrals to specialists, if necessary, and you must follow their recommendations. 

The TelMed model

Under the TelMed model, you must first have a telephone consultation with a specialist helpline. They will give you advice, or book you in to see a GP if necessary. You cannot go directly to the doctor of your choice without a prior telephone consultation, unless it’s an emergency. 

The MultiAccess model

Under the MultiAccess model, you can choose flexibly between consulting your regular GP, a specialist helpline, or a partner pharmacy for your medical concerns. You will be referred to a specialist if necessary. 

Finding a doctor in Switzerland

Depending on which model of health insurance you are covered by, you may have a wider or more limited pool of doctors you can choose from. 

With supplemental insurance, you have the greatest range of options. Some policies, for example, offer free choice of doctors as an add-on. You might also get the option of treatment in private hospitals or by specific specialists. They sometimes also cover specialised treatment methods and promise shorter waiting times. 

When looking for a doctor, in the first instance you should contact your health insurer, as they will be able to explain if you are free to choose your own doctor, and perhaps also provide you with a list of recommended providers. You may be required to choose your primary care provider from a list of options. 

If you have free choice, as well as getting recommendations from friends and family, you can also check online portals such as:

• The Swiss Medical Association
• doktor.ch

When choosing a doctor, you should consider: 

• The type of doctor they are
• The qualifications they have
• The languages they speak
• Their location and opening hours
• How they bill patients 

Online doctor’s offices

A number of providers in Switzerland also offer online services that allow you to access health professionals from the comfort of home. For example, Mobidoctor gives you the option of having an online consultation with an English-speaking doctor seven days a week between 8am and 10pm.

Registering with a doctor

Once you have found a suitable doctor, and confirmed that they are accepting new patients, you can register as a new patient.

You only need to register if you’re covered by a family doctor, HMO or MultiAccess model health insurance plan. If you have general access health insurance or a TelMed model health insurance plan, you can normally just book your first appointment or telephone consultation without formally registering. 

To register, you may be asked for: 

• A form of ID
• Details of your health insurance 
• Your residence permit (if applicable)

Booking an appointment with a doctor in Switzerland

You can book an appointment with a doctor over the phone. Some doctors, particularly those in larger cities in Switzerland, also offer online bookings. Swiss doctors typically do not have long waiting lists and will be able to fit you in within a few days to a couple of weeks at the most. 

When booking your appointment, you should try to describe your condition as accurately as possible so that your problem can be dealt with in the best way.

Booking GP appointments with Telmed health insurance

The process of booking an appointment is different if you have the Telmed model of health insurance. You must call a specialist helpline in the first instance. This pre-consultation call will take around 20 minutes. If the helpline determines that you need to seek medical attention, they will book you to see your GP or refer you to a hospital.

What to expect at your appointment

If it is your first visit to the doctor, you may be asked to fill out a form with some personal information. You will also be asked to provide a form of ID and your health insurance card. It’s a good idea to also bring a list of any prescription or non-prescription medication you have been taking. 

During your appointment, the doctor will ask you to describe your symptoms and may conduct an examination, if necessary.

Next steps after your appointment 

Your doctor will advise you as to the next steps after your appointment. Depending on your condition, this may include:

• Prescription medication
• Referral to another doctor or specialist
• Admission to a hospital
• Scans or further tests

Paying for an appointment at a Swiss doctor

A consultation with a doctor in Switzerland usually costs around 100-200 CHF, depending on location and the services provided. 

Your health insurance will in most cases cover the cost, depending on how high your defined annual deductible is, and the type of policy you have. You will also often be asked for a co-payment towards certain treatments. 

Depending on your health insurance policy, you may be asked to pay for your doctor’s appointment upfront and then submit a claim to your health insurance to be reimbursed. Alternatively, your doctor may bill your health insurance company directly. Check with your health insurer to be sure. 

Emergency care in Switzerland

If you are involved in an accident or it’s a medical emergency, it is always best to contact the emergency services. 

People who have suffered an injury or serious condition can always book to see a doctor - no matter what form of health insurance they have - if it is clear and obvious that urgent medical attention is required. In many cases, your accident and occupational diseases insurance will cover the cost of treatment, rather than your health insurance.