Hospitals in Switzerland

Switzerland has a large number of modern and well-equipped hospitals, all offering a high standard of medical care. Whether you need emergency treatment, have been referred to a hospital and want to know what to expect, or are planning a visit to a friend or family member receiving care, our guide to hospitals in Switzerland explains the basics. 

The hospital system in Switzerland

The hospital system in Switzerland is a mixed patchwork of public and private establishments that are all operated by a federal framework and administered by the Swiss cantons. This ensures a comprehensive standard of care nationwide. 

Hospitals themselves are funded partly by their local cantons (who contribute about 25% of their funding) and by health insurance companies, who cover the rest. 

As of 2023, there were 275 hospitals in Switzerland (including 15 birthing centres), which collectively provided treatment for around 1,5 million patients. The Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) categorises these facilities as either general hospitals or specialised clinics:

• General hospitals provide general care and can be subdivided into centralised care hospitals (which are larger establishments) and basic care hospitals
• Specialised clinics include birthing centres, rehabilitation clinics and psychiatric clinics

Going to hospital in Switzerland

Generally speaking, you need a referral from a doctor to receive treatment at a Swiss hospital, unless it is a medical emergency. Here’s what you need to know about going to the hospital in Switzerland. 

Can I choose which hospital I am treated at?

In theory, yes you can choose the hospital where you receive treatment. Basic health insurance should cover the cost of stays in hospitals listed in your local canton’s list of hospitals. 

If you receive treatment outside of your canton of residence, your basic health insurance will only cover costs up to the rate of your canton of residence. You will have to cover any costs that exceed this, unless you have supplemental health insurance that covers them. 

Health insurance companies also conclude contracts with individual hospitals (i.e. even hospitals not on the cantonal list) - and equally on the other hand do not cover the cost of care at certain hospitals or with certain healthcare professionals - so if in doubt contact your health insurer to make sure your treatment is covered. 

If you have an alternative model of health insurance, such as TelMed, you may not be free to choose your own hospital. Check with your insurer to make sure. 

Can I choose my own doctor?

Whether or not you can choose which doctor treats you in hospital depends on your health insurance coverage. Generally, you are not able to choose, but with certain supplementary insurance plans you can choose extras such as: 

• Free choice of hospital doctor
• Semi-private hospital rooms
• Private hospital rooms

Find your closest hospital

To find your closest hospital in Switzerland, you can search the BAG’s directory. You can search by canton, by hospital type, or by name. 

Emergency treatment in Switzerland 

If you have a medical emergency in Switzerland, you should call the ambulance on 144 or attend the emergency room of your local hospital. Many cantons also have an emergency medical phone line that you can call for advice in the first instance. 

The cost of your emergency treatment in hospital should be covered by your health insurance, but it’s worth noting that an ambulance call-out in Switzerland can be an expensive business, and call-outs for illnesses (rather than accidents) are not always fully covered by basic health insurance. If you can make your own way to the hospital, this is usually preferred. 

If it’s a life-threatening situation, you should always call 144. 

Visiting a Swiss hospital if you have a referral or appointment

Unless it’s an emergency, you’ll normally only attend a Swiss hospital to get treatment with a referral from your regular doctor. 

Once the hospital receives the referral, they’ll contact you to schedule an appointment or provide more details about your treatment. They may also send you an admission form to fill out in advance. 

If you need to change your appointment, you should contact the relevant hospital department directly. 

On the day of your appointment, you should arrive with plenty of time to spare. It’s worth bringing your:

• Health insurance card 
• A form of ID
• Your residence permit (if applicable)
• Copy of your advance healthcare directive (a required document stating your wishes for treatment should you not be able to communicate)

When you arrive at the hospital, sign in at reception. They will probably have some paperwork for you to fill out before you have your consultation with the doctor or undergo the scheduled treatment. 

Staying in hospital overnight 

Swiss hospitals generally prefer outpatient treatment, but you may need to stay overnight if, for instance, you’ve had surgery or require close monitoring. 

Your appointment letter from your hospital will let you know where to go once you arrive at the hospital. After your surgery or procedure you’ll be transferred to a room to rest. This is usually a ward, but can be a semi-private or private room if you request it (your supplemental health insurance may cover this). 

The beds are separated by curtains, and each normally has its own private phone and television, although you may be charged to use them. 

The hospital will provide bedding, towels and medication, but you should bring your own: 

• Prescription medications (if applicable)
• Nightwear and bathrobe
• Warm socks and/or slippers
• Toothbrush, toothpaste and other toiletries
• Underwear and spare clothes
• Glasses or contact lenses or hearing aid
• Mobile phone and charger

Children’s hospitals

All Swiss hospitals have children’s wards and there are also special children’s hospitals, which provide more facilities to keep children entertained while in hospital or to help them with school work during their stay. Some children’s hospitals and wards are able to accommodate parents overnight.

Cost of going to hospital in Switzerland

As outlined above, the cost of your hospital stay in Switzerland should be covered by your health insurance, as long as you are having treatment in an approved healthcare facility. The hospital will normally bill your health insurer directly, so you don’t need to worry about payment. 

However, you may be asked to pay for:

• Surgeries listed under "exclusions" in your health insurance policy
• Semi-private or private rooms, if these are not covered by your insurance
• Having a friend or relative stay overnight in the hospital with you 
• Personal expenses such as phone calls 
• Transfers to and from hospital 

Being discharged from hospital

Your doctor or medical team will determine when you are ready to be discharged and make the necessary arrangements to get you home. If medically necessary, you might be transported home in an ambulance, but usually you’ll need to arrange your own transport. 

The hospital will inform your GP that you have been discharged and arrange any follow-up care as needed. You may also be asked to come back to the hospital for some outpatient check-ups. 

Visiting someone in hospital in Switzerland

Swiss hospitals allow visits from close family and friends. Typically, visiting hours are between 9am and 6pm. You are not allowed visitors if you are due to soon receive surgery or have recently had surgery. Rules on this vary so do check ahead with the hospital before planning a visit.

Getting treatment in a Swiss hospital without health insurance

People who are on holiday can access emergency care while visiting Switzerland. The cost of emergency treatment should be covered by your travel insurance.

If you are visiting Switzerland with the intention of receiving medical treatment, you must declare this on your visa application. If you do not have insurance, you will be asked to pay for your medical expenses.