A study has found that every fifth person living in Switzerland avoids going to the dentist due to the high costs associated with treatment. Some members of the Swiss government are now rallying behind a plan to get health insurance providers to cover the bills.
Some people in Switzerland struggle to pay for their dental care, even in emergency situations. For example, a 45-year-old mother of three told 20 Minuten that the last time she received emergency dental care, she had to pay the bill in instalments over a period of five months - something her dentist was not pleased about.
While Switzerland has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, the fact that health insurance does not cover dental care for most people makes a trip to see a dentist or hygienist unaffordable. Routine procedures such as wisdom tooth extractions can cost upwards of 2.000 Swiss francs - a significant chunk of your average salary in Switzerland.
Politicians are now taking a stand against expensive dental care, and are calling for health insurance providers to cover the costs. For Green National Councillor Katharina Prelicz-Huber, the costs for necessary dental treatment, as well as regular check-ups and dental hygiene, should be covered by compulsory health insurance.
A recent survey found that 20,7 percent of people in Switzerland avoid going to the dentist for financial reasons. "Public health is at stake," Prelicz-Huber told 20 Minuten. "Untreated dental problems can affect health and lead to circulatory problems or heart attacks."