The standard of healthcare in Geneva is high, but be prepared to pay for medical insurance. Health insurance is compulsory in Switzerland, but it isn’t state sponsored, so you’ll have to take out a policy yourself within three months of arrival. After this deadline, a provider may be automatically assigned to you.
Insurance premiums are based on geographic area rather than salary. So even without an exceptional wage, you may still have to foot a hefty health insurance bill. Fortunately, the canton of Geneva often grants subsidies automatically based on your income and family situation, and insurance costs for children are significantly discounted.
Compare plans from different service providers to find something that suits your budget and needs. The Swiss health insurance system allows you to choose your annual deductible (franchise), ranging from low to high amounts, which affects your monthly premium. The higher the deductible, the lower your monthly payment.
Geneva’s hospitals and health professionals are generally excellent. Most medical staff are well qualified and speak English as well as French, with many also fluent in German, Spanish, and Italian.
Pharmacies are usually open from 8.30am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday, and some are open 24 hours a day. Most prescription drugs are readily available, although requirements may differ from those in other countries. There is a large pool of private doctor's practices in Geneva, and a list can be found through the canton's Association des Medecins.
Basic insurance in Geneva covers most medical needs but excludes dental care and has limited coverage for vision care. Certain complementary and alternative medicine practices are covered when performed by qualified physicians with the appropriate certification, including homoeopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, and acupuncture.
In the event of a medical emergency, you can dial 144. The emergency services in Geneva are efficient, and operators speak multiple languages, including English.
Healthcare and Medical Insurance in Switzerland
Useful links
- Association Des Medecins
- Geneva Canton Health Portal
- Federal Office of Public Health – Health Insurance
Hospitals in Geneva
Geneva University Hospitals (HUG)
Website: www.hug-ge.ch
Address: Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, 1205 Geneva
Clinique Générale Beaulieu
Website: www.beaulieu.ch
Address: Chemin Beau-Soleil 20, 1206 Geneva
Swiss International Health Center
Website: www.wissinternationalhealth.ch
Address: Rue de Chantepoulet 25, 1201 Geneva