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Switzerland

Healthcare quality & costs · 2024

Excellent — 85.2/100   Mixed system
Healthcare Index 85.2/100 +10.3pp vs Europe avg
Life Expectancy 83.8 yrs +2.4 vs region avg
GP / Doctor Visit $130 USD
Hospital Stay / Day $1,500 USD
Private Insurance / Month $550 USD
Public Coverage 100.0% of population
Health Spend (% GDP) 11.50%
Doctors per 1,000 4.30
Hospital Beds per 1,000 4.70
Infant Mortality Rate 3.10 per 1,000

Healthcare index trend

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Europe comparison

CountryIndexLife ExpGP VisitDoctors/1kCoverage
Switzerland 85.2 83.8 yrs $130 4.30 100.0%
Norway 83.5 83.2 yrs $20 4.70 100.0%
Sweden 82.3 83.1 yrs $20 4.30 100.0%
Denmark 81.8 81.4 yrs $75 4.00 100.0%
France 81.5 82.5 yrs $30 3.30 100.0%
Finland 80.5 82.1 yrs $25 3.50 100.0%
Austria 80.1 81.9 yrs $25 5.30 100.0%
Germany 79.8 81.2 yrs $20 4.50 88.0%
Netherlands 78.5 82.1 yrs $20 3.70 100.0%
Belgium 78.2 81.7 yrs $30 3.20 100.0%
Spain 77.2 83.5 yrs Free 4.40 100.0%
Ireland 76.8 82.8 yrs $60 3.30 100.0%
Italy 76.1 83.8 yrs $30 4.00 100.0%
United Kingdom 74.2 81.4 yrs Free 3.00 100.0%
Portugal 72.5 81.3 yrs $15 5.50 100.0%
Czech Republic 68.2 79.5 yrs $22 4.10 100.0%
Greece 66.8 82.4 yrs $50 6.30 84.0%
Poland 62.5 77.8 yrs $18 2.50 91.0%
Hungary 60.1 76.7 yrs $25 3.50 90.0%
Romania 52.3 76.1 yrs $20 2.90 88.0%

Healthcare in Switzerland — FAQs

How good is healthcare in Switzerland in 2024?

Switzerland scores 85.2 out of 100 on the LifeIndexed Healthcare Quality Index in 2024, rated as "Excellent". Life expectancy is 83.8 years. The country runs a Mixed (combination of public insurance and private providers) and spends 11.50% of GDP on health services.

How much does a doctor visit cost in Switzerland?

A typical GP / doctor visit in Switzerland costs approximately $130 USD. Hospital accommodation costs around $1,500 USD per day. These are out-of-pocket costs; insured patients may pay significantly less.

Is healthcare free in Switzerland?

Switzerland has near-universal public health coverage — essentially 100% of the population is covered. Basic medical services are free or heavily subsidised for all residents. The government funds this through 11.50% of GDP in health spending.

How much is private health insurance in Switzerland?

Average private health insurance in Switzerland costs approximately $550 USD per month. This provides access to private hospitals, shorter wait times and specialist care beyond what the public system offers.

What type of healthcare system does Switzerland have?

Switzerland has a mixed healthcare system combining public insurance with private providers. Public coverage extends to 100.0% of the population, with private options available for supplementary or faster care.

How many doctors are there per 1,000 people in Switzerland?

Switzerland has 4.3 doctors per 1,000 people. This is above the global average of approximately 1.8 per 1,000. The country also has 4.70 hospital beds per 1,000 people.

What is the life expectancy in Switzerland?

Life expectancy in Switzerland is 83.8 years in 2024, compared to the Europe average of 81.4 years. Life expectancy is a key indicator of population health, nutrition, and the effectiveness of the healthcare system.

What is the infant mortality rate in Switzerland?

The infant mortality rate in Switzerland is 3.1 deaths per 1,000 live births. This is a low rate, indicating strong maternal and newborn healthcare.

How does Switzerland compare to other Europe countries?

Switzerland ranks 1 out of 20 Europe countries on the healthcare quality index. Its score of 85.2/100 is +10.3pp above the Europe average of 74.9/100. Life expectancy is +2.4 years versus the regional average.

Can expats and foreigners access healthcare in Switzerland?

Expats who obtain legal residency in Switzerland generally gain access to the public healthcare system, though registration processes and contribution requirements vary. Many expats also take out international or local private health insurance for faster access and broader coverage.

Is Switzerland a good destination for medical tourism?

Switzerland is not typically considered a primary medical tourism destination. Patients seeking cost savings usually prefer regional alternatives. However, emergency and specialist care is available in major cities.

How much does a hospital stay cost in Switzerland?

A hospital stay in Switzerland costs approximately $1,500 USD per day for private or uninsured patients. Public system patients pay little or nothing for inpatient care. Hospital costs can vary significantly between public and private facilities.

Is Switzerland's healthcare improving?

Switzerland's healthcare quality index has improved by 2.5 points from 2022 to 2026, rising from 82.7/100 to 85.2/100. Life expectancy also rose from 83.1 to 83.8 years over the same period.

What is the quality of hospitals in Switzerland?

Switzerland has excellent hospital infrastructure. With 4.70 beds per 1,000 people and 4.30 doctors per 1,000, the country's hospitals are well-staffed and well-equipped. Major urban hospitals often hold international accreditation.

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