Health Insurance In Switzerland
In
Switzerland, everyone has health insurance. The health outcomes are
excellent, the cost is reasonable and patients are highly satisfied. How
does this work? Why is Switzerland renowned for its healthcare system?
Insurance Companies
Health
insurance is purchased directly from insurance companies such as
«Aquilana» or «CSS», businesses do not act as a middleman like they do
in the US. Therefore customers keep their coverage when they change or
lose their job.
Regulation
These insurance companies are regulated by the government, which enforces price controls. Insurance companies are required to accept anyone, therefore they cannot deny coverage to individuals with pre-existing conditions.
Premiums
The
premiums are negotiated between insurance companies and medical
providers, approved by the canton (state) government and are then paid
for by the citizens themselves. The basic insurance plan,
defined by the government, are compulsory, meaning everyone in
Switzerland has to be insured or face high fines. Within three months of
entering the country (or birth) a person must sign up with a insurance company. Providers are forbidden to profit from these plans, instead they make money off
supplemental coverage such as dentistry, alternative medicine,
transport and glasses. Companies compete with high and low deductibles
and supplemental benefits.
Premiums are not affected by health, age or income, meaning that an old, sick, millionaire pays the same monthly amount as a young, healthy middle-class citizen. However the costs for low-income citizens are subsidized by the government. In Switzerland, healthcare makes up 10.8% of the GDP, rather high compared to other countries.
Premiums are not affected by health, age or income, meaning that an old, sick, millionaire pays the same monthly amount as a young, healthy middle-class citizen. However the costs for low-income citizens are subsidized by the government. In Switzerland, healthcare makes up 10.8% of the GDP, rather high compared to other countries.
Benefits
Swiss
patients don’t have long wait times and they have free choice of doctor
inside their canton (state). Switzerland is well-known for its quality
medical and paramedical services. They
have one of the lowest patient-doctor ratios worldwide. Additionally,
pharmacists are highly qualified and are therefore often consulted
before an individual visits the doctor.
Cost
Compared to the US, the costs are a lot lower. In 2007, the health insurance cost per
capita in Switzerland were around $4,500, while in the US they were
almost twice that, amounting to $7,500! In 2010, an adult (26+) pays Fr.
351 per month, a young adult (19-25) Fr. 293 and a child (0-18) Fr. 84.
Approval
Surprisingly,
both liberals and conservatives like their health care system. The
liberals because it guarantees universal coverage and the conservatives
since it doesn’t put a burden on businesses.
Personal Experiences
I
can personally attest for the high quality for the Swiss Healthcare
System. Last year I was diagnosed with a IBD, an inflammatory bowel
disease, and had to shortly thereafter enter professional medical care
at the University Hospital in Zurich (one of the best medical
institutions worldwide). In short, I spent over three weeks there, and
had to be transported with an ambulance once. The care was fantastic,
and I am currently in remission. The medical costs were over $30,000!
How much did I pay? Only 10%, which amounted to $3,000.