EHIC In Switzerland

Switzerland has unusual status in Europe. Despite its position at the very heart of Europe, Switzerland has never been part of the European Union, and is not part of the Eurozone. It is however part of the wider European Economic Area, and this means that some rights normally only applicable to EU countries apply in Switzerland too. One of these rights is the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which you can use to access state health care in Switzerland if you are there on a temporary basis.

Finding a Swiss doctor

Just as in other countries, EHIC will only cover you to see a doctor or go to a hospital which operates under the state system. Private treatment is not covered under EHIC rules, so make sure you go to a provider which works with the KVG, the Swiss health insurance provider. You can also contact KVG direct to find a provider nearby. The KVG website also has information leaflets in English which can be downloaded for more information about the healthcare system. Swiss healthcare is high quality, with modern well-equipped and funded hospitals and many staff who will speak excellent English. If you need to be seen by a hospital specialist, you will be referred first by the GP. In an emergency, go straight to A&E for treatment. In Switzerland, ambulances are not covered by state health insurance, so take a taxi or private car to hospital rather than calling an ambulance. The costs for air ambulance transfers can be very high.

Fees for Healthcare in Switzerland

Switzerland has a reputation for being expensive, and healthcare is no exception. Expect to have to pay to see a GP or be treated in hospital. Medical insurance in Switzerland works on the basis of an excess. Patients pay the first 300 Swiss Francs (£210) of any treatment they need in a year, and then the insurance company pays the remainder. Even after the £210 excess limit has been reached, you have to pay 10% of your medical costs after that. EHIC holders also have to pay these fees but may be able to claim some of them back depending on the region where they are being treated and the type of illness. Always keep all invoices and receipts, and speak to KVG as soon as you are able to see whether you can reclaim some or all of the fees you have been charged. Dental care is not covered under state insurance, and you will have to pay the full cost of any treatment, unless your teeth have been damaged in an accident. Any medicine prescribed will have to be paid for too, and medicines and other items such as bandages can be obtained at a pharmacy. There will always be a pharmacy open overnight and at weekends, but medicine will cost more when bought out of standard hours.