Healthcare in Zurich offers both public and private medical facilities, but the differences between the two are small, and you can be assured of a high standard of care at both. Switzerland’s healthcare system is renowned worldwide for its quality, but it isn’t state sponsored, so you must take out a mandatory health insurance policy yourself.
Public hospitals are clean, modern and efficient, with waiting times among the shortest globally. Most medical staff speak excellent English, making it easy for international patients to communicate their needs. Many treatments are covered by even the most basic government insurance policies, but you will have to pay extra for specialist procedures.
Private hospitals boast even shorter waiting times than public facilities, although the gap is minimal. Treatments cost considerably more and are only covered by comprehensive medical insurance policies. They offer perks like single rooms and direct access to chief physicians. Zurich also hosts several specialist private clinics that provide services such as geriatric rehabilitation, addiction therapy, and preventive medicine programmes.
Pharmacies (Apotheke) are dotted throughout Zurich’s neighbourhoods, with well-known chains like Victoria Pharmacy operating multiple locations. For after-hours medication needs, numerous pharmacies operate on a 24/7 basis. If you arrive with ongoing medications, Swiss pharmacists can often provide up to a year’s supply based on your original prescription for certain medications.
Healthcare and Medical Insurance in Switzerland
Hospitals in Zurich
Klinik Hirslanden
Website: www.hirslanden.ch
Address: Witellikerstrasse 40, 8032 Zurich
Schulthess Orthopaedic Clinic Zurich
Website: www.schulthess-klinik.ch
Address: Lengghalde 2, 8008 Zurich
Triemli Hospital
Website: www.stadt-zuerich.ch
Address: Birmensdorferstrasse 497, 8063 Zurich
University Hospital Zurich
Website: www.usz.ch
Address: Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich
Balgrist University Hospital
Website: www.balgrist.ch
Address: Forchstrasse 340, 8008 Zurich
Privatklinik Bethanien
Website: www.swissmedical.net
Address: Toblerstrasse 51, 8044 Zurich
What do expats say about Zurich's healthcare?
"I have received excellent healthcare while in Switzerland, particularly with the birth of my second son. I’ve never had a problem getting access to a doctor or specialist. But the medical culture is different here. Based on my experience and stories from friends, doctors here are more cautious about medical intervention than US doctors and often favour homoeopathic alternatives, which can be frustrating for an expat."
For more of American expat Tanya's experiences, read her expat interview on Zurich.
Further reading
►See Healthcare in Switzerland for more on medical care
Are you an expat living in Zurich?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Zurich. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
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