If you’ve recently arrived in Switzerland, familiarizing yourself with the important topic of health insurance might take some time. Fortunately, you have a three-month grace period to sort things out. Once you begin exploring your health insurance options, you’ll discover various insurance models available to you. Opting for a family doctor is often the simplest and most cost-effective choice. As a foreigner in Switzerland, finding a reliable family doctor and assessing their competence is crucial. Additionally, there are other important factors to consider that may not have crossed your mind.
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Choosing your family doctor or general practitioner(GP)
When it comes to selecting a general practitioner (GP) in Switzerland, it’s important to consider a few factors. First, ensure that the doctor you choose is currently accepting new patients and is willing to provide care to individuals with your type of insurance. Having supplemental health insurance can offer you a broader range of benefits and a wider selection of doctors to choose from. This can be particularly advantageous if you prefer a GP who speaks English or specializes in a specific area of medicine. Supplemental insurance often provides additional coverage for services beyond what is covered by basic health insurance, giving you more flexibility in selecting a GP who meets your specific needs. Whether you’re seeking a doctor who can communicate effectively in English or one who offers specialized services, having supplemental health insurance can increase your options and provide you with care that aligns with your preferences and requirements.
Types of health insurance and their coverage
General Admission Health Insurance:
- Coverage is limited to selecting physicians within a certain radius of your council.
- The availability of GPs in your area determines your choice.
- Specialist GPs are not available with this level of coverage.
- The option to choose your own GP requires additional payment.
- Basic health insurance typically offers general admission coverage.
Semi-Private Health Insurance:
- Many packages include the option to choose your own GP.
- Specific requests are needed, and it may increase insurance costs.
- You can register with any GP in Switzerland within a “reasonable distance” of your locality.
- The definition of “reasonable distance” is determined by the health insurance provider.
Private Health Insurance:
- Almost always allows selection of general practitioners.
- Possibility to choose a specialist or prominent GP, if available.
- The health insurance company can assist in finding a GP who meets your requirements, such as English-speaking abilities.
How does changing insurance affect the GP
When changing or obtaining a new health insurance policy, ensure that it allows you to keep your current GP. Switching from a semi-private to a general admission package may involve additional costs if you want to keep your current GP, particularly if they are a specialist or outside your local area. Price comparison websites will inquire about your current GP and offer the option to continue with them, but this choice could affect the cost of your new insurance. Keeping your GP during the insurance switch may result in a higher premium.
Scheduling an appointment
To schedule an appointment with a general practitioner (GP), it is necessary to contact them in advance. In some cases, GP practices, especially those in larger cities, may offer the convenience of online booking. The advantage of booking with a GP is that they generally have short waiting times and can accommodate you promptly. When making the appointment over the phone, it is advisable to provide a detailed description of your condition to ensure that your concern is addressed effectively.
Preparing for the appointment
When scheduling an appointment with a general practitioner (GP) in Switzerland, it’s important to come prepared with the required documents and be aware of the potential follow-up steps. Here’s what you need to know:
Documents to bring:
- Residence permit for Switzerland or proof of identification
- Health insurance card
- Non-prescription medication used for your condition
Next steps after the GP appointment:
- Depending on your condition, the GP may prescribe medication that can be obtained from a local pharmacy in Switzerland.
- If further evaluation or specialized care is needed, the GP may refer you to a specific doctor or specialist.
- In more severe cases, hospital admission might be recommended to provide appropriate treatment and care.
By ensuring you have the necessary documents and understanding the possible next steps, you can make the most of your GP appointment and receive the appropriate follow-up care in Switzerland.
Payment and emergency care
When visiting a general practitioner (GP), the payment process is structured based on the country’s privatized healthcare system. Your health insurance is responsible for covering a portion of your healthcare expenses, while the remaining part is covered through premiums and deductibles. Your GP will bill their services to your health insurance card.
In cases of emergencies or severe conditions, it is advisable to contact emergency services. If you have experienced an injury or are in need of immediate medical attention, you can bypass the general practitioner and seek appropriate care directly.