Healthcare

In Switzerland all residents are required to have health and accident insurance.

New residents must obtain insurance within three months of entering Switzerland. Children must be insured within three months of birth.

The services provided by compulsory insurance are defined by law. All insured persons are entitled to equal medical care. 

Links:

ch.ch / Further information concerning insurance obligation

Pamphlet "Health Guide to Switzerland"

The Swiss health care system is jointly funded by the state (confederation, cantons, and municipalities), employers, and private individuals. Private individuals pay a monthly premium for health and accident insurance. This premium is set each year and varies from canton to canton.

Those who fall ill or have an accident must cover part of the costs themselves (deductible – Franchise – and co-payment – Selbstbehalt). These additional costs are limited by an annual maximum amount.

Links:

Pamphlet "Health Guide to Switzerland"

Communicating with doctors, pharmacists, or nursing staff in a foreign language can be difficult. Some hospitals therefore offer free interpreting provided by specially trained intercultural interpreters.

Patients are advised to obtain information about these services in advance. Interpreters can also be booked for doctor’s appointments or other situations; however, these services must then be paid for privately.

Links:

Caritas Dolmetschdienst Zentralschweiz / Agency for intercultural interpreters in Canton Zug (DE)

Pamphlet "Health Guide to Switzerland"

All Swiss residents are required to take out health insurance (basic insurance, Grundversicherung).

Those moving to Switzerland must do so within three months of arrival. Costs of illnesses arising during this period are covered retroactively.

Basic insurance is offered by numerous private health insurance companies (Krankenkassen) and may be freely chosen. Health insurance companies must accept all residents living in Switzerland.

Insured persons pay a monthly premium. Premiums vary depending on the insurance company and model, so comparing offers is advisable. Changing providers is only possible once a year (in November).

Basic insurance covers the costs of illness as well as pregnancy and childbirth. The benefits are defined by law.

Note: Costs for dental treatment or glasses must generally be paid by the insured person.

Links:

Bundesverwaltung / Further information

Bundesverwaltung / Official calculation of premiums (DE)

ch.ch / Further information

Pamphlet "The Compulsory Health Insurance System - Guide"

Employees who work more than eight hours per week are automatically insured against accidents at work and during leisure time through their employer.

Those who work fewer hours are not insured for leisure-time accidents and must arrange their own accident insurance. This also applies to self-employed and non-working persons.

Anyone who is not employed must obtain accident insurance through their health insurance provider. Self-employed persons may take out accident insurance with other insurers.

Insured persons pay a monthly premium, which is deducted directly from wages in the case of employees.

Links:

Bundesverwaltung / Further information

ch.ch / Further information

Persons who cannot afford to pay their health insurance premiums may qualify for a premium reduction (Prämienverbilligung) for basic health insurance.

At the end of January, the Compensation Office Zug (Ausgleichskasse Zug) contacts individuals who are likely eligible for this reduction. Those who do not receive a letter can apply via the online portal.

Applications must be submitted each year by 30 April. If approved, lower premiums apply for the following year.

The Compensation Office Zug provides further information and handles online applications.

Links:

Ausgleichskasse Zug / Contact and information (DE)

In addition to compulsory basic insurance, people can purchase supplementary insurances (Zusatzversicherungen). This insurance covers services that are not included in the basic package, such as dental care.

Most health insurance companies offer supplementary insurance. However, unlike basic insurance, they are not obliged to accept every applicant and may impose certain conditions.

Links:

ch.ch / Further information

Pharmacies sell both prescription (doctor-prescribed) and over-the-counter medicines.

For minor illnesses, it is advisable to consult a pharmacy first. Pharmacists are well trained and provide professional advice to their customers.

An emergency pharmacy is always open. To find out which pharmacy is on duty in Canton Zug, call 0800 300 001 (free of charge).

Links:

Pamphlet "Health Guide to Switzerland"

Many people in Switzerland have a family doctor (Hausarzt) who is familiar with their medical history and serves as the first point of contact for health issues. For children, there are specialised paediatricians.

If necessary, the doctor will refer patients to specialists or to a hospital. One should only go directly to hospital in the case of a serious emergency.

For other emergencies, there is a central emergency number in Canton Zug that operates outside regular surgery hours: 0900 008 008 (available 24 hours a day, CHF 3.23 per minute).

Links:

Kanton Zug / What to do in an emergency (DE)

Pamphlet "Health Guide to Switzerland"

Dental care generally has to be paid for by the patient. However, supplementary insurance can be taken out to cover dental treatment costs.

School-age children are entitled to one free dental check-up per year. Information is provided by the school.

Links: 

Pamphlet "Health Guide to Switzerland"

Leaflet "Information on Dental Care at School" (DE)

In most cases, patients are admitted to hospital after being referred by a doctor. In serious emergencies, however, patients should go directly to the hospital’s emergency department.

In life-threatening situations or if an ambulance is needed, call the emegency number 144.

For non-life-threatening emergencies, see the family doctor first.

Links:

Pamphlet "Health Guide to Switzerland"

Persons who are ill or in need of care and assistance at home can use the home nursing service (Spitex). Trained healthcare professionals provide nursing care or help with household tasks in the patient's home.

This service is intended for anyone who requires support due to illness, an accident, ageing, complications during pregnancy, or after childbirth. Part of the cost is covered by basic health insurance (Grundversicherung).

In addition to Spitex Zug, there are numerous private Spitex providers.

Links:

Spitex Zug / Contact and information (DE)

Spitex privée Suisse / Contact and information (DE)

Leaflet "Spitex – nursing and assistance at home"

Switzerland offers comprehensive medical care during pregnancy. Regular check-ups with a gynecologist help monitor the wellbeing of both mother and child and allow any health concerns to be detected early.

Medical services related to pregnancy and childbirth are covered by basic health insurance (Grundversicherung). These include regular check-ups before birth, childbirth itself, and necessary postnatal care.

Pregnant women are advised to contact a doctor or midwife early in their pregnancy. Hospitals and midwives offer antenatal classes.
 
Childbirth can take place in a hospital, a birth centre, or at home.

Links: 

Kantonsspital Zug / Events of the obstetrics and gynaecology clinic (DE)

Parents are free to choose where they would like to give birth. In Switzerland, childbirth can take place in a hospital, a birth center, or at home. It is advisable to explore the available options early in the pregnancy and register with a preferred maternity clinic in advance.

Kantonsspital Zug has a woman's health clinic but no pediatrics unit.

The nearest hospitals with pediatric units are Kinderspital Zentralschweiz in Lucerne and Kinderspital Zürich.

Links:

Zuger Kantonsspital / Kontakt und Informationen (DE)

Kinderspital Zentralschweiz / Information and Contact (DE)

Kinderspital Zürich / Information and Contact (DE)

Midwives support mothers during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. Since midwives are quickly booked, it is recommended to arrange for one early in the pregnancy.

Links:

hebammen.ch / Contact information for midwives

Postpartum care is the time immediately after birth, when the mother’s body recovers and the family adjusts to life with the baby. Midwives offer home visits during this time to support the mother and child, provide advice, and assist with breastfeeding and newborn care. This period usually lasts for six weeks.

In Switzerland it is common for parents to seek advice after childbirth. In Canton Zug, Early Childhood Support by Punkto Zug provides information about the baby’s development, nutrition, and care. Consultations are free of charge.

A doctor or midwife will inform parents about required follow-up examinations.

It is very important to insure the child against illness and accidents within the first three months after birth (basic health insurance, accident insurance). Ideally, this should be done before the baby is born.

Links:

Punkto Zug / Contact and information (DE)

It is recommended that children be vaccinated against certain diseases at the appropriate time. Vaccinations are not compulsory. The costs of recommended vaccinations are usually covered by basic health insurance.

A paediatrician or Early Childhood Support by Punkto Zug can provide further information.

Links:

Pamphlet "Health Guide to Switzerland"

Abortions are legal in Switzerland during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. After the 12th week, abortion is permitted only if the woman’s physical and/or mental health is at risk. This must be assessed by a doctor. Women considering abortion are entitled to free counselling.

Young women under the age of 16 must contact a specialised counselling centre.

All medical costs are covered by basic health insurance.

Links:

eff-zett das fachzentrum / Counselling centre for sexuality and pregnancy (DE)

Sexual health info Switzerland / Up-to-date and medically sound information in many languages on a range of sexual health issues

Leaflet "Are you going through an unwanted pregnancy?" (DE)

Female genital mutilation (FGM), also known as female circumcision, is a serious violation of human rights and is prohibited in Switzerland. Any form of FGM – whether carried out in Switzerland or abroad – is a criminal offence and can be punished with imprisonment.

FGM can have severe physical and psychological consequences. In Switzerland, affected women and girls can receive confidential medical, psychological and legal support. Various counselling services and specialists offer help, information and guidance.

In the Canton of Zug, victim support by eff-zett das fachzentrum offers confidential counselling and support on the topic of female genital mutilation.

Links:

Caritas Schweiz / Further Information

Bundesverwaltung / Statement opposing female genital mutilation

eff-zett das fachzentrum / Victim counselling service

In difficult personal or family situations, many qualified specialists in Switzerland can offer help. Basic health insurance (Grundversicherung) covers treatment for mental illness by recognised professionals, such as psychiatrists. Treatments in clinics are also covered.

Individuals experiencing mental distress can seek support from various counselling and mental health services. Anonymous and free counselling services such as Heart2Heart can be contacted by telephone, e-mail, or chat (telephone 143, www.143.ch). A family doctor can also provide support.

If someone is in acute danger of harming themselves or others, immediate action is required. In emergencies, call the police (telephone 117).

Links:

Kanton Zug / Psychische Gesundheit Zug (DE)

Pamphlet "Depression Can Affect Anyone"

Pamphlet "Mental Health Crisis - What to Do?"

Young people experiencing mental health problems can contact Punkto Zug for free and confidential counselling (telephone 041 767 75 22, mail@punkto-zug.ch). Parents who are concerned about their children can also seek advice there.

Free and anonymous support for children and young people is also available through the children’s helpline (Kindernotruf) by telephone, e-mail, WhatsApp or chat (telephone 147, www.147.ch).

For psychiatric emergencies involving children or adolescents, contact the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Zug (KJP Zug) during office hours (telephone 041 747 66 50). Outside of office hours, regional emergency doctors are responsible.

Links:

Punkto Zug / Contact and information (DE)

KJP Zug / Contact and information (DE)

Help with addiction is provided by the Cantonal Addiction Counselling Service (Suchtberatung Kanton Zug). The service offers confidential support in person, by telephone, online, or via video. Family members and close friends can also seek help. Counselling is available in several languages.

Addiction does not only refer to alcohol or drugs. Counselling is also available for gambling, shopping, internet, or eating addictions. Questions can also be submitted by e-mail.

Links:

Suchtberatung Kanton Zug / Contact and information (DE)

Suchtberatung Kanton Zug / Online consultation (DE)

Pamphlet "Someone close to you has an addiction: What can you do?"

Pamphlet "What Should I Know About Alcohol?" (DE)

AT Schweiz / Quit smoking hotline (telephone (DE)

Lungenliga Zentralschweiz / Quit smoking training (DE)

Individuals who have experienced severe events and are unable to cope should seek help. Trauma is a serious mental health condition.

In addition to general counselling and support services, there are specialised centres offering treatment for victims of war and torture.

Links:

Ambulatorium für traumatisierte Opfer von Folter und Krieg / Contact and information

Pamphlet "When You Just Can't Forget"