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Switzerland – Doctors

Switzerland is known for its efficient healthcare system and high-quality medical services. Finding and registering with a local doctor in Switzerland is easy, and the country has a universal healthcare system that ensures access to medical services for everyone.

Finding and Registering with a Local Doctor in Switzerland

In Switzerland, there are two types of doctors: general practitioners and specialists. General practitioners, also known as family doctors, provide primary care services such as preventive care, diagnosis, and treatment of common illnesses. Specialists, on the other hand, provide more specialized medical services and are often referred to by general practitioners.

To find and register with a local doctor in Switzerland, you can ask for recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues. You can also search for doctors on the Swiss Medical Association’s website, which has a directory of registered doctors in Switzerland. Additionally, many doctors have their own websites where you can find information about their services and contact details.

Once you have identified a doctor you would like to see, you can call their office to make an appointment. During your first visit, the doctor will ask for your personal details and medical history, which will be recorded in your medical file. It is important to bring along any relevant medical documents, such as prescriptions, test results, and medical reports, to your first appointment.

Payment for Doctor’s Appointments in Switzerland

In Switzerland, doctor’s appointments are paid for by a combination of private healthcare insurance and social security contributions. Everyone living in Switzerland is required to have basic healthcare insurance, which covers a range of medical services, including doctor’s appointments, hospitalization, and medication.

The cost of doctor’s appointments varies depending on the doctor and the nature of the medical service provided. Basic healthcare insurance covers the cost of most doctor’s appointments, although there may be some out-of-pocket expenses, such as deductibles and co-payments.


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If you require specialized medical services, such as surgery or diagnostic tests, your basic healthcare insurance may not cover the entire cost. In this case, you may need to purchase supplementary healthcare insurance or pay for the additional costs out of pocket.

Transferring Medical Documents in Switzerland from Abroad

If you are moving to Switzerland from another country and need to transfer your medical documents to a doctor in Switzerland, there are a few steps you can take to make the process easier.

Firstly, it is important to obtain a copy of your medical records from your previous doctor. You can request a copy of your medical records in person, by phone, or by email, depending on the policies of your previous doctor’s office.

Once you have a copy of your medical records, you can give them to your new doctor in Switzerland. It is important to ensure that your medical records are translated into either German, French, or Italian, which are the official languages of Switzerland.

If you are unable to obtain a copy of your medical records, you can still provide your new doctor with as much information as possible about your medical history and any ongoing medical conditions. This will help your new doctor to provide you with the best possible care.

Finding and registering with a local doctor in Switzerland is a straightforward process, and the country’s universal healthcare system ensures that everyone has access to high-quality medical services. Basic healthcare insurance covers the cost of most doctor’s appointments, although additional costs may be incurred for specialized medical services. If you need to transfer your medical documents to a doctor in Switzerland from abroad, it is important to obtain a copy of your medical records and have them translated into one of Switzerland’s official languages.