Health authorities said on Tuesday that the “considerable” increase would raise average monthly premiums from CHF315 to CHF335 ($319 to $339). For an adult, the average bill each month will climb to CHF397. Across the 26 cantons, the increase varies between 3.9% and 9.5%.
Interior Minister Alain Berset told journalists in Bern that it was a “difficult” and “unpleasant” development, especially after a period of “relative stability”. While the long-term trend is markedly upwards, Berset recalled that premiums increased by an average of 1.5% annually over the past four years; last year, they even fell, for the first time in 14 years.
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Report: Swiss health system still one of the best
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The Swiss heath system is still one of the best worldwide, but the country is lagging behind with its Covid vaccinations, an OECD report says.
Berset said the main cause of the leap was the Covid-19 pandemic, which brought about an increase in healthcare costs that is only now starting to be passed onto consumers. Another factor is the “catch-up” effect of the many non-essential operations which had been postponed during the pandemic, Berset said.
Difficult to control
The Swiss healthcare system involves an obligation for every resident to be covered by basic health insurance, which they can choose to buy from various different providers. Beyond the basic coverage, there are options for supplementary insurance to cover specific treatment types, as well as the option to pay a higher or a lower premium depending on the level of coverage.
Controlling costs in the country’s healthcare sector is a major political issue, especially since they are destined to keep rising due to an ageing population and technological progress in medicine. The government has proposed various ideas over the past few years, including limiting the access of patients to specialist doctors, and capping the costs of generic drugs.
A people’s initiative submitted in 2020 meanwhile proposed limiting premiums at 10% of a household’s income.
Healthcare, or more specifically the cost of healthcare, is a regular fixture at the top of the list of most pressing concerns for the Swiss.
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Healthcare and pensions top Swiss worry list
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Healthcare costs, the pension system and climate change are the top three burning issues for the Swiss, according to a survey.
What can be done to protect biodiversity in your country?
Swiss voters are set to decide on a people’s initiative calling for better protection of ecosystems in the country. Have your say on the September 22 vote.
One dead, 2 children seriously injured after car crashes into Geneva sports centre
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An 80-year-old driver crashed into several children aged around ten on Saturday after losing control of her vehicle in Geneva, before succumbing to her injuries.
Swiss Centre Party leader says report on proposed federal budget cuts ‘one-sided’
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Gerhard Pfister is criticising discussions launched by the Swiss government on an expert report aimed at making savings in the state budget.
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Transplantation not only improves quality of life, but it also saves money, said Swisstransplant, particularly where kidney transplants are concerned.
Train station closures a long-term option, says Swiss Federal Railways boss
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Vincent Ducrot has not ruled out the closure of train stations in the long term as mobility changes, he told the NZZ am Sonntag newspaper.
Liberal Green party members criticise handling of Ameti affair
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Some Liberal Greens say the party acted too quickly after Zurich politician Sanija Ameti fired shots at an image of Jesus and Mary.
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Switzerland has a new supercomputer named "Alps", officially inaugurated on Saturday at the National Supercomputing Centre in Lugano.
Cold front leads to record-low temperatures in Switzerland
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Friday's cold front caused record temperatures and closed mountain passes. The snow line was between 1,200 and 1,500m on Saturday, MeteoSwiss reported.
Collecting of vote signatures to continue in Switzerland as planned
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The Swiss government is refraining from taking drastic emergency measures following the revelation of suspected cases of fraud.
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Costs for the health sector, gas and digital payment transactions all ended up in the cross hairs of the Swiss price supervisor last year.
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