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.
In Switzerland more people are being referred to electrical therapies or psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Are there similar approaches where you live?
Swiss Abroad elect representatives online for first time
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Swiss citizens in 50 countries have used electronic voting for the first time to elect representatives to the Council of the Swiss Abroad for the 2025-2029 legislative.
Nestlé scraps Nutri-Score food label in Switzerland
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Nestlé plans to phase out its Nutri-Score nutrition labelling system on products sold in Switzerland. The food giant says it is almost the last company in the country to use it.
Swiss National Bank chairman warns of ‘great insecurity’ caused by US tariffs
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The president of the Swiss National Bank (SNB), Martin Schlegel, has warned of the huge financial uncertainties caused by recent US tariffs.
Study: spring in Swiss Alps starts earlier and earlier
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Climate change is transforming the Alps: after the snow cover disappears, plants in meadows and pastures are sprouting roughly six days earlier than 25 years ago.
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The number of tourist coaches stopping at Schwanenplatz in the centre of Lucerne was down by two-thirds in April, compared to the same month last year.
Swiss-German border regions reaffirm stable Swiss-EU relations
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Swiss and German officials have reaffirmed their commitment to stable and sustainable relations between Switzerland and the EU.
Pro-Palestinian protesters end University of Geneva demo
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Pro-Palestinian protesters who camped out in front of the rector's office at the University of Geneva (UNIGE) left the premises on Thursday evening.
WEF courts Lagarde as next leader after founder’s abrupt exit
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Klaus Schwab’s abrupt departure from the World Economic Forum has complicated carefully laid plans to persuade Christine Lagarde to assume the helm in a seamless transition.
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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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