A recent survey conducted by the Zurich-based Institute for Social and Political Studies (Sotomo) indicates that the majority of Swiss citizens advocate for health insurance premiums to be linked to income. The study, encompassing 6,066 participants from both German-speaking and French-speaking regions of Switzerland, sheds light on prevailing sentiments regarding healthcare financing.
As disclosed by the survey findings, which were disseminated by the Blick newspaper on Saturday, 57% of respondents expressed support for the abolition of the current per capita premium system. The research, carried out under the banner of “This is how Switzerland thinks,” was commissioned by the newspaper and executed by the institute Sotomo.
Interestingly, the survey reveals that the inclination towards income-related health insurance premiums transcends political affiliations. It’s not solely left-wing and green voters who advocate for this model; 55% of respondents from the centrist camp also endorse the notion, with 54% of Liberal Green Party supporters echoing similar sentiments.
Support not linked to party affiliation
In a surprising turn, 51% of Swiss People’s Party supporters have also voiced support for linking health insurance premiums to income, according to the latest survey findings. This revelation underscores a broad-based consensus emerging across political divides on the issue of healthcare financing.
Moreover, when participants were asked to propose measures to alleviate the financial strain on families, the majority (66%) prioritised the reduction of health insurance premiums. Affordable housing initiatives followed closely as the second most favoured measure.
In assessing who bears the brunt of financial challenges in Switzerland, respondents were unequivocal: 56% identified families as the group most likely to be struggling to make ends meet, contrasting with pensioners. This sentiment underscores the acute economic pressures faced by families in contemporary Swiss society.
Political scientist Sarah Bütikofer from Sotomo emphasised the urgent need for policymakers to address the mounting healthcare costs. In comments made to the Blick newspaper, she stressed the imperative of devising “real and sustainable solutions” to tackle this pressing issue.
This news story has been written and carefully fact-checked by an external editorial team. At SWI swissinfo.ch we select the most relevant news for an international audience and use automatic translation tools such as DeepL to translate it into English. Providing you with automatically translated news gives us the time to write more in-depth articles.
If you want to know more about how we work, have a look here, and if you have feedback on this news story please write to english@swissinfo.ch.
Justice minister warns over Swiss parliament protest against climate ruling
This content was published on
Justice Minister Beat Jans says a possible declaration by the Swiss parliament against the European Court of Human Right (ECHR’s) recent landmark climate ruling against Switzerland could be problematic.
This content was published on
Talks aimed at reaching a global agreement on how to better fight pandemics will be concluded by 2025 or earlier if possible, the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) said on Saturday.
This content was published on
Switzerland supports a new peace proposal pushed by US President Joe Biden for a hostage agreement and a ceasefire in Gaza.
Parts of Switzerland and Germany waterlogged as heavy rains continue
This content was published on
Heavy rains continue to affect eastern Switzerland and the centre of the country. Flooding, landslides and damage to infrastructure have been reported. Further rains are forecast on Sunday.
Study: high pollen concentrations increase blood pressure
This content was published on
A high concentration of pollen can increase blood pressure in allergy sufferers, according to a Swiss study. The effect is much more pronounced in women and people who are overweight.
New asylum regulations come into effect in Switzerland
This content was published on
Several asylum-related changes come into effect in Switzerland on June 1 aimed at improving the employment and housing situations of refugees.
Swiss unions call for CHF5,000 monthly salary for qualified apprentices
This content was published on
All workers who have completed an apprenticeship should earn at least CHF5,000 per month, the Swiss Trade Union Federation said on Friday.
Flooding risks in parts of Switzerland and Germany after heavy rains
This content was published on
There is a significant risk of flooding on the River Rhine from Lake Constance to Basel and on the Thur River in canton Thurgau in eastern Switzerland.
Switzerland to intensify border checks during sporting events
This content was published on
In the context of events including the European Football Championships and the summer Olympics, border security will be increased.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.