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Switzerland is the ideal destination for patients from all over the world, with renowned specialists and state-of-the-art medical facilities offering innovative treatment methods. The country’s safety and security record, wonderful scenery and outstanding service attract visitors from all corners of the globe.
 

Medical treatments in Switzerland are renowned for their quality, experience and a highly developed infrastructure. The Swiss healthcare system claimed the gold medal in the highly regarded EHCI ranking, with 893 out of a possible 1,000 points, and scored very highly in all six sub-disciplines. Swiss hospitals are rated the best in Europe by some distance in terms of access to medical services. Short waiting times are a key benefit for international visitors. The country’s compact size means that journeys not only between hospitals but also to tourist attractions are an easy and pleasant experience. The dense network of specialists ensures simple, convenient access to medical care.

Excellent survival rates for cancer, heart attack and stroke patients
Switzerland also occupies first place for the sub-discipline Outcomes, in the event of medical treatments. Cancer, heart attack and stroke patients have excellent survival rates. This success is based on continuous investment in both professional training and development and in the latest medical technology. The knowledge that patients receive the best-possible treatment from highly qualified specialists persuades visitors from all over the world to choose Switzerland for their medical treatment. A top-class healthcare system offers a wide range of services. It goes without saying that Switzerland covers all major specialist areas, such as cardiology, oncology and orthopaedics. However, it also has highly qualified specialists in smaller, more niche areas.  

Prevention and rehabilitation
Swiss hospitals are also leaders in the areas of prevention and rehabilitation. As Dr Daniel Zutter, Head Physician and Medical Director of the Rehaklinik Zihlschlacht, points out: “Our main aim is to get you back doing the things you love!” A stay in a rehabilitation clinic surrounded by picture-postcard landscapes with mountains, lakes and forests allows patients to really relax. Visitors can also feel safe, as Switzerland is one of the most politically stable countries in the world. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that huge emphasis is placed on patients’ rights and privacy. Obtaining a second medical opinion is a matter of course. Discretion is also firmly embedded in the Swiss mentality: sensitive medical records are handled with the utmost care.

Close cooperation between medicine, the pharmaceutical industry and research
The Swiss healthcare system is not only one of the best in the world, but also one of the strongest financially. There is continuous investment in medical progress, and patients benefit directly from this. Leading pharmaceutical companies have their head offices in Switzerland, giving the country access to the latest pharmaceutical products, for example in the area of cancer treatment. Swiss universities and research institutes work closely together to ensure that medical specialists receive first-class training.
 

Top specialists in all areas of medicine

Swiss hospitals offer an enormously wide range of treatments, ranging from surgery, gynaecology and obstetrics through to rehabilitation. The medical specialists are highly trained and dedicated to the wellbeing of their patients.

Switzerland offers a huge range of medical services, making it ideal for international visitors. Diverse specialist areas are bundled together in treatment centres covering disciplines from cardiology to oncology right through to the rehabilitation department. The Waldhotel Health & Medical Excellence or the Clinique Générale-Beaulieu bring together 29 specialist medical areas under one roof. At the other end of the scale, there are also hospitals that have specialised in a single area. The MENTALVA Private Clinic, for example, is a private psychiatric establishment focusing on psychotherapy and complementary medicine. The Hirslanden Private Hospital Group, meanwhile, is a group of several Swiss hospitals including the Klinik Hirslanden and the Klinik im Park in Zurich, as well as the Clinique des Grangettes and the Clinique La Colline in Geneva. The Swiss Medical Network is another group of leading Swiss hospitals. Prof. André Mermoud, Medical Director of the Clinique de Montchoisi, says: “Our highly qualified network of experts guarantees personalised medical treatment and top-quality support.”

Innovation and cutting-edge technology
Switzerland also benefits from the excellent cooperation between research institutes, the pharmaceutical industry and medical universities. Roche and Novartis, two of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, have their head offices in Switzerland. As a centre for international research, Switzerland provides an excellent infrastructure with highly specialised experts. Emerging young talents benefit from the excellent level of expertise in a range of specialist areas such as genetics. This thirst for knowledge encourages innovation and new technologies, which is beneficial for hospitals and patients alike. Thanks to the best possible treatments, Switzerland has the highest survival rate in the world for cancer patients. As Marco Gulgoz, Director of the Klinik Hirslanden, puts it: “We guarantee our patients the highest quality of care based on the latest medical findings.”

Excellent medical qualifications
Switzerland has many highly qualified academics. Trainee doctors are taught by the best. Medical studies are followed by many years of further training to become a specialist in a particular area. Doctors are not allowed to work independently in Switzerland without a specialist qualification. This ensures a high quality of medical care for patients and is another key benefit for international visitors. Every single medical professional possesses a wealth of expert knowledge, and lifelong further training and development is a given. Stephan Fricker, CEO of the Merian Iselin Clinic, sums up this feature of the Swiss healthcare system as follows: “We focus all our attention on the wellbeing and comfort of our patients, and on ensuring that they receive top-quality treatment.”

 

Optimal access to medical services

Medical care in Switzerland is of the highest standard: nowhere else in Europe do medical practices have such short waiting times.

International visitors planning to seek medical treatment in Switzerland will find that the conditions are ideal. The Swiss healthcare system is the best in Europe by some distance in terms of access to medical services. This means very short time spans between a medical condition being identified and treatment starting. The close-knit network of medical centres of excellence and the large number of medical specialists is outstanding. In the European Health Consumer Index (EHCI) 2018, a recognised healthcare ranking, Switzerland was awarded maximum points in the Accessibility sub-discipline, which examined direct access to local specialists. The EHCI also compared waiting times for major elective surgeries, cancer treatments and CT scans. Switzerland scored maximum points in all areas and claimed an excellent first place.

Personal dedication from doctors
Dr Cédric A. George, founder and Medical Director of the Klinik Pyramide am See, firmly believes that “specialist expertise, personal dedication and constant availability are beneficial for our patients and create the best conditions for outstanding outcomes and rapid recovery.” The choice of the right hospital is made on the basis of each patient’s clinical picture. The enormously wide range of renowned medical establishments covers all specialist areas. If a different specialist needs to be consulted during a treatment, this can be organised without any problems. Switzerland’s centres of medical excellence are so close together that a transfer to a different hospital is generally only a small matter.

Short treatment times
Direct access to specialists in the country concerned is a key factor in the decision to seek medical treatment abroad. Astonishingly, there is a direct correlation between the average waiting time for a medical service and the quality of free access to medical experts. Treatment happens more quickly when patients can contact their desired doctor directly. There is often an expectation that allowing patients to choose their doctor will lead to excessive demand for specialists and cause the healthcare system to collapse. In fact, precisely the opposite is true: direct, efficient treatment paths complement the healing process. Patients recover more quickly, putting less pressure on the healthcare system as a result. Where specialist referrals are made exclusively via primary healthcare providers acting as gatekeepers, on the other hand, patient waiting times are significantly increased. This ultimately increases treatment costs, since the treatment takes longer. A protracted recovery process is even more disruptive for international patients, as they are only in the country for a limited period of time.

 

Innovative medical technology in Switzerland

The infrastructure in Swiss hospitals is state-of-the-art: effective and sophisticated technologies are used to solve medical problems and offer valuable support in everyday practice.

Cutting-edge treatments using medical and chemical technology as well as robotics are a key draw for international patients visiting Switzerland for medical treatment. Switzerland offers this service in the knowledge that health technologies are essential for a functioning healthcare system. Medical equipment in particular is crucial for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases and for patient rehabilitation. Dr Daniel Christen, Medical Director of Privatklinik Bethanien, is convinced of this: “Our clinic has a first-class infrastructure. Renowned specialists work closely together to deliver cutting-edge medical care that meets all the patient’s needs.”

Top performer in international comparisons
Switzerland performs excellently in international comparisons. It ranks second with respect to the number of available MRI machines, just behind Japan. This is according to a 2019 study by the OECD, a global organisation of 37 member countries. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging process used to show the body’s inner structures. It helps doctors to diagnose and monitor diseases. For international patients, the high availability of state-of-the-art technology means shorter treatment times. This ensures a reliably short stay in Switzerland, with no unnecessary delays due to long waiting times for investigations.

Robotic assisted surgery
In Swiss hospitals, medical experts work with engineers to develop state-of-the-art medical technology. This cooperation between researchers and medical practitioners allows them to create effective technologies with actual day-to-day medical applications. Minimally invasive surgeries, hybrid operating theatres or the use of the da Vinci robotic surgical system are a given for patients in Switzerland. The Clinique Générale-Beaulieu in Western Switzerland, an establishment that focuses on technological progress, has for the last 15 years generally performed prostatectomies via robotic assisted surgery. Switzerland is easily at the forefront in terms of quality and medical technology.    

Digital aftercare
New technologies also offer a host of advantages when it comes to aftercare, with telemedicine allowing medical data to be shared throughout the world without any problems. Patients who have travelled to Switzerland for treatment can therefore receive digital aftercare in their home country. This makes Switzerland a particularly attractive destination for medical treatment. “We provide preventive medicine in a renowned healthcare establishment with experienced specialists, state-of-the-art technology and personalised care geared to the specific needs of each patient,” explains Dr Marco Toderi, a surgical specialist at the Clinica Sant’Anna.

 

Long tradition of Swiss hospitals and spa resorts

International patients have been coming to Switzerland for a long time: initially to enjoy the country’s magnificent natural beauty, and now also to benefit from outstanding medical care delivered by renowned specialists.

German doctor Alexander Spengler came to Davos at the end of the 19th century and was impressed by the clean, healthy air. He was convinced that treatment in the Swiss mountains would work wonders for people with lung disease. In 1901, he founded the first major sanatorium in Davos together with Dutch investor Willem Jan Holsboer. Visitors and patients from all over Europe flocked to Switzerland. In addition to these Alpine hospitals, spa resorts with healing thermal waters were also important for the burgeoning Swiss tourism industry. The start of the 20th century saw a boom in spa treatments for international visitors. The Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, with its excellent medical centre, was first established around this time.

Medical expertise in the mountains
The original Alpine hospitals and sanatoria have since been gradually transformed into high-quality medical centres that combine relaxation and wellness with expert medical knowledge. Ideal for physical and mental recuperation. Switzerland’s modern medical treatment centres build on the longstanding experience and unique scenic location of the old spas. As Professor Michele Genoni, a heart surgeon and Medical Director of the Rehaklinik Seewis, says: “We offer the best supportive rehabilitation concept in the beautiful Swiss mountain region.” The fashionable, internationally renowned ski resort of St. Moritz also has a medical centre of excellence. The Klinik Gut welcomes its international visitors against the backdrop of a breathtaking Alpine landscape.

Comfort and luxury
When planning a visit to another country for medical treatment, it goes without saying that the main criterion in choosing the destination is the best possible medical care. At the same time, visitors are looking for maximum relaxation, which is why comfort and excellent service are also key factors. Clinic Oberwaid combines highly specialised medical expertise with first-class hotel services. Clinique Valmont also attracts patients with its highly skilled interdisciplinary team of specialists and its luxurious suites as well as junior suites, while the first-class gourmet restaurant is popular with patients and visitors alike. It is a given that private hospitals in Switzerland provide this five-star hotel service.

A combination of tradition and modernity.
The old traditions of Alpine hospitals and spa resorts have been continuously updated over the last century. As Dr Annemarie Fleisch Marx, Chief Physician at the Klinik Schloss Mammern, puts it: “125 years ago my grandfather bought a dilapidated convalescent home, today we are the leading rehabilitation clinic on the lake.” Medical and therapeutic treatments combined with current wellness trends attract patients from all corners of the globe, creating the perfect blend of expert medical care and a holiday experience that provides relaxation for body and mind.

 

Quality, safety and discretion in Swiss hospitals

Switzerland is one of the safest countries in the world. International patients who value their privacy feel they are in good hands here.

Discretion is part of the Swiss mentality, allowing even ultra-famous celebrities to move about in public with complete freedom. This entices a host of prominent visitors to holiday in the relaxing mountains. The British royal family, including Prince Charles and his sons William and Harry, have for many years come to Klosters to ski there. St. Moritz, meanwhile, has played host to German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the Monaco royal family. Other stars have gone so far as to relocate to Switzerland permanently to take advantage of the safe and relaxed atmosphere. Tina Turner lives in a villa by Lake Zurich, while James Blunt owns a chalet in Verbier and has opened his own restaurant in the resort. Total confidentiality makes Switzerland a particularly suitable destination for international patients seeking medical treatment.

High degree of privacy
Protecting patients’ privacy is a matter of course in Swiss hospitals. Dr Randolph Willis, Medical Director at the Clinic Les Alpes, describes the treatment process as follows: “A comprehensive, premium-quality service that combines personalised treatment and a path to recovery with the utmost discretion.” Medical confidentiality is a precious commodity based on the Hippocratic Oath. Hippocrates was a Greek doctor who lived in Kos from around 460 to around 370 BC. The World Medical Association has since adapted his original wording for modern medicine. The Declaration of Geneva, first adopted in 1948, was last amended in 2017 and states that a doctor’s first consideration is the health and wellbeing of their patient. Swiss hospitals practise first-class medicine in accordance with this principle.

Political and health security
Switzerland also enjoys a high level of political security and has been recognised as a neutral country since 1907. It is a direct democracy, meaning that the people elect the members of the Swiss parliament. The country is governed by the Federal Council, whose seven members are elected by the parliament. The Swiss healthcare system reflects this traditional independence and the country’s security requirements: citizens have free access to basic medical care thanks to a compulsory health insurance system. The country’s political reliability and resilient economy are also helping it to cope with the Covid-19 pandemic. According to a study by the Deep Knowledge Group, Switzerland is the safest country in the world with regard to combating the coronavirus. Medical risk is a key factor for international patients. On its Travel Risk Map 2020, International SOS has rated Switzerland together with other countries in Northern Europe as the safest region for travel.

 

High level of cultural tolerance towards visitors and patients from all over the world

Switzerland is made up of four different language regions, each with their own customs and traditions. Its citizens are therefore receptive to other cultures, meaning that international visitors receive an extremely warm welcome.

Switzerland has four official national languages: German, French, Italian and Romansch (spoken by a small proportion of the population). Swiss people are therefore very accustomed to hearing and communicating in foreign languages. English is taught in schools from a very young age, with the result that it has now become an unofficial fifth national language. International visitors who come to Switzerland for medical treatment really appreciate these advanced language skills. Smooth communication with doctors and other medical experts is a key basis for quick diagnosis, empathetic care during treatment, as well as successful follow-up care over the long term.

Hospitals in every language region
30 excellent hospitals spread throughout the whole of Switzerland are used to accommodating the specific wishes of international visitors and offer outstanding medical service.

Hospitals in German-speaking Switzerland:

Zurich (7 hospitals): Privatklinik Bethanien, Privatklinik Lindberg, Klinik Hirslanden, Hirslanden Klinik Im Park, Private Health Center, University Hospital Zurich and Klinik Pyramide am See.

Basel: Merian Iselin Clinic

Bernese Oberland: Privatklinik Meiringen

Lucerne: Waldhotel Health & Medical Excellence

Eastern Switzerland (9 hospitals): Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, Berit Clinic, Rehaklinik Dussnang, Klinik Gut, MENTALVA Privatklinik, Oberwaid – The Hotel. The Clinic, Klinik Schloss Mammern, Rehaklinik Seewis and Rehaklinik Zihlschlacht

Hospitals in French-speaking Switzerland:

Geneva (3 hospitals): Hirslanden Clinique La Colline, Hirslanden Clinique des Grangettes and Clinique Générale-Beaulieu

Lausanne and Montreux (7 hospitals): Clinique de Genolier, Nescens Clinique de Genolier, Hirslanden Clinique Cecil, Clinique La Prairie, Clinic Les Alpes, Clinique de Montchoisi and Clinique Valmont

Hospitals in Italian-speaking Switzerland:

Lugano: Clinica Sant’Anna

International offices for patient care
The four language regions have been living in harmony together for centuries, in spite of their different mentalities and customs. Switzerland, a small country in the heart of Europe, is both neutral and stable. This political security is really appreciated by the many expats who live here and are well integrated into Swiss life. Switzerland’s sensitivity to other languages and cultures makes things easy for international patients. Most Swiss hospitals have an international office that looks after patients from all over the world. These specialist teams are very familiar with the customs of the culture in question and help patients design every aspect of their stay. They take care of administrative tasks, coordinate medical appointments and provide support with any other queries. If patients are bringing their families with them, the international office will also organise accommodation and leisure activities for their relatives.