In 2017, an average Swiss resident visited a medical professional 4.32 times, according to data recently published by Eurostat.
Only residents of Denmark (4.30), Sweden (2.77) and Cyprus (2.09) went to see a doctor less often.
The average number of visits across those European countries with 2017 data was 6.84.
Countries with the highest frequency were Hungary (10.9), Slovakia (10.9), Germany (9.9), Lithuania (9.5) and Liechtenstein (9.0).
Despite Switzerland’s system of compulsory health insurance, for many, visiting a doctor costs money. Up to a certain level, Swiss residents must pay 10% of the cost of medical expenses. In addition, those opting for lower cost insurance with a higher deductible must pay 100% of the cost. This acts as a disincentive to seek medical attention.
The figures are the average number of consultations that people have with a physician and include consultations at the physician’s office, in the patient’s home, or in out-patient departments of hospitals or ambulatory health care centres. They exclude consultations during treatment as part of in-patient or day care patient care in a hospital or similar institution.
More on this:
Eurostat chart (in English)
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Anthony says
Yes the typical Swiss excess (aka « franchise ») is 2,500 francs, say £2,000 per year so this is a huge block on seeking medical attention. Doctors’ waiting rooms are typically empty and appointments usually immediate (same day). If there was a cost in the UK it seems clear from this that waiting times would plummet. Of course how to reconcile this with free at the point of delivery is a challenge. Probably huge. Starting with the very principle. That said, we have prescription charges at the point of delivery so is there inspiration there? That system allows for the vulnerable etc. The thought of putting money collection systems into doctors’ receptions doesn’t really bear thinking about. I suppose from a money point of view the Swiss system in reality is private health care, the only but fundamental difference is they are obligated to accept all pre-existing conditions. Also the population is one tenth of the UK and very rules based. In the UK we ask forgiveness, in Switzerland we ask permission sums it up nicely in concept.
JOYPATTINSON says
I don’t know who your doctor is but I have to wait from 90 minutes to 2 hours waiting to see mine. It therefore has to be considered a privilege to see him! I usually humour myself and him with the comment: Anything good is worth waiting for!!!