Spending on healthcare in Switzerland rose 5.9% in 2021, which was largely inflated by emergency state funding to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, official figures reveal.
This content was published on
1 minute
swissinfo.ch/mga
Italiano
it
L’impatto della pandemia sulla legge sanitaria svizzera diventa evidente
Health expenditure rose CHF4.8 billion ($5.4 billion) to CHF86.3 billion, which represents 11.8% of total Swiss economic output.
The taxpayer ended up with a CHF1.8 billion bill for pandemic measures that increased state-funded health services by nearly 75% in 2021.
Hospital expenditure increased 4.4% or CHF1.3 billion, according to Federal Statistical Office (FSO) figures released on Tuesday.
The total 2021 healthcare bill equated to CHF827 per person, per month. Private households contributed CHF184 of this sum on average.
Healthcare costs have risen by an average 3% over the last five years, the FSO states. Health insurers warn that this cost continues to spiral out of control in Switzerland.
Earlier this month, the Santésuisse umbrella group for insurers said costs had risen 7.5% per capita in the first two months of 2023.
Health insurance premiums jumped by an average of 6.6% between 2022 and 2023, in connection with the pandemic and catch-up effects.
But Santésuisse said an increase of 10% would be necessary to meet increasing costs that are rising faster than ever.
Most Read Swiss Abroad
More
Why Switzerland is an archaeological treasure trove
Is your place of origin, your Heimatort, important to you?
Every Swiss citizen has a Heimatort, a place of origin, but many have never visited theirs. What’s your relationship with your Heimatort? What does it mean to you?
What factors should be taken into account when inheriting Swiss citizenship abroad?
Should there be a limit to the passing on of Swiss citizenship? Or is the current practice too strict and it should still be possible to register after the age of 25?
This content was published on
Swiss imports and exports reached new heights in the first quarter, driven by the chemicals and pharmaceuticals sectors. Shipments to the US rose sharply.
Italian in Switzerland accused of being Calabrian mafia henchman
This content was published on
The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland has charged an Italian resident of the Anello-Fruci 'Ndrangheta clan in the canton of Aargau.
Swiss CFOs have a pessimistic outlook due to trade wars
This content was published on
In the wake of the trade wars launched by US President Donald Trump, Swiss companies are assessing the future much more pessimistically.
Swiss parcel bomber had links to military and intelligence services
This content was published on
The 61-year-old man who admitted to being Patek Philippe's blackmailer in Geneva had connections in the police and the army.
Cost of mental health for young women higher than for men
This content was published on
The cost of mental health treatment for young people in Switzerland is on the rise, with female patients bearing the brunt of the costs.
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.