Practical Information

Healthcare for Baby

An insurance policy for the baby must be taken out within three months of birth, regardless of whether the baby is a Swiss citizen or not. A list of pediatricians can be found at the website Doctors, Medicine Switzerland. It is recommended that the child receive a physical exam one month after birth, then regular checkups until beginning school. Immunizations are not mandatory, but it is recommended that the MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) be given once at 12 months and again at 15 to 24 months. Doctors are required to inform parents about recommended vaccinations, including the benefits and the risks. People who contract measles can suffer from brain damage, pneumonia or occasionally death. Vaccination has, however, been linked by some experts to autism and/or an increase in allergies among children.