Practical Information

Pharmacies & Perscriptions

The cost of prescription drugs is fixed by the government, though Switzerland has one of the highest drug costs in the EU. Non-prescription drugs such as cough medicine can be bought at a drug store, and are not covered by health insurance. Prescription medications, however, are only found at pharmacies, identified by the sign of a green cross on a white background.

Nearly one third of medicines approved for sale are available only by prescription. The cost of these is reimbursed 90 percent by compulsory basic insurance, with the patient having to contribute the remaining 10 percent. Medicines not on the official prescription list are paid for by the patient or by a supplemental insurance plan. Patients are encouraged to ask their doctors and pharmacists to request generic drugs whenever possible in order to keep costs down.

The way in which the medicines are paid for depends on your insurance company. Most companies will provide you with an insurance card, which you present at the pharmacy when you pick up your prescription. The pharmacy then bills the insurance company, who will bill you for your 10 percent share of the cost. Some insurers will require you to pay for your medication and then reimburse you after receiving the receipts you send them. Generally this is the case with the lower-cost companies, which is why some people opt for the more expensive plans for the same coverage. You get the service you pay for.