this post was submitted on 03 May 2026
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As an American I'm curious what it's like if you need to go to the doctor and how much you pay from say a broken arm to general checkup. Also list what country please

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[–] jenesaisquoi@feddit.org 10 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (1 children)

I don't know what to say, I can't imagine it being any other way.

In Switzerland, it works like this: you choose your deductible, between 300 CHF (~330 EUR) and 2500 CHF (~2730 EUR) per year. Lower deductible means higher premiums and vice versa. A typical premium for a 2500 deductible might be 4000 CHF per year (4360 EUR). The insurance companies are private, and they compete, but, the insurance terms are fixed by the state by law - so it doesn't really matter which insurance company you choose. There is zero bullshit like in the USA where, once you need something, they go "ah well you see on page 32478234 of our terms it says you can get rekt, actually". If you need medical services, you get them. It is the law.

Insurance is compulsory. People who can't afford the premium get subsidies by the state. People who don't earn any money for any reason get the entire premium paid for by social services.

[–] boonhet@sopuli.xyz 2 points 22 hours ago (1 children)

I was going to say that sucks, but then I realized you guys have pretty low taxes compared to ours. Okay, fair.

Do underage, unemployed, retired people, etc, also have to get private insurance though? Because I imagine there are people out there who can't afford that pretty damn expensive insurance.

[–] jenesaisquoi@feddit.org 2 points 19 hours ago* (last edited 17 hours ago)

Yes, see the last sentence of my previous comment. Premiums are either partially or completely covered by the state for those that can't pay them. Also keep in mind that while 4000 CHF might seem expensive, salaries in Switzerland are also quite high. A supermarket cashier makes ~60k, qualified workers twice that.