Health Care in Switzerland

After hearing about what a terrible health care system we have in the States from movies like "Sicko"' I thought it was about time to blog about my experiences with the Swiss health care system. I have had a bit of experience because I seem to get sick regularly - nothing serious, thank heavens - but nevertheless I have been to a few doctors in CH so far and have had to use 'the system.' Here is a list of some of the observations I have made.

1. Like everything in Switzerland, health care is not cheap.
This is the number one thing that surprised me the most about the Swiss Health Care system. You hear all about how the Swiss have access to some of the best health care in the world and it makes them happier, etc. but unlike socialized systems in Sweden and Australia, and even in comparison to tax based plans in Germany, the health care is paid out of pocket here and starts at about CHF 220 per person per month with a very high deductible... So while taxes are low, health care is pretty expensive because taxes and employers do not take any of the weight off. In comparison, I paid about $225 per month for family insurance in the States and that was employer supported.

With or without a high deductible, you always pay the medical expenses out of pocket first, then get reimbursed. I find this tough as well because if it is a big bill, you have to find the dough to pay for it first. Tough system.

One point though: The one major benefit of the plan we chose is that we pay the same monthly fee for life, no matter how old and crippled we get, which is great. So we basically lock in the young, healthy rate. That is a benefit later in life, for sure.

2. Health insurance is mandatory and basic coverage is universal.
I am not sure how they enforce this but everyone has to have health insurance and unlike campaigns in Massachusetts where they tried this and failed because people couldn't afford health care - they'd rather pay the penalties, they're cheaper, than the health care costs - somehow, Switzerland succeeds (I think).

We had a grace period of three months when we arrived to get it. All the health insurance providers must provide basic health insurance and this is what the prices on services like Comparis show, based on your age and such. So we were told to go with the cheapest because hey, basic health insurance is basic health insurance and we don't need anything fancy (like special maternity plans or alternative medicine plans or private super coverage). So we went with the cheapest.

3. Medical quality is good. Very good.
I have been SUPER impressed by the conditions of the doctors, hospitals, and dentists here in Switzerland. SUPER impressed. For example, I had my annual women's check up - you know the one - and the chair they put me in to check my bits was fully automated. I mean, this thing could have rocketed me to the moon and back. No "Please move down, a bit more, a bit more.." etc. because all the Doctor had to do was tilt the chair this way and that, up and down and it was done. It was "almost" heaven.

The dentist I have took digital photos of my teeth mid-exam to show me where he wanted to work ( it is scary to see 9 x 11's of your teeth on a TV monitor but very cool).

And every doctor I have been to has a computer with Internet access to check prescription names and compare overseas medications to ones that can be prescribed in Switzerland.

Now if only they could spell my last name correctly!!!

4. The doctors are on time and available at short notice.
I have barely had to wait more than 10 minutes for an appointment. Seriously. Enough said. Impressive.

I think that they either allow more time with patients or are just, like everything Swiss, overly efficient. Nevertheless, I have not felt rushed and have not had to really wait. Love it.

I also have always been able to get a general doctors appointment at short notice. Specialists I have had to wait longer for and book in advance, but urgent appointments have always been available which is great.

5. Some doctor's bill by the hour and then in 15 minute increments.
This was one bill that I got... just putting it out there. It surprised me. I felt like they were charging for doing my taxes, not a medical exam. Different... but I understand it.

6. I can go to any doctor in Switzerland.
Unlike plans in the States where you have to sometime go to doctors on your plan, I can go to whomever I want.

I asked one doctor if he was on my insurance once and he just stared at me like I was from another planet. That is how it should be. I should be able to see whatever doctor or specialist I want because when it comes down to your health you deserve the best... and no doubt, you get it here.

7. Some Swiss Doctors bill quarterly.
This is one I am still trying to get used to because I know I am going to get hit with some huge bill around Christmas for all the doctors appointments in the last 3 months. Not great. I think you can ask to be billed immediately, and I will be doing that from now on to space out the costs. Because again, the higher the deductible, the higher the threshhold to full reimbursement for medical and therefore the more out of pocket.

Then again, if I don't get sick the less I have to pay... two way street.

8. Doctors outside of Zurich can also hand out prescriptions.
I am not sure where the boundaries of this stop and start, but one doctor told me that doctors outside of Zurich can also fill prescriptions. This is great, because once I needed something immediately, and I loved that I did not need to factor in an extra trip to the pharmacy. This definately influenced my choice in terms of a long term general practitioner, because I think there are definite benefits to one stop shopping.
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Those are my experiences. Please let me know if I missed something or misworded something a I am definately not an insurance or health care expert. But all in all, I am impressed with the health care system in Switzerland and find that I am getting quality care. I hope that in the next few years I can say the same for the state of health care in the US!

My not so BIG Swiss Mac Experience.

Despite the fact that Jace and I made a pact not to eat McDonald's while in Switzerland, a pact that at least I was still sticking to :), I broke down this weekend.

I know. I am not proud, but I feel as though I did it partly out of hunger and mostly out of "Pflicht"... a word I hear a lot in German, meaning "duty." I mean, what kind of American traveler would I be if I didn't visit a McDonald's outside of the U.S. of A. every once in awhile to review cultural differences. Right? I am glad we agree.
So while at the airport this weekend, coming back from a wonderful getaway with the hubby, we visited the airport McDonalds. And let's just say, I was not the only one there, see above. They had at least 6 registers going and they were doing a rip roaring trade. (Most likely due to the fact that the only place in town open on a Sunday is the airport...) Thus, I thought I would be in line for about 30 minutes, but within 3 minutes I had ordered and was awaiting 2 Big Macs - one wo chez (or without cheese... that reference is for you Amanda, remember?)... so some things never change. McDonald's = service. And yes, I did the 1 CHF extra to SUPER size to the MEDIUM. I live on the edge.

And while I knew that within a few minutes I would be at least 4 kg. heavier, at least my wallet was instantly lighter.... 25 CHF lighter! OUCH! Who ever heard about a McDonald's meal for two costings the equivalent of $25. Wowzers. Again, remember, there was no shortage of people willing to pay for the Big Mac, oh no. Did someone say Recession? Perhaps Mickie D's is recession proof?!?!

I admit. The meal hit the spot, but let me just say that it was not what I remembered it being from the States. This picture does not do it justice, but the Big Mac in Switzerland is TINY. SMALL. MINUTE. Let me just say it - IT IS NOT BIG AT ALL!

Literally, Jace ate the burger in no more than 4 bites. Now I am all for being health conscious and one for portion control, but heck, if I want a BIG Mac, it should be BIGGGG. Disappointed. Ich bin SUPER BIG enttäuscht. Truly. But then... this made it all better...

I was instantly soothed by hunting through the menu, trying to find fun Swiss only McFoods, and this was the best, I cannot get enough of it - It's a weekly special, the McGruyere. No joke. I took the photo because I knew no one would believe me. What is the McGuyere? Let's see shall we...

It's part of the Swiss Week special. And the sign says it all: "With a ciabatta roll, fine Vacherin-melted cheese, grated Gruyere cheese and an unbelievable fondue sauce." It is so Swiss, they don't even mention the actual meat. Hoot.

I love Switzerland. Even Mackers knows how to do a Swiss sandwich... Burger, cheese, more cheese, fondue. I'm lovin' it.

Anyone else have an interestesting Swiss McDonald's story? One Big Yodel has a good one - but I can't help but feel more ripped off that they had a dinner for six for $60 compared to my $25 dinner for 2!!! The Sixty Dollar McDonald's Dinner...
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Update:
This is too good to pass up... here are the sandwiches that will be on offer during the Swiss Week! :) Oh yes, there is a McEmmentaler too... one guess what it contains!!!! (ps. guessing a cheese is a good bet). More info...

Full of Cinnamon Toast Crunch Goodness

You will not believe this... but I had an out of body experience the other day. That is right, it was as if I was floating and I was living my life but I wasn't sure where I was or what was going on. And there were so many pretty colors and animals.... it was so weird. Then all at once, I felt as though I was a kid again, back when I was about 8 or so, and I saw myself getting ready for school and making my own breakfast and drinking the remaining milk out of the bowl to get all the sweet milky goodness. And I was fighting over the toys in the box and turning the boxes over to get the toys out without anyone knowing the wiser... and eating the marshmallows and leaving the other cereal to float in the milk... and then....

And then, I woke up out of this weird other world... and the only rational thing I could do was boy a box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch... strange that.

What I want to know is... who put these here and how long have they been here without me knowing??? Hmmm...???? Ahh, sweet American goodness. You can't tell me the Swiss eat these sugary sweet, quarter of a box full cereals... or do they?

Found in Coop... I have never seen these in Migros. Go get 'em.

Fall in Switzerland

The weather has officially changed and those days are back where all Jace can talk about is how the trees are dying and ask whether or not a cluster of trees is 'evergreen.' Silly Aussies and their year round foliage. What fun is that? Four seasons = good. Plain and simple.

And Fall is one of the best seasons in my opinion. Cool breezes on warm days, leaves blowing in the wind, pumpkins on porches (even in Switzerland!), apple cider (also in Switzerland - score!), sweaters and boot weather... shall I go on?

Here are some shots of our first Fall in Switzerland. (PS. More coming soon... for some reason they didn't upload properly!)

Does my breath smell like garlic?

Um, before you answer that, let me explain. This weekend we went to a Chilbi in Urdorf. Don't even think of pronouncing it "Chil-bee" like some people that get laughed at publicly by their work colleagues do when they say they are going to a "Chill-bee" on the weekend. Instead it is "Hil-bee" with some guttural sounds at the beginning, so it is actually more like... "Hack up a loogie-Hil-bee." Language lesson over - moving on.

We stopped by Rudolf's Knoblibrot because we needed a nice hangover cure from our night out at Vertigo and because everyone was digging into the CHF 5 garlic bread. I mean, who wouldn't want some nice garlic and butter smeared all over one of these giant baguettes. So we ordered two. I mean, look at this face... he is so innocent, the garlic bread man.

But he isn't... oh no! Anyone that serves garlic bread like this? Anyone named Rudolf... he must be the DEVIL! Ok, so not the devil, but Rudolf is serious about his Knoblibrot. I mean, look at those WHOLE PIECES OF GARLIC!!! WOAH!

Oh, you can't see them? Try now...

Oh yeah, they are there, at least 148 heads of garlic smothered in butter and herbs on crusty bread.... was it good? You bet it was good. Was it good 14 hours later when I was still burping up garlic... um, maybe not so much... was it good today when Jace's coworkers wouldn't get near him because he smelled like garlic? heheh... You will have to ask him. :)

At least the vampires won't be coming to Urdorf anytime soon. ;) I highly recommend Rudolf's garlic bread... just make sure you don't have anything to do or anyone to see for at least 72 hours after you eat the Knoblibrot, ok?

Out in Zurich: Vertigo

We went out this weekend to celebrate the birthday of one of Jace's workmates. The party was held at a place called Vertigo on Niederdorfstrasse. Vertigo is a club and bar, but it is also a restaurant with a unique dining experience, because instead of just sitting down to eat your dinner, you lounge. And by lounge, I mean you laydown to eat, a la Greek and Roman times, minus the togas. (But word is they host toga parties regularly as well!). I swear this place was on the Samantha Brown Zurich episode, but I can't find it - can someone concur?)

Jace before the party.

Vertigo, restaurant and lounge.

Since we don't get out too often - or at least I don't ;) - we arrived fasionably early (it's all the rage, I tell ya, go ahead and copy us...) and got some great shots of the venue and of eachother all dressed for the occassion. And yes, this is one of the few times you will see me with eyeliner, so soak it up. ;)
Vertigo's interior deco highlights included a spiral ramp or staircase to the upstairs area where white pleather lounge seats with tray tables for drinks await you. The whole place is bathed in pink light in the early evening and once the place turns into a club around 11 pm the white walls are aglow with lasers and computer graphics.

Here are the seats where we lounged before having our dinner served to us. At times it felt a bit weird because we thought we were paying heaps for your basic TV dinners, but after the first course arrived, we knew we were in the land of itty-bitty portion gourmet.

The appetizer was delish. A deviled egg with caviar. I had to put this in my mouth all at one time so as to spare the disaster of caviars spilling all over my lounge area... mission accomplished. It was good... but tiny and left us wanting more.


The second entree was a really nice seared tuna... too bad our lounge mate, Rich, was not a fan and I had to polish off his helping and mine. Pity.

This was about the point where I spilled the wasabi jelly (err... I mean, panna cotta, silly me!) all over my top and swore never to eat laying down again - and when everyone else us was talking about sneaking out and getting a kabab. Not a good sign...but we had a few more courses to go... including an interesting leek soup with curry foam and the highlight...


(By this time the lights were SUPER PINK, see below, so the main meal needed a flash photo... sorry...)... the highlight was the veal with creamy mushrooms, potato cheese gratin and roasted cherry tomatoes. Honestly, I would have been ecstatic with a big portion of this alone, but it was a great cap to an interesting dining experience.


The rest of the evening was spent people watching, chatting, and chilling on the lounge. Cake was served, people danced and some of us came home at hours reserved for breakfast. ;) Happy Birthday, Jake! Thanks again for the invite and to those that organized a great night out in Zurich.

If you want to try lounge foods at Vertigo, book ahead. I hear the place is quite hard to get into with a reservation and the lines for the club after 11 pm are long.