Geneva is known for its high quality healthcare system. The public and private healthcare systems in Switzerland are both highly regarded and provide excellent care.
Switzerland’s Healthcare System
Switzerland’s public healthcare system is called the Swiss Health Insurance System. It is available to all Swiss citizens and permanent residents, and is also available to foreigners who are legally employed in Switzerland. People generally recommend using public hospitals in Geneva for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Public hospitals in Geneva are well-equipped and staffed with highly trained professionals. Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Switzerland. However, many expats choose to use private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Private hospitals in Geneva are well-equipped and staffed with highly trained professionals. They also offer a more personalized experience than public hospitals.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Geneva
The most popular hospitals and clinics for expats in Geneva are:
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève (HUG) – public hospital located in the center of Geneva
- Clinique Générale-Beaulieu – private hospital located in the center of Geneva
- Clinique de Carouge – private hospital located in Carouge, a suburb of Geneva
- Clinique La Colline – private hospital located in the center of Geneva, specializing in orthopedic surgery
Emergency Services in Geneva
Geneva has an ambulance service that can be called by dialing 144. Ambulances usually arrive quickly, but there can be delays depending on the situation.
Health Insurance Companies in Geneva
The most popular private health insurers in Geneva are CSS, Helsana, and Sanitas. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies, although some may choose to use specialized expat health insurance providers.
Insider Tips from Expats in Geneva: Health Care
“I’ve been living in Geneva for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, but you’ll need to make some adjustments and be mindful of your spending. Geneva is known for being an expensive city, so you’ll have to be strategic about where you live and how you spend your money.First, let’s talk about housing. If you want to live in a more affordable neighborhood, I’d recommend looking into areas like Lancy, Carouge, or Meyrin. These neighborhoods are a bit further from the city center, but they’re still well-connected by public transportation and offer a good quality of life. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Eaux-Vives, Champel, and Cologny are quite expensive, so you might want to avoid those if you’re trying to stick to your budget.When it comes to groceries and dining out, you’ll also need to be mindful of your spending. Shopping at discount supermarkets like Lidl or Aldi can help you save on groceries, and cooking at home more often will definitely help you stretch your budget. Eating out can be pricey in Geneva, so try to limit that to special occasions or look for more affordable options like kebab shops or ethnic restaurants.Transportation is another expense to consider. Public transportation in Geneva is quite efficient and reliable, so I’d recommend getting a monthly pass for the bus and tram system. This will save you money compared to buying individual tickets, and it’s much more affordable than owning a car in the city.Finally, when it comes to entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options to enjoy in Geneva. Take advantage of the city’s beautiful parks, like Parc des Bastions or Parc La Grange, for picnics and outdoor activities. You can also visit many of the city’s museums for free on the first Sunday of every month.In conclusion, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Geneva is possible, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, being strategic about your grocery shopping and dining out, and taking advantage of free or low-cost activities, you can make it work,” commented an expat living in Geneva.
