Switzerland

Holidays by Destination Europe Switzerland Health 

There is no public health service in Switzerland so insurance is vital, as even a short consultation with a doctor will cost close on SF100 (£40). This will have to be paid and claimed back from your insurance company later.

Pharmacies are reliable, have local rota systems for emergencies, and particularly in the French-speaking parts may include homeopathic options. The Swiss are also users of herbal products. Dr Vogel is a Swiss brand for example and you will probably find these, plus other traditional products.

Tourist offices can provide a list of hospitals if you have an emergency and almost all have some kind of 24-hour service.

Although Switzerland is renowned as clean and healthy, two issues to beware of are sunburn in the mountains as at altitude the thinner atmosphere (plus reflection from snow if there is any) mean you burn faster. Damage to eyes is also a potential problem so protective sunglasses are important.

Altitude sickness can be an issue if you go high in a hurry, say on a cable car outing. For more details see Health under Practicalities but in all events, be chary with a child with asthma. For the record, it is considered unlikely under 3,000 metres and even high altitude walks generally are below that.

In woodland there is a slight danger of ticks, which might carry disease. (For more see Health under Practicalities.)