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Expat Exchange - Health Care in Lucerne 2024
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Health Care in Lucerne

By Joshua Wood, LPC

AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

Summary: Learn about the health system in Lucerne: how it can and cannot be used by expats, nomads, retirees and others moving to and living in Lucerne.

The healthcare system in Lucerne is known for its high quality and efficiency. Both public and private healthcare options are available, providing residents and foreigners with access to excellent medical care.

Switzerland's Healthcare System

Switzerland has a universal healthcare system called LaMal, which is a mix of public and private healthcare providers. The public healthcare system is used by both locals and foreigners, including expats and digital nomads. Public hospitals in Lucerne are recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries, as they are well-equipped and staffed with highly trained professionals. A public hospital in Lucerne typically offers a high standard of care, with modern facilities and equipment. Foreigners are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Switzerland, but many expats also choose to use private hospitals for their medical needs. Private hospitals in Lucerne are also recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries, as they offer a similar level of care to public hospitals but may have shorter waiting times and more personalized services.

Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Lucerne

Some recommended hospitals and clinics in Lucerne include:

  • Kantonsspital Luzern (public hospital) - located in the city center, this hospital offers a wide range of medical services and specialties.
  • Hirslanden Klinik St. Anna (private hospital) - located in the city center, this hospital specializes in orthopedics, cardiology, and gynecology.
  • Luzerner Höhenklinik Montana (private clinic) - located in the nearby town of Crans-Montana, this clinic specializes in pulmonary and respiratory care.

In case of specialized medical care or surgeries not available in Lucerne, expats may need to travel to larger cities such as Zurich or Bern, which are approximately 1-2 hours away by car.

Emergency Services in Lucerne

Lucerne has ambulance services available for emergencies. To call for an ambulance, dial 144. Ambulance response times are generally quick, but delays may occur in heavy traffic or during peak hours.

Health Insurance Companies in Lucerne

Some popular private health insurance companies in Lucerne include SWICA, CSS, and Helsana. These companies offer a range of health insurance plans for locals and foreigners. Expats and digital nomads may choose to use these local insurance providers or opt for specialized expat health insurance providers, depending on their needs and preferences.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


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