After-Hours Medical Care

Ärztefon: call before you go anywhere

Most cantons operate a 24/7 medical advice phone line called the Ärztefon (doctor phone). These lines are staffed by trained medical professionals who can assess your symptoms over the phone and tell you whether you need to see a doctor, go to a walk-in clinic, visit the ER, or simply wait until Monday. Always call before going somewhere — it can save you hours and hundreds of francs.

Key cantonal numbers:

• Zurich: 0800 33 66 55 (free of charge, 24/7)
• Bern: 0900 57 67 47 (CHF 3.23/min from a landline)
• Basel: 061 261 15 15
• Luzern: 0900 11 14 14 (CHF 3.23/min from a landline)
• National non-emergency health line: 143 (Die Dargebotene Hand — emotional/crisis support, not a medical line, but can direct you)

Most Ärztefon services charge CHF 3–5 per minute from a landline. Mobile rates may be higher. The cost is covered by KVG if the call is medically indicated — meaning if you subsequently need treatment, the phone consultation counts towards your franchise. Some insurers (especially those with Telmed models) offer their own 24/7 medical hotline at no extra charge.

Emergency pharmacy (Notfallapotheke)

Every canton maintains a rotating on-duty pharmacy that stays open outside normal hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays. If you need a medication urgently — for example, you ran out of a prescription drug or need something for a child's fever — the emergency pharmacy can help without a doctor visit.

• Find the on-duty pharmacy at notfallapotheke.ch or check your canton's pharmacy association website
• Emergency pharmacies charge a small surcharge (typically CHF 5–15) on top of the normal medication price
• Pharmacists can also provide basic medical advice and dispense some medications without a prescription that would normally require one during regular hours

Walk-in clinics (Permanence)

Walk-in clinics are open evenings and weekends in most Swiss cities and handle everything from minor injuries to infections, sprains, and acute illnesses. They are significantly cheaper than the hospital ER and typically have shorter wait times.

• Typical cost: CHF 100–300 per visit (covered by KVG minus your franchise and Selbstbehalt)
• Available in Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Bern, Lausanne, Luzern, and most other cities
• No appointment needed — walk in during opening hours
• See the walk-in clinics section for detailed locations and hours

Telemedicine: your insurer's app

If you are on a Telmed insurance model, your insurer provides a 24/7 telehealth service as part of your plan. Even on other models, many insurers now offer telemedicine consultations through their app or website. These video or phone consultations can handle:

• Symptom assessment and triage advice
• Prescription renewals
• Sick notes for short illnesses
• Referrals to the appropriate level of care

Check your insurer's app or website for their telemedicine service. Popular options include Medgate, Medi24, and Sanitas Telemedizin.

Hospital emergency room: only for true emergencies

The hospital ER (Notaufnahme, urgences) should be reserved for genuine emergencies:

• Chest pain, difficulty breathing, signs of stroke
• Serious injuries (fractures, deep cuts, head trauma)
• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
• Loss of consciousness, seizures
• Severe abdominal pain, high fever with confusion
• Any situation where you feel your life or someone else's life is in danger

For life-threatening emergencies, call 144 (ambulance) immediately. The ER is available 24/7/365 and will treat you regardless of insurance status.

ER costs are high: a typical visit costs CHF 500–1,500 or more, depending on tests and treatments. This is covered by KVG but counts toward your franchise and Selbstbehalt.

Decision guide: where should you go?

Use this guide to choose the right level of after-hours care:

• Mild symptoms (can wait until Monday): Call the Ärztefon for advice → follow their recommendation → see your GP on Monday. Cost: CHF 5–15 for the call
• Moderate symptoms (urgent but not life-threatening): Call the Ärztefon first, then go to a walk-in clinic (Permanence) or use your insurer's telemedicine service. Cost: CHF 100–300 at a walk-in clinic
• Severe or life-threatening symptoms: Call 144 or go directly to the hospital emergency room. Do not delay. Cost: CHF 500–1,500+ at the ER