Doctor Home Visits (Hausbesuch)

Doctor home visits are still part of Swiss medical practice, though less common than they once were. When you or a family member cannot travel to the doctor, here is how the Hausbesuch works, what it costs, and when it is appropriate.

Key takeaway: Doctor home visits (Hausbesuche) are covered by KVG basic insurance but cost more than a clinic visit due to a time and travel surcharge. They are appropriate when patients genuinely cannot travel to the practice -- elderly, immobile, or seriously ill patients. Not all GPs offer home visits, so confirm with your doctor in advance.

When to request a home visit

A Hausbesuch is appropriate in the following situations:

Immobility: The patient cannot walk, stand, or be safely transported to the doctor's office (e.g., severe back injury, broken leg, post-surgical recovery).
Elderly or frail patients: Older adults who are housebound or for whom travel poses a significant hardship or health risk.
Acute illness with high fever: When a patient is too unwell to travel safely, particularly with high fever, severe dizziness, or significant weakness.
Palliative care: Patients receiving end-of-life care at home who need regular medical oversight.
Post-hospital discharge: Patients recently discharged who need follow-up but cannot yet travel.
Infectious conditions: In some cases, it may be preferable to visit the patient at home to avoid exposing others in the waiting room.

Not a convenience service: A home visit is not meant as a more convenient alternative to going to the doctor. Insurers and doctors expect a genuine medical reason for the home visit. If you can reasonably travel to the practice, you should do so -- the quality of care is generally better in a properly equipped medical office.

How to arrange a home visit

The process for arranging a Hausbesuch depends on whether it is during or outside office hours:

During office hours: Call your GP's practice (Hausarztpraxis) and explain the situation. The receptionist or doctor will assess whether a home visit is warranted. If your GP does not offer home visits, they may refer you to a colleague who does, or suggest an alternative (e.g., ambulance transport to the practice, telehealth consultation).
Outside office hours: Call the cantonal medical emergency number (Arztlicher Notfalldienst). Each canton organizes an after-hours GP service -- in many areas, this includes a home visit doctor on call. In some cities (e.g., Zurich, Basel, Bern), private after-hours home visit services also operate. The number 0900 401 501 connects to the after-hours medical service in many German-speaking cantons.
For emergencies: If the situation is life-threatening, call 144 (ambulance) immediately. A home visit is not appropriate for emergencies.

GP home visits vs. Spitex nursing visits

It is important to understand the difference between these two types of home care:

GP home visit (Hausbesuch): A doctor comes to your home for a medical consultation -- diagnosis, treatment decisions, prescriptions, and medical assessments. This is an occasional service, not regular care. The GP brings a medical bag with basic equipment (stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, otoscope, basic medications) but cannot perform procedures requiring a full medical office.
Spitex (home nursing): Spitex provides regular nursing care at home -- wound care, medication administration, injections, blood pressure monitoring, personal hygiene assistance, and other nursing tasks. Spitex nurses visit on a scheduled basis (daily, several times a week, etc.) and work under a doctor's orders. Spitex is a separate organization from your GP.

Many patients, especially elderly ones, receive both: occasional GP home visits for medical decisions plus regular Spitex visits for ongoing nursing care. The GP coordinates with Spitex and adjusts treatment plans as needed.

Costs and coverage

Home visits are covered by KVG basic insurance, but they cost more than a standard office visit:

TARMED surcharge: The doctor bills a home visit surcharge (Zuschlag Hausbesuch) on top of the normal consultation fee. This covers travel time and the inconvenience of leaving the practice. The surcharge varies but typically adds CHF 40--80 to the bill.
Travel costs: Additional travel compensation may be billed depending on the distance from the practice to your home.
Total typical cost: A standard home visit by a GP during office hours typically costs CHF 150--250 total (consultation + surcharge + travel). After-hours home visits cost significantly more due to emergency and night surcharges -- often CHF 300--500.
Coverage: The full amount is covered by KVG, subject to your franchise and 10% Selbstbehalt. There is no additional out-of-pocket cost beyond normal cost sharing.

Consider telehealth first: If your condition can potentially be assessed remotely (e.g., you need a prescription renewal, medical advice, or triage), consider a telehealth consultation first. It costs CHF 50--80 instead of CHF 150--250 for a home visit, and the doctor can always recommend a home visit if they determine one is needed after the phone or video call.

What the doctor brings

A GP making a home visit carries a medical bag (Arzttasche) with essential equipment:

Stethoscope and blood pressure cuff
Otoscope and ophthalmoscope
Thermometer
Basic medications (painkillers, anti-nausea, etc.)
Wound care supplies (bandages, disinfectant)
Prescription pad
Blood glucose meter
Pulse oximeter

What the doctor cannot do at home includes blood tests (samples can be taken but must be sent to a lab), imaging (X-rays, ultrasound), ECG (some GPs have portable devices, but this is rare), and any procedure requiring sterile conditions or specialized equipment.

Palliative home care

For patients receiving palliative care at home, the Hausbesuch takes on a different character:

Regular scheduled visits: The GP visits on a regular basis (weekly or more frequently) to monitor the patient's condition, adjust pain management, and coordinate with Spitex and palliative care teams.
On-call availability: Many GPs providing palliative care offer extended availability for their palliative patients, including phone consultations outside regular hours.
Coordination: The GP coordinates with Spitex, specialized palliative care teams (mobile Palliative-Care-Dienste), pharmacies for medication delivery, and family members.
Coverage: All palliative home visits are covered by KVG. There is no limit on the number of medically necessary visits.

Practical preparation: When expecting a home visit, have the following ready: your insurance card (Versichertenkarte), a list of current medications, any recent hospital discharge letters or specialist reports, and a clear description of the current symptoms. If possible, ensure the room is well-lit and there is a surface where the doctor can work. If you have pets, secure them before the doctor arrives.

After-Hours Care

If you need medical attention outside office hours, learn about the full range of after-hours options.

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KVG Art. 25 — Medical servicesVerified April 2026

Independent guide — not affiliated with BAG or any insurer. Information is for guidance only. About this site