Swizterland

Healthcare System

Healthcare in Switzerland is universal. Health insurance is compulsory for all persons residing in Switzerland.

The whole healthcare system is geared towards the general goals of enhancing general public health and reducing costs while encouraging individual responsibility.

Health insurance covers the costs of medical treatment and hospitalisation of the insured. However, the insured person pays part of the cost of treatment. This is done (a) by means of an annual deductible (called the franchise), which ranges from CHF 300 to a maximum of CHF 2,500 for an adult as chosen by the insured person (premiums are adjusted accordingly) and (b) by a charge of 10% of the costs over and above the excess up to a stop-loss amount of CHF 700.

Switzerland has an infant mortality rate of about 3.6 out of 1,000. The general life expectancy in 2012 was for men 80.5 years compared to 84.7 years for women.These are the world’s best figures.

Currency

The Swiss franc (CHF)

 1 Swiss franc = 16,314.25  IDR

Food

Swiss cuisine bears witness to many regional influences, including from French, German and Italian cuisines and also features many dishes specific to Switzerland. Switzerland was historically a country of farmers, so traditional Swiss dishes tend not to be plain despite being made from basic ingredients, such as potatoes and cheese.

There are many regional dishes in Switzerland. One example is Zürcher Geschnetzeltes, thin strips of veal with mushrooms in a cream sauce served with Rösti. Italian cuisine is popular in contemporary Switzerland, particularly pasta and pizza. Foods often associated with Switzerland include particular types of cheese and milk chocolate. Swiss cheeses, in particular Emmental cheese, Gruyère, Vacherin, and Appenzeller, are famous Swiss products. The most popular cheese dishes are fondue and raclette. Both these dishes were originally regional dishes.

Rösti is a popular potato dish that is eaten all over Switzerland. It was originally a breakfast food, but this has been replaced by the muesli, which is commonly eaten for breakfast and in Switzerland goes by the name of “Birchermüesli” (“Birchermiesli” in some regions). For breakfast and dinner many Swiss enjoy sliced bread with butter and jam. There is a wide variety of bread rolls available in Switzerland. Bread and cheese is a popular dish for dinner.

Tarts and quiches are also traditional Swiss dishes. Tarts in particular are made with all sorts of toppings, from sweet apple to onion. Quiche is a French tart consisting of pastry crust filled with savoury custard and pieces of cheese, meat, seafood or vegetables.

Transportation

In Switzerland public transport is the best way to travel! It provides an extensive nework and offeres frequent, safe and punctual connections all over the country.  National connections are mostly covered by train, local transportation is covered by trams, buses and local trains.

• To find national (and local) connections, please visit the Homepage of the National Train Network SBB/CFF:www.sbb.ch/en/home.html
• To find local Connections, please click on the link of the local Network you are looking for: www.sbb.ch/en/travelcrds-and-tickets/fare-networks/other-fare-networks/.html

In cities, bicycles are a safe and fast way to get around, although consider the hills in some parts of Switzerland! The SBB/CFF offer bicycles for rent at many stations, visit: www.sbb.ch/en/station-services/car-bike.html
Some cities also offer cheap or free bicycles for rent, visit: www.schweizrollt.ch

Please be aware that travel costs in Switzerland are high. So, plan your budget well! For Incomings who plan to travel a lot, it is worth considering to buy one of the Travel Passes for visitors. Especially the Half Fare Card is very useful. For details, visit:www.myswitzerland.com/en-ch/transport-travel/tickets-for-guests-from-abroad.html

Exchange Conditions

Professional Exchange: https://exchange.ifmsa.org/exchange/scope/explore/conditions/view/86

Research Exchange: https://exchange.ifmsa.org/exchange/score/explore/conditions/view/113