14 January 2026

In its report, the Swiss Federal Council analysed healthcare cost trends since 1996 and the drivers behind cost growth. The report shows that rising costs are due to multiple factors such as demographic change, technological progress and increased use of services. The Federal Council also examined whether transferring services from compulsory health insurance to top-up insurance would be appropriate. It concluded that a shift would not be justified for services that meet the statutory criteria of efficacy, appropriateness and cost-effectiveness (Kriterien der Wirksamkeit, Zweckmässigkeit und Wirtschaftlichkeit, WZW criteria), as it would risk creating a two-tier healthcare system.

For more information, see here.