Finding a GP in Switzerland

Step 1: Search doctor.ch

The most widely used physician directory in Switzerland is doctor.ch. It lets you filter by specialty, location, and language spoken. To find a GP:

• Go to doctor.ch and select Allgemeine Innere Medizin (General Internal Medicine) as the specialty — this is the official Swiss designation for GPs
• Enter your city or ZIP code (PLZ)
• Filter by language if you need a doctor who speaks English, French, or another language
• Results show the practice address, phone number, and often whether they are accepting new patients

For English-speaking GPs specifically, search for "English" in the language filter. English-speaking GPs are available in Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lausanne, and Bern — they are harder to find in smaller towns and rural areas.

Step 2: Check the official medical registry

The Federal Office of Public Health maintains the official registry of all licensed physicians in Switzerland at MedReg (BAG). This database confirms that a doctor holds a valid Swiss medical license. It is not as user-friendly as doctor.ch for searching, but it is the authoritative source if you want to verify credentials or find specialists in a specific canton.

Step 3: Use your insurer's doctor finder

Most Swiss health insurers have an online doctor search tool (Ärztesuche or "Arztfinder") on their website or mobile app. This is especially important if you are on a Hausarzt, HMO, or Network model, because you can only choose a GP from your insurer's approved list. Even on the Standard model, the insurer's tool is helpful because it shows which GPs are currently active and accepting patients in your area.

Check your insurer's website, log in to your customer portal, or call their service line to access the doctor finder.

Step 4: Call the practice

Once you have a list of potential GPs, call each practice to ask if they are accepting new patients. Many practices do not advertise availability online, so calling is essential. Here is what to say:

• In German: "Grüezi, ich bin neu in der Schweiz und suche einen Hausarzt. Nehmen Sie neue Patienten auf?" (Hello, I am new to Switzerland and looking for a GP. Are you accepting new patients?)
• In French: "Bonjour, je suis nouveau/nouvelle en Suisse et je cherche un médecin de famille. Acceptez-vous de nouveaux patients ?"
• In English: "Hello, I have recently moved to Switzerland and I am looking for a GP. Are you accepting new patients?" — many urban practices will understand English

If the answer is yes, ask to book an introductory appointment (Kennenlerngespräch). If the answer is no, ask if they can recommend another practice in the area that is accepting patients.

What if no GP is available?

Many urban areas in Switzerland face GP shortages. If you cannot find an available GP in your city or neighbourhood:

• Try neighbouring towns: A GP 20–30 minutes away by train or bus is still practical. Swiss public transport makes this feasible
• Ask your insurer for help: Call your insurer's service line and explain your situation. They have a duty to help you find a provider, especially if you are on a model that requires a designated GP
• Use a walk-in clinic (Permanence) temporarily: Walk-in clinics handle acute and routine issues. They cost more per visit (CHF 100–300) but are available without a GP registration. See the walk-in clinics section for locations
• Check expat communities: Facebook groups, InterNations, and forums like English Forum Switzerland often have up-to-date recommendations from people who recently found a GP

Your first appointment: what to bring

When you have secured a GP and booked your first appointment, bring the following:

• Insurance card (Krankenkassenkarte / carte d'assuré) — your insurer sends this after enrollment
• Photo ID or passport — plus your residence permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung) if applicable
• Medical history from your home country — any discharge letters, lab results, or specialist reports. Ask your previous doctor to provide a summary letter if possible
• Current medication list — including dosages and the prescribing doctor's name
• Vaccination certificate — the Swiss system tracks vaccinations and your GP will want to see your records

The first visit is typically a standard consultation lasting 20–30 minutes. It is billed as a normal appointment (covered by KVG minus your franchise and Selbstbehalt). Use this visit to discuss any ongoing health concerns and to establish your medical baseline in Switzerland.