Paediatric Care

Direct access to paediatricians

One of the most family-friendly features of the Swiss healthcare system is that children can be taken directly to a paediatrician (Kinderarzt / pédiatre) without first going through a general GP — even in gated insurance models such as Hausarzt, HMO, or Telmed. This exception is universal and applies to all ages from newborn through adolescence (generally up to 15 or 18 years, depending on the paediatrician).

This means parents do not need to make two appointments (first to a GP, then waiting for a referral) when their child is unwell. They can call the paediatrician's office directly.

Finding a paediatrician

Paediatricians (Fachärzte für Pädiatrie) are listed on doctor.ch and in your insurer's provider search. As with GPs, many popular paediatric practices in cities have waiting lists for new patients. It is worth registering your child with a paediatrician soon after arriving in Switzerland or shortly after birth, before you need urgent care.

Children's hospitals (Kinderspital) in major cities — Zurich, Bern, Basel — also have associated outpatient practices that can sometimes accept patients when private paediatricians are full.

The check-up schedule (Vorsorgeuntersuchungen)

Switzerland has a nationally recommended schedule of preventive check-ups for children, based on guidelines from the Swiss Society of Paediatrics (Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Pädiatrie). Key check-ups occur:

• In the first week of life (neonatal check, usually in hospital)
• At 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months
• At 24 months, 36 months, 48–60 months (preschool), and at school entry
• Adolescent check-ups at around 11–12 years and 16–17 years

KVG covers these scheduled preventive check-ups — they are not subject to the franchise for children under 18. This is an important difference from adult preventive care, where most screening is not covered by basic insurance.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations follow the national vaccination schedule published by the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG/OFSP). Standard childhood vaccines (MMR, DTP, Hepatitis B, Chickenpox, HPV, etc.) are covered by KVG. The paediatrician administers these at the scheduled check-up appointments.

Switzerland does not mandate vaccinations, but many schools and day-care facilities request vaccination records. The Impfausweis (vaccination booklet) is issued by your paediatrician and should be kept safe — it is the official record of your child's vaccinations and is often needed for school enrolment.

Emergencies involving children

For paediatric emergencies, the Kinderspital (children's hospital) emergency departments are equipped specifically for children. In Zurich, this is Universitäts-Kinderspital Zurich (Kispi); in Bern, Inselspital has a paediatric emergency department; Basel has the UKBB. For life-threatening situations, always call 144 first — paramedics are trained to handle paediatric emergencies and will direct you to the appropriate facility.

When children transition to adult care

Most paediatricians in Switzerland follow patients until 15–18 years of age, depending on the practice. After this, the young adult transitions to a general GP. It is worth planning this transition in advance — ask your paediatrician to write a comprehensive medical summary (Arztbericht) that can be handed to the new GP, covering the full history, vaccinations, and any ongoing conditions.