Family doctor model

How the family doctor model works

You like to consult your family practice about health problems but would also like to save on premiums? Then the family doctor model is perfect for you.

What to do if you fall ill?

Under the family doctor model, your point of contact is always the first place you consult. They are familiar with your medical history and know what treatment is best for you. To get an initial assessment, you can also contact the telemedicine centre or use the Symptom Checker in the Well app.

How much will the premium cost each month?

Premiums depend on where you live, your age and what deductible you choose.

What you need to know about the family doctor model

Practically nothing will change for you on switching to the family doctor model. Except, of course, that you can save on premiums.

Specialist treatment

If necessary, your family practice will refer you directly to a specialist or hospital. Most doctors automatically inform us of this via digital channels. But not all of them do. Please check with your family doctor whether the practice is planning to notify us of the referral. Otherwise, kindly send us the referral confirmation before treatment begins. No referral is required for eye doctors, gynaecologists or midwives.

Go straight to a therapist if you have a prescription

You can go straight to physiotherapists, occupational therapists, issuers of aids and appliances, pharmacies, Spitex and dieticians with a prescription from your family practice. You don’t need confirmation of referral for this.

What to do in an emergency

You must always go to your family practice first in an emergency. If they cannot be reached, you must contact their locum or the emergency service.

What are the rules?

The rules include always asking your family practice first when you have a health issue you wish to discuss. Do not forget about the referral confirmation. Under the family doctor model, you buy low-cost medication such as generics and biosimilars. That way, you help to lower healthcare costs and pay less in premiums.

Anyone not following the rules will face financial consequences. You will have to pay up to CHF 500 per doctor’s bill from your own pocket. If you use original products, additional costs may arise.

No family practice?

If you don’t have a personal family practice, you can choose a telemedicine family practice as your first point of contact. Depending on the problem, you’ll either be consulted by a doctor by telemedicine, or referred to a doctor near you. Telephone and video consultations are carried out by a team of doctors from the provider in question (Medi24 or Medgate). You pay a share of your healthcare costs through the deductible and retention fee.