Healthcare costs in Ticino: +4% in 2024, families on the frontline

Context

TL;DR

• Healthcare spending in Switzerland reached 97 billion francs in 2024, a 4% increase.
• Ticino families paid 21.3% of healthcare costs out of pocket.
• Inpatient curative treatments increased by 6.6% in 2024.
• Prevention expenses decreased by 15.8% compared to 2023.

Key facts

• Total healthcare spending: 97 billion francs in 2024
• Increase in spending: Over 4% compared to 2023
• Household funding: Nearly two-thirds of total funding
• Ticino out-of-pocket: 21.3% of funding
• Inpatient treatments increase: 6.6% annual increase
• Prevention expenses decrease: 15.8% compared to 2023
• Medications increase: 6.3% increase in costs
• Ticino per capita costs: 10,792 francs in 2024

Record Increase in Healthcare Costs

In 2024, healthcare spending in Switzerland reached 97 billion francs, with an increase of over 4% compared to the previous year. This significant rise, communicated by the Federal Statistical Office (UST), particularly affected household economies, which covered nearly two-thirds of the total funding. Ticino families paid 21.3% of the funding directly out of pocket, while 40.7% came in the form of indirect contributions, mainly through the payment of health insurance premiums. The Cantons, on the other hand, covered 31.3% of the costs.

The Heaviest Expenditure Items

Between 2023 and 2024, household expenses increased by 5.8%, while those of the State grew by 5.7%. Treatments and aid services accounted for two-thirds of healthcare sector costs, with a 4.4% annual increase. In particular, inpatient curative treatments increased by 6.6%, while long-term treatments increased by 5.9%. The growth was more modest for outpatient curative treatments (+1.6%) and rehabilitation treatments (+1.9%).

Prevention expenses decreased by 15.8% compared to 2023, returning to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels. However, the costs of medications, therapeutic devices, and other medical consumables increased by 6.3%. The administrative costs of the healthcare system recorded an overall increase of 2.0%, with a 9.9% increase for State administrative burdens, a 0.7% increase for social insurances, and a 1.2% decrease for private insurances.

Concrete Examples and Real Numbers

In the Canton of Ticino, healthcare costs per capita were 10,792 francs in 2024. In Lugano, for example, a family of four spent an average of 43,168 francs on healthcare expenses, while in Bellinzona the average expenditure was 41,234 francs. These data highlight how Ticino families are among the most affected by the increase in healthcare costs.

Regulations and Key Dates

As of January 1, 2024, the Canton of Ticino introduced new regulations to contain healthcare costs, including the obligation for health insurances to offer fixed-price service packages for certain therapies. Additionally, a maximum limit of 25,000 francs was set for annual healthcare expenses borne by families, beyond which the insurance covers 100% of the costs.

Operational Checklist

To best manage healthcare expenses, Ticino families can follow this checklist:

• Check insurance premiums: Compare offers from different health insurances to find the most convenient one.
• Use prevention services: Take advantage of prevention programs offered by insurances to reduce long-term costs.
• Check invoices: Carefully verify medical invoices to avoid errors or overcharges.
• Take advantage of discounts: Some hospitals and clinics offer discounts for early payments or for certain services.

Comparison Between Practical Scenarios

Let's consider two practical scenarios for a Ticino family: 1. Scenario A: A family of four in Lugano, with an annual insurance premium of 12,000 francs and additional medical expenses of 8,000 francs, will spend a total of 20,000 francs. 2. Scenario B: A family of four in Bellinzona, with an annual insurance premium of 10,000 francs and additional medical expenses of 6,000 francs, will spend a total of 16,000 francs.

These examples show how insurance choices and medical expenses can vary significantly from one municipality to another.

Differences Between Cantons

In 2024, healthcare costs reached 10,792 francs per inhabitant. Basel-City recorded the highest per capita costs (13,709 francs), while Uri was at the opposite extreme with 8,671 francs. According to UST projections, healthcare system costs could increase by at least 3% in 2025.

"The increase in healthcare costs is a complex phenomenon that requires targeted and collaborative interventions between the State, insurances, and citizens," declared a representative of the UST.

In conclusion, the increase in healthcare costs in Ticino represents a significant challenge for families, but with careful planning and the use of available resources, it is possible to best manage medical expenses.

Operational details

Implications for cross-border workers

The increase in healthcare costs in 2024 has a significant impact on cross-border workers employed in Ticino. With the rise in health insurance premiums and direct costs, cross-border families face greater financial pressure. For example, a cross-border worker residing in Chiasso and working in Lugano might see an increase in their insurance premium from CHF 300 to CHF 324 per month, a difference that, multiplied by 12, results in an additional annual expenditure of CHF 360. This can affect the family budget and the choice to reside in Ticino, especially for those who have to pay withholding tax.

Comparison with the previous situation

Before 2024, healthcare costs were more contained, and families could better plan their expenses. With a 4% increase, many cross-border workers may need to review their budget, especially if they have to pay for stationary or long-term curative treatments. For example, a one-week stationary treatment in a Ticino clinic might cost CHF 5,000 in 2024, compared to CHF 4,800 in 2023. Furthermore, the reduction in prevention expenses could lead to an increase in illnesses, with a further impact on healthcare costs. According to data from the Federal Office of Public Health, in 2023 prevention expenses covered about 5% of total healthcare costs, but with the new cuts, this percentage could drop to 3%.

What to do to mitigate the impact

To cope with the increase in healthcare costs, cross-border workers can consider various options. First, it is important to compare health insurance premiums and choose the most convenient one. For example, by comparing Basic Health Insurance (BHI) offers from different companies, a cross-border worker might save up to CHF 100 per month. Additionally, it is possible to reduce direct costs by opting for outpatient treatments instead of stationary ones, when possible. For example, an outpatient visit might cost CHF 150, compared to CHF 500 for an overnight stay in the hospital. Finally, it is useful to plan healthcare expenses in advance and set aside a sum for any emergencies. An operational checklist could include:

• Compare health insurance premiums every year.
• Plan monthly and annual healthcare expenses.
• Opt for outpatient treatments when possible.
• Set aside a sum for healthcare emergencies.

Differences between Cantons

Healthcare costs vary significantly among Swiss cantons. For example, Chiasso has lower costs compared to Basel-Stadt but higher than Uri. This can influence the choice of residing in one canton rather than another, especially for cross-border workers seeking to reduce living costs. For example, a cross-border worker residing in Mendrisio and working in Lugano might pay a health insurance premium of CHF 320 per month, compared to CHF 350 for a resident in Lugano. Moreover, costs for specific treatments can vary. For example, a visit to a general practitioner in Lugano might cost CHF 160, compared to CHF 140 in Chiasso.

📊 Practical example:

• Resident in Chiasso: Health insurance premium CHF 320/month, outpatient visit CHF 140.
• Resident in Lugano: Health insurance premium CHF 350/month, outpatient visit CHF 160.

💡 Tip: Always compare healthcare costs between cantons before choosing where to reside, considering not only insurance premiums but also the direct costs of treatments.

⚠️ Warning: Regulations can change, so it is important to stay updated on the latest news. For example, starting in 2024, the Confederation has introduced new rules for the coverage of dental care, which could further influence healthcare costs.

Useful tools to protect your net income

To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Key points

Concrete actions for cross-border workers

To address the increase in healthcare costs, cross-border workers can follow some concrete steps. First, it's important to compare the premiums of health insurance policies and choose the most convenient one. Use the health insurance comparator to find the best option for you and your family.

Planning healthcare expenses

Planning healthcare expenses in advance can help manage the family budget better. Set aside a monthly amount for potential medical expenses and consider the option of supplementary insurance to cover treatments not included in the LAMal. For example, a cross-border worker residing in Lugano could save up to 500 CHF per year by opting for supplementary insurance that covers dental care, often excluded from the basic plan.

Comparing costs between Cantons

If you are considering moving to another Canton, compare healthcare costs and health insurance offers. Use the healthcare cost calculator to get a clear idea of the expenses you will face. For example, the average premium for basic health insurance in the Canton of Ticino is around 400 CHF per month, while in the Canton of Graubünden it can drop to 350 CHF. An annual saving of 600 CHF can make a difference for a family.

Using public healthcare services

Some Cantons offer public healthcare services at lower costs compared to private facilities. Inquire at your municipality of residence or the Cantonal Health Office to find out what options are available. For example, in Bellinzona, the public healthcare service offers medical visits at discounted rates for residents, with an average saving of 20% compared to private clinics.

Operational checklist

1. Compare premiums: Use the health insurance comparator to find the best offer. 2. Plan expenses: Set aside a monthly amount for medical expenses. 3. Consider supplementary insurance: Evaluate if supplementary insurance can cover treatments not included in the LAMal. 4. Compare costs between Cantons: Use the healthcare cost calculator to compare expenses between different Cantons. 5. Use public services: Find out about the public healthcare services available in your municipality of residence.

Conclusion

The increase in healthcare costs in Ticino represents a challenge for cross-border workers, but with careful planning and the choice of the most convenient options, it is possible to mitigate the impact on the family budget. Use the available tools to compare health insurance premiums and plan your healthcare expenses in advance. For more information, consult the healthcare expense calculator.

"Planning is the key to effectively managing healthcare costs." - Financial expert

📊 Practical example: A cross-border worker residing in Lugano with an insurance premium of 400 CHF per month could save up to 500 CHF per year by opting for supplementary insurance that covers dental care.

💡 Tip: Always compare offers from different insurers and carefully evaluate the coverages offered.

⚠️ Warning: Regulations can change, so it's important to stay updated on the latest news regarding health insurance.

Source: tvsvizzera.it