Medicines can be supplied over the counter, on specialised advice or upon prescription only depending on the category to which they belong, as determined by Swissmedic.
Currently, the categories of medicines are as follows:
When buying your medication in a pharmacy, please do not forget to show your insurance card.
Information on medicines:
A generic drug has the same active ingredient as an original drug and is less expensive.
If there is no counter-indication in the treatment of your illness, do not hesitate to choose a generic drug to reduce the costs of your treatment.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a prescription for generic drugs.
Are you looking for a generic drug? Use the platform MyMedi.ch
Drugs delivered on specialised advice only are available in pharmacies and drugstores.
Prescription drugs are available only in pharmacies.
Please note that drugstores are not recognised healthcare providers under the Federal Law on Health Insurance (LAMal/KVG). Therefore, medication purchased in drugstores cannot be reimbursed under the compulsory health insurance (AOS/OKP).
Vaccinations are medical measures to prevent illnesses. Some are covered by basic health insurance, others by a supplemental insurance. Vaccinating a child against hepatitis B or receiving compulsory preventive vaccinations for a trip abroad protects you from the risk of disease.
Information on vaccines and vaccination:
