Health in Switzerland relates to a variety of issues. Namely, water and sanitation, diet and fitness, various addictions, mental fitness, communicable diseases, hygiene and the environment.

In the 2023 OECD "Health at a Glance" report, Switzerland's health statistics indicate several advantages relative to the OECD averages. The country records a life expectancy of 83.9 years, which is 3.6 years higher than the OECD average. Its preventable mortality rate is 94 per 100,000 people, which is below the OECD average of 158 per 100,000. The treatable mortality rate in Switzerland, at 39 per 100,000, is also below the OECD average of 79 per 100,000. Additionally, 3.9% of the Swiss population reports their health as bad or very bad, less than the OECD average of 7.9%. The prevalence of diabetes in Switzerland is lower than the OECD average. Switzerland performs better than the OECD benchmarks on 95% of the health indicators analyzed.^[1]

A new measure of expected human capital calculated for 195 countries from 1990 to 2016 and defined for each birth cohort as the expected years lived from age 20 to 64 years and adjusted for educational attainment, learning or education quality, and functional health status was published by The Lancet in September 2018. Switzerland had the twelfth highest level of expected human capital with 25 health, education, and learning-adjusted expected years lived between age 20 and 64 years.^[2] According to a study conducted by Swiss insurance company CSS in 2023, about one third of the Swiss "feel unhealthy or ill".^[3]

In 2023, Switzerland exhibits a smoking prevalence of 19.1%, higher than the OECD average of 16.0%.^{[dubious – discuss]} The country's alcohol consumption per capita is closely aligned with the OECD average, at 8.5 litres compared to the OECD's 8.6 litres. Obesity prevalence in Switzerland is notably lower, at 11.3%, compared to the OECD average of 18.4%. Moreover, Switzerland reports fewer deaths from air pollution, with 16 deaths per 100,000 population, versus the OECD average of 28.9. Overall, Switzerland performs better than the OECD average in 90% of the health risk factors reviewed.^[1]

In 2023, Switzerland's health system investment notably exceeds OECD averages, with a per capita expenditure of $8049, significantly higher than the OECD's average of $4986 (USD PPP). This expenditure accounts for 11.3% of Switzerland's GDP, compared to the OECD average of 9.2%. The country also has a higher density of healthcare professionals, with 4.4 practicing doctors and 18.4 practicing nurses per 1,000 population, above the OECD averages of 3.7 and 9.2, respectively. Switzerland's hospital bed capacity stands at 4.4 per 1,000 population, on par with the OECD average of 4.3. Switzerland performs better than the OECD standard in 55% of assessed health indicators.^[1]

It is estimated that one out of six persons in Switzerland suffers from mental illness.^[4] Other studies estimate that between 20 and 30 per cent of the population suffers from clinical psychological disorders.^[5] The annual cost for brain disorders is CHF15 billion ($13.7 billion) - more than CHF2,000 per person according to Swiss medical sources (2008).^[6]

Switzerland has the highest rate of psychiatrists per population in the OECD (Iceland has half as many psychiatrists as in Switzerland and is ranked second).^[7]

Patients in psychiatric clinics can be subjected to medication against their will, isolation and restraint. One in four patients in psychiatric services is now hospitalized against their will. "This figure is surprisingly high compared to other European countries" according to Swiss sources.^[8]

The percentage of SMEs that are significantly affected by failures due to mental illnesses in 2022 stands at 26%.^[9]

Alzheimer

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About 150,000 people have Alzheimer in Switzerland (2022). This number is predicted to increase to 315,000 by 2050.^[17]

Some 23,100 men and 19,650 women were diagnosed with cancer every year between 2013 and 2017, according to a Swiss report; with an increase of 3,350 new cases compared with the previous five-year period (because of an aging population).^[18] According to studies, alcohol consumption, smoking and pollution are main factors contributing to cancer.^[19]

This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (November 2020)

As of 2017, the share of people classified as overweight (body mass index (BMI) 25 to 30) has remained stable at 42% of the population. However, over the last 25 years, the percentage of obese people (BMI>30) has more than doubled, from 5% in 1992 to 11% in 2017.^[47]

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Since 2002 until 2018, the number of people who are physically active has increased from 62% to 76%.^[48]

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Between 2013 and 2017, around 9,400 Swiss men and 7,650 women died from cancer every year. This means that around 30% of all male deaths and 23% of all female deaths were due to cancer.^[49] Over the past four decades, the number of suicides per 100,000 residents has dropped from 24.9 to 9.5 (2022).^[50]

• Healthcare in Switzerland
• Obesity in Switzerland