Emergency first
For a life-threatening medical emergency, call 144. Police is 117, fire is 118, and Tox Info Suisse is 145 for poisoning questions. Do not rely on this guide in an emergency.
Pharmacy, GP or walk-in clinic?
A pharmacy is often a good first stop for minor symptoms and OTC products. For ongoing or non-urgent medical issues, use a GP according to your insurance model. Zurich also has walk-in options, including services around the main station.
Common medicines: translate the category, not the brand
Swiss brand names can differ from what you know. Ask a pharmacist for the active ingredient and explain symptoms, allergies, pregnancy, other medicines and medical conditions. For pain/fever, allergies, cough/cold, stomach issues or minor skin problems, a pharmacist can advise what is available without prescription. This site does not recommend individualized medication.
Health insurance
Basic insurance is compulsory for residents. Benefits of compulsory basic insurance are legally defined, while premiums and models differ. Your deductible (Franchise) and model affect cost and how you access care.
Night/weekend rule
Do not assume a regular practice is open. Use official/known urgent-care pathways, your insurer’s telemedicine service where applicable, or an established walk-in clinic. For severe symptoms, use emergency services.
It's Saturday and you need a doctor
Medbase Permanence Zürich HB — inside the main station, walk-in, 365 days, 7am–9pm. For adults and older teens; check the clinic's current age rules.
Permanence Medical Center Sihlquai — near HB, no appointment; Mon–Sat 7am–9pm, Sun/holidays 9am–4pm.
Ärztefon 0800 33 66 55 routes non-life-threatening medical, dental, psychiatric and pharmacy emergencies across Canton Zurich.
Stadtspital Zürich Waid and Triemli emergency departments are open 24/7. Triemli also has women's and children's emergency care.
Call 144.
What to bring
- Health-insurance card
- Photo ID
- Medication list, especially anything you take regularly
- Relevant medical documents if you have them handy
How payment works
Bring your Swiss insurance card. Medbase HB says patients without it are asked to pay directly. Sihlquai accepts recognized Swiss health insurers and also self-paying/private patients; evening, Sunday and holiday surcharges can apply. Your eventual out-of-pocket cost depends on your insurance setup, deductible and co-payment. If you're newly arrived or using foreign insurance, ask the clinic how it will bill you when the situation is not an emergency.
Accident insurance: check before paying twice
Employees are insured for occupational accidents. If you work at least 8 hours per week for the same employer, employer accident insurance generally also covers non-occupational accidents. In that case, ask your health insurer whether accident coverage should be suspended from your basic health policy.