Healthcare in Montreux

Mandatory health insurance

All residents of Switzerland are required by law to take out basic health insurance (assurance maladie de base — LAMal) within 3 months of taking up residence. The basic insurance covers a defined package of medical services — consultations, hospitalisations, medications and certain preventive treatments. The premium varies by insurer, canton and the chosen deductible (franchise).

In Vaud, the average annual premium for basic health insurance is approximately CHF 4,000 to CHF 6,000 per adult, depending on the insurer and the deductible chosen. The deductible ranges from CHF 300 (minimum) to CHF 2,500 (maximum) per year. A higher deductible results in a lower premium — but the individual pays more out of pocket before the insurance covers costs.

Supplementary insurance

In addition to the mandatory basic insurance, residents can take out supplementary health insurance (assurance complémentaire) to cover services not included in the basic package — private or semi-private hospital rooms, dental care, alternative medicine, glasses and contact lenses, and international coverage. Supplementary insurance is offered by the same insurers as basic insurance and by specialist providers.

For high-net-worth individuals and families, comprehensive supplementary insurance — including private hospital rooms, dental care and international coverage — is strongly recommended. The premium for comprehensive supplementary insurance is typically CHF 3,000 to CHF 8,000 per adult per year, depending on the coverage and the individual's age and health status.

Healthcare facilities in Montreux

Montreux and the surrounding region have excellent healthcare facilities. The main hospital serving the Montreux area is the Hôpital Riviera-Chablais (HRC) — a modern facility with a full range of medical and surgical services, located in Rennaz (approximately 15 minutes from Montreux). The Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV) in Lausanne — one of Switzerland's leading university hospitals — is approximately 30 minutes from Montreux.

In addition to the hospitals, Montreux has a wide range of general practitioners (médecins généralistes), specialists and dental practices. The quality of primary care in the region is high — most general practitioners speak English and are experienced in treating international patients.

Clinique La Prairie

The Clinique La Prairie in Clarens (adjacent to Montreux) is one of the most prestigious private medical clinics in the world — offering longevity programmes, preventive medicine and aesthetic treatments to an international clientele. The clinic has been operating since 1931 and is known for its cellular therapy and anti-ageing programmes.

Other notable private clinics in the region include the Clinique Cecil in Lausanne and the Clinique Bois-Cerf in Lausanne. For residents who require specialist medical care, the proximity to Geneva — with its international hospitals and specialist clinics — is a significant advantage.

Key points

• Mandatory basic insurance (LAMal): required within 3 months of arrival; CHF 4,000–6,000/year in Vaud
• Deductible: CHF 300–2,500/year; higher deductible = lower premium
• Supplementary insurance: private rooms, dental, international coverage; CHF 3,000–8,000/year
• Main hospital: Hôpital Riviera-Chablais (15 min); CHUV Lausanne (30 min)
• Clinique La Prairie in Clarens: world-renowned private clinic for longevity and preventive medicine