Switzerland's healthcare system received high marks for patient outcomes and care experiences according to the latest report from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Published in February 2025, the Patient-Reported Indicator Survey (PaRIS) captures the voices of over 107,000 individuals across 19 countries who have chronic health conditions. The survey reveals how different healthcare systems manage care, especially for adults aged 45 and older.
Switzerland outperformed many of its peers, especially concerning the management of chronic conditions. An impressive 82 percent of those suffering from chronic ailments report good physical health, significantly above the OECD average of 70 percent. This places Switzerland at the forefront of health outcomes among the surveyed countries.
Beyond physical health, the emotional and social well-being of patients also received high ratings. A remarkable 91 percent of participants with chronic conditions reported good mental health, exceeding the average of 83 percent across OECD nations.
The study also highlights patient confidence and management, with 67 percent feeling capable of overseeing their health—again above the OECD average of 59 percent. Almost all respondents (97 percent) noted they received patient-centered care, the highest level reported, significantly surpassing the OECD averages of 85 percent for care quality and 87 percent for addressing patients' needs.
Follow-up and consultation practices were also commendable, with 78 percent of individuals with two or more chronic conditions indicating they had regular consultations lasting over 15 minutes, which is 31 percentage points higher than the OECD average.
Regarding medication reviews, Switzerland also excelled. An impressive 91 percent of respondents with three or more chronic conditions reported their medications had been reviewed by healthcare professionals within the last year—16 percentage points above the OECD average. Trust levels are equally notable, with 74 percent of men and 68 percent of women expressing confidence in their healthcare system. These figures outshine the OECD averages of 67 percent for men and 58 percent for women.
Nonetheless, not all statistics were favorable. The system's reliance on modern technology and efficient record-keeping is still developing. Only 55 percent of patients with chronic conditions are associated with practices capable of exchanging medical records electronically, slightly below the OECD average of 57 percent.
Data from this survey is consistent with earlier studies, reinforcing the notion of Switzerland's healthcare superiority relative to other OECD countries. An earlier OECD study already indicated Switzerland showed higher life expectancy rates, lower preventable mortality rates, shorter wait times for appointments and procedures, and greater accessibility to health services.
The Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity (FREOPP), based in the United States, identified Switzerland as having the most advanced healthcare system out of 31 analyzed countries, factoring elements such as patient choice of doctors, the utilization of technological advances, and the availability of innovative treatments.
While the OECD report paints a largely optimistic image of Swiss healthcare, it does not shy away from addressing its dark underbelly. The soaring costs associated with healthcare remain a significant concern. The mandatory health insurance premiums are on the rise due to various factors. For one, the Swiss population enjoys a relatively high life expectancy, translating to increased utilization of medical services over time. Coupling this with the costs of expensive medication, advanced technological investments, and instances of unnecessary treatments only compounds the issue.
Despite its acknowledged challenges, the high satisfaction rates expressed by Swiss patients signal the system's strong performance. The congruent results across various studies cast the Swiss healthcare model as one to be highlighted on the global stage. The OECD's survey findings are not only reflective of patient engagement but also speak volumes about the structural competency within Swiss healthcare practices.