Low-Income Earners Use More Healthcare; High Earners Foot Much of the Bill

Individuals with lower incomes in Switzerland access healthcare services more frequently than those with higher incomes, according to a recent study by Helsana. The analysis, based on data from approximately one million insured individuals, reveals a notable disparity in healthcare utilization across income levels.

The study highlights that the Swiss healthcare system involves substantial redistribution. While lower-income individuals utilize more services, the costs are often borne by higher earners through the insurance system. This indirect subsidy is a key feature of how healthcare is financed and accessed in the country.

This finding underscores the complex interplay between income, health, and the healthcare system in Switzerland. It raises questions about equity and the sustainability of a system where a significant portion of healthcare costs for one group is covered by another. The study provides concrete data on the extent of this redistribution.