Small country – short distances

Switzerland lies right in the heart of Europe, surrounded by Germany, France, Italy, Liechtenstein and Austria. The three major airports of Basel, Geneva and Zurich are perfectly spread out across the country, providing regular and efficient daily connections to European and international centres. This means that visitors coming to Switzerland for medical treatment do not have to undertake any strenuous journeys and can be at their destination in no time at all. The uncomplicated, comfortable journey to Switzerland’s hospitals is not just a pleasant luxury but rather a top priority. For visitors with health issues, recovery, wellbeing and recuperation are paramount. Any stress during the inward or return journey can cause additional harm. Switzerland offers this perfect transport infrastructure not only in the country itself but also to all international destinations.

Central location of Switzerland’s hospitals
The transport routes within Switzerland are short and very easily accessible. The compact country measures 220km from north to south and 348km from east to west. Despite being on opposite sides of the country, journeys between the two largest cities of Geneva and Zurich take just under three hours by car or train, while Basel, Bern and Zurich are less than an hour apart. However, journeys from the airport to Switzerland’s hospitals are much shorter for visitors from across the globe. The centres of medical excellence are all located very close to one of the three airports and will organise safe transport straight to the hospital door. If relatives or friends of the patient are travelling with them, they will also want accommodation close to the treatment centre. Every region of Switzerland offers wonderful accommodation options, ranging from luxury spa resorts to chalets in a typically Swiss style.

Medical services at the airport itself
Switzerland’s hospitals cater to the needs of their patients and provide excellent and easily accessible medical care. For example, the Klinik Gut has a special service offering pre- and post-operative consultations at Zurich Airport, at the five-star Grand Resort Bad Ragaz and in Ascona in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. If visitors also want to get to know the country a bit alongside their medical treatment, Switzerland offers a vast array of local recreational activities. The country offers hugely diverse landscapes, from high mountains, rolling hills, rivers and lakes to attractive towns and cities, all packed into a relatively small area. The short transport routes between the medical centres and leisure activities for tourists enables visitors to combine a doctor’s appointment with a relaxing holiday.  

Text: Dr Kathrin Zimmermann