In the future, patients at hospitals in Switzerland may have to provide details of their nationality as they are treated, according to a new plan approved by the National Council. The idea was fiercely opposed by some, who argued the statistical measure would lead to discrimination.

Push to add nationality to healthcare cost statistics in Switzerland

On September 11, by 105 votes to 81, the lower chamber of the Swiss parliament voted in favour of a plan to allow patients’ nationality to be collected for statistical purposes. The Council of States, the upper house, will weigh in on the plans in the coming weeks.

The law would include nationality alongside age, gender and address when surveying holders of basic health insurance in Switzerland. The Federal Statistical Office (FSO) would be required to carry out annual surveys of policyholders, using a person’s residence and citizenship status as a variable.

Speaking to 20 Minuten, FDP National Councillor Cyril Aellen argued that "for reasons of transparency, the nationality of insured persons must be considered as a variable to be analysed in order to examine the benefits payable by health insurance." With the cost of health insurance expected to rise for the third time in a row when policies are renewed for 2025, it is hoped the move will help better tailor government initiatives designed to reduce costs.

Swiss parliament wants to prove foreigners cost more, says opponent

While approved by lawmakers, the proposal was fiercely opposed by others in the chamber. Social Democratic Party National Councillor Brigitte Crottaz argued that it is “an absurd, time-consuming and discriminatory bureaucratic exercise." "A part of parliament just hopes to demonstrate that foreigners cost more."

The idea of using nationality as a factor in insurance costs is already a reality in the alpine nation. Indeed, a study from Comparis found that foreign drivers in Switzerland are charged up to 74 percent more for car insurance than Swiss citizens.

Bureaucratic costs would outweigh the benefits, SP argues

Crottaz, who is also a doctor, argued that "nationality is not a significant factor in the health field, unlike other data such as age or gender," adding that the rule would undermine trust between healthcare providers and the expat community. She concluded that the bureaucratic costs associated with the plan would be far higher than any cost savings the data may reveal: for instance, "a million people have dual nationality. How will they be considered? As Swiss or foreign?"

Speaking to 20 Minuten, Health Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider (SP) said that the Federal Council was also against the plan, arguing that “the amendment is not necessary.” She argued that the Federal Statistical Office is already able to produce in-depth statistics about the costs of basic and supplemental health insurance, and even has the right to request information directly from registered insurers.