Child Health
Preventive check-ups, vaccinations and development: How to support your child's health through the first years of life in Switzerland.
Life Stages / Child Health
Vaccinations According to the Swiss Vaccination Schedule
The Swiss Vaccination Schedule of the BAG recommends the first vaccinations from the age of two months, including against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Hib, pneumococci and later measles-mumps-rubella. Vaccination appointments are closely coordinated with preventive check-ups. Your paediatrician will advise you on the individual schedule.
Common Childhood Illnesses
Fever, colds, middle ear infections, gastrointestinal infections, and skin rashes are part of everyday childhood and usually clear up on their own. Sufficient fluids, rest, and monitoring the general condition are important. In case of persistent high fever, shortness of breath, or a strong feeling of illness, you should seek medical advice.
Development & Milestones
Children develop at their own pace: grasping, sitting, first words and walking are reached within a broad time window. Preventive check-ups regularly assess motor skills, language, hearing and vision. Raise concerns early – many things can be supported well.
Finding a Paediatrician
A regular paediatric practice accompanies your child over years and knows their medical history. In Switzerland, paediatricians are often fully booked – it's best to register during pregnancy. Alternatively, your general practitioner can also provide care.
Emergency in Children
Warning signs are difficulty breathing, persistent impaired consciousness, seizures, severe dehydration or fever in infants under three months. In life-threatening situations call 144. In case of suspected poisoning, Tox Info Suisse is available around the clock at 145.
Preventive Check-ups in Childhood
- 1 MonthFirst comprehensive examination: weight, length, head circumference, reflexes, heart, hips and feeding behaviour. Advice on nutrition, vitamin D and sleep.
- 2 MonthsMonitoring of growth and development; start of the first basic vaccinations according to vaccination schedule.
- 4–6 MonthsAssessment of motor skills and interaction, further vaccinations and advice on introducing complementary foods.
- 1 YearAssessment of movement, grasping, and first sounds, checking of hearing and vision; the second MMR dose (after the first at 9 months) as well as any other vaccinations due according to the vaccination schedule.
- 2 YearsLanguage development, motor skills and social behaviour are the focus; advice on nutrition and dental care.
- 4 YearsPre-school examination with vision and hearing test, fine motor skills and language; review of vaccination status.
- 6 YearsExamination around school entry: development, concentration, posture, as well as the booster vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, and polio (4 to 7 years).
Figures, deadlines and what insurance covers
- Franchise for Children
- none (0 Francs)For children up to 18, no franchise applies by default; a voluntary optional franchise is possible.
- Deductible Child
- 10 %, maximum 350 Francs per yearFor multiple children in the same family, the total amount is additionally capped.
- Vaccinations According to Swiss Vaccination Schedule
- covered by basic insuranceA recommendation in the vaccination schedule does not automatically mean that mandatory basic insurance covers the costs: What is decisive are the requirements set by the BAG under Art. 12a KLV — they depend on the vaccine, age, indication, and vaccine product. The vaccination schedule is updated annually by the BAG and the EKIF.
- Maternal and Child Health Advisory Service
- usually free of chargeCommunity-based advice on nutrition, sleep, development and everyday life — without registration at the doctor.
- Preventive Check-ups
- at close intervals in the 1st–2nd year of life, thereafter at longer intervalsAppointments and vaccinations usually run together at the paediatric practice.
General orientation to the Swiss system, not insurance or legal advice. Amounts and rules may change annually and vary by canton — your policy, your compensation office and the linked official sources are binding.
Official contact points
Independent advisory services outside FindMyDoc.
- Elternnotruf Counselling around the clock when situations at home escalate or you reach your limits.0848 35 45 55
- Pro Juventute — Counselling 147 Contact point for children and young people, around the clock, free and confidential.147
- Tox Info Suisse In case of suspected poisoning — available around the clock.145
- BAG — Swiss Vaccination Schedule The official, annually updated vaccination schedule with age recommendations.
Unsure which service is responsible for your concern? This conversation will guide you to the right practice.
This collection is for guidance only and does not replace medical advice. For health concerns, please consult a doctor.