Organised colorectal cancer screening is offered in just over half of Switzerland’s cantons.
In Switzerland, screening for people aged 50 to 74 is covered by mandatory health insurance. However, this does not always mean it is free of charge for patients. Individuals must first pay healthcare costs themselves up to the amount of their annual deductible — the sum insured persons cover out of pocket before the insurance company begins reimbursing expenses.
An exemption from the deductible means that no payment is required for screening, even if the deductible has not yet been met. This exemption applies only in cantons where an organised screening programme is in place. In other cantons, patients will most likely have to bear the costs themselves.
