The latest Helsana Drug Report shows that the cost of medication covered by basic insurance rose again in 2024, reaching a new high. This year’s report also focuses on the lack of transparency in the pricing process for medications and examines reforms to promote generic medications and biosimilars as well as gender-specific aspects in the supply of medications.
Helsana has been analysing the pharmaceutical market in Switzerland for twelve years. Despite the regular price reviews conducted by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), the cost of medication under basic insurance increased considerably in 2024. It has now reached CHF 9.4 billion in the outpatient sector, an increase of 3.6% compared with the previous year. The price level continues to rise as new high-priced medications enter the market. Even when generic medications and biosimilars are used, too much savings potential remains untapped.
The Helsana Drug Report is the only one of its kind in Switzerland. The report – compiled in cooperation with the European Center of Pharmaceutical Medicine (ECPM) at the University of Basel – provides authentic insights into the supply of medicinal products in Switzerland. We also cast a critical eye on the market for medicinal products, look for anomalies and differences, and identify room for improvement.
The report is in German, and the summary is available in German and English.
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