Shortage of pediatricians and missed rent reductions: what should Hungarians watch out for?
Svájcban átlagosan 1600 gyermek jut egy teljes munkaidős gyermekorvosi álláshelyre, ezért egyes kantonokban nehéz új pácienst fogadó praxist találni. A magyar családoknak célszerű időben gyermekorvost keresniük, és ellenőrizniük a helyi ellátottságot. A referenciakamat csökkenése lakbérmérséklés alapja lehet, de a csökkentés nem automatikus: írásbeli kérelmet kell benyújtani a bérbeadónak, a szerződéses határidők figyelembevételével.
How severe is the shortage of paediatricians in Switzerland, and which cantons are most affected?
In Switzerland, there are on average 1,600 children per full-time equivalent (FTE) paediatrician position. This is the national average, but it conceals significant differences between cantons.
Paediatric primary care (pädiatrische Grundversorgung) is therefore not evenly distributed across the country. In some cantons, access is relatively good, while elsewhere parents have considerably more difficulty finding a paediatrician with available capacity.
This is particularly relevant for Hungarian families because in Switzerland, health insurance (Krankenkasse) is mandatory for every child, but having insurance does not in itself guarantee that a paediatrician will be available near the family’s home.
Practical signs of the shortage may include longer waiting times, practices that are fully booked, and individual practices no longer accepting new patients. In such cases, families may need to turn to practices in a neighbouring municipality or canton.
What is behind the gap in paediatric care in Switzerland?
The shortage of paediatricians (Kinderarztmangel) is driven by several mutually reinforcing factors, which are also being examined by Swiss professional organisations and research institutes.
The issue is being studied by bodies such as the University of Bern, the professional association Pädiatrie Schweiz and the journal Swiss Medical Weekly. Their analyses point to structural challenges in paediatric primary care.
The medical tariff system also plays a role: the former TARMED billing system is being replaced by a new tariff structure, TARDOC. These tariffs have a direct impact on the financial viability of paediatric practices.
From a Hungarian perspective, it is important to note that having a medical degree obtained in Hungary recognised in Switzerland is a separate procedure. Anyone wishing to work as a paediatrician in Switzerland must undergo qualification recognition and local professional registration — a process that takes time.
What does a missed rent reduction mean for tenants?
Swiss rents are partly linked to the mortgage reference interest rate (hypothekarischer Referenzzinssatz). If this rate falls, a tenant may in principle be entitled to a rent reduction (Mietzinssenkung) — but the tenant generally has to request it themselves.
This is precisely what the term “missed” refers to: in most cases, the reduction is not automatic. If the tenant does not submit an application, the rent may remain unchanged even when the reference interest rate would provide grounds for a reduction.
The reference interest rate is determined and published by the Federal Housing Office (Bundesamt für Wohnungswesen, BWO). It is the nationally applicable benchmark to which rental agreements are linked.
Rent levels are influenced not only by the reference interest rate, but also by general cost increases and the consumer price index (Landesindex der Konsumentenpreise, LIK). The landlord may invoke these factors to offset part of the effect of an interest-rate reduction.
In practice, this means that a reduction in the reference interest rate does not necessarily result in a full rent reduction — the outcome depends on the combined effect of the various factors.
When can rent decrease or increase based on the reference interest rate?
Rent adjustments are linked to changes in the mortgage reference interest rate: a decrease creates an opportunity for the tenant to seek a reduction, while an increase provides grounds for the landlord to raise the rent.
The reference interest rate does not move continuously; it changes in steps determined by the BWO. Tenants should therefore monitor the official publication, as this provides the substantive basis for submitting a request.
Rent adjustments generally follow the termination and adjustment dates specified in the tenancy agreement. The precise deadlines and formal requirements also depend on the agreement and cantonal practice.
It is important to understand that an increase initiated by the landlord and a reduction requested by the tenant are based on the same mechanism, but operate in opposite directions. While landlords typically initiate increases following a rise in the reference interest rate, the tenant must submit a request following a reduction.
Who can request a rent reduction, and how should the request be submitted?
A tenant may request a rent reduction if their rent was set with reference to a previously higher reference interest rate and the rate has since fallen. The request is known as a rent reduction request (Herabsetzungsbegehren).
The request must be submitted to the landlord in writing. It is subject to formal requirements and deadlines, so precise wording and timing are essential.
Tenants can turn to the Swiss Tenants’ Association (Mieterinnen- und Mieterverband, MV; in French-speaking Switzerland, ASLOCA). The association supports tenants with information, templates and legal assistance.
For Hungarian tenants, the language barrier is a particular challenge: the request should preferably be submitted in the official language of their place of residence (German, French or Italian). Local offices of the Tenants’ Association can also provide guidance in this regard.
What should Hungarian families and tenants living in Switzerland bear in mind?
Hungarian families should take a proactive approach in two separate areas: their children’s healthcare and the financial aspects of housing.
In healthcare, the most important point is not to wait until an acute situation arises before looking for a paediatrician. Because practices may be fully booked, arranging registration in good time reduces the risk of the family being left without care.
It is worth checking the availability of services in the canton where you live, as significant differences exist behind the national average. In some regions, finding a paediatrician with available capacity is more difficult than in others.
Children’s health insurance (Krankenkasse) is compulsory, and parents must ensure that their child is registered as a patient with an accessible practice. The availability of Hungarian-speaking doctors varies from one city to another.
As regards housing, the key message is that a rent reduction does not happen automatically. Tenants must monitor developments in the reference interest rate themselves and submit the request.
For Hungarian tenants, the Swiss Tenants’ Association is a useful point of contact, as it provides support within the local linguistic and legal environment. Membership and advice can help tenants avoid missing out on a reduction to which they are entitled.
Sources
swissinfo.ch — https://www.swissinfo.ch/ger/wo-in-der-schweiz-kinder%C3%A4rzte-besonders-knapp-sind/91985558
watson.ch — https://www.watson.ch/schweiz/leben/455621245-in-welchen-kantonen-in-der-schweiz-kinderaerzte-besonders-knapp-sind
thelocal.ch — https://www.thelocal.ch/20260901/today-in-switzerland-a-roundup-of-the-latest-news-on-tuesday-259
thelocal.ch — https://www.thelocal.ch/20260902/today-in-switzerland-a-roundup-of-the-latest-news-on-wednesday-256
thelocal.ch — https://www.thelocal.ch/20260903/today-in-switzerland-a-roundup-of-the-latest-news-on-thursday-253
Related Articles
In Brief
In Switzerland, there are on average 1,600 children per full-time pediatrician position, but significant differences exist between cantons. Rent reductions are not automatic even when the reference interest rate falls: tenants must submit a written request to their landlord.
Key Takeaways
- It is advisable to start looking for a pediatrician after moving in, rather than during an acute medical situation.
- Check healthcare coverage in your canton of residence, as the national average of 1,600 children per FTE masks significant cantonal differences.
- Monitor changes to the mortgage reference interest rate published by BWO if the possibility of a rent reduction arises.
- If the reference interest rate falls, submit a written Herabsetzungsbegehren request to your landlord.
- When submitting the request, check the deadlines and formal requirements stated in the tenancy agreement.
- In case of linguistic or legal uncertainty, contact the Swiss Tenants’ Association or its French-speaking regional organisation, ASLOCA.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many children are there on average per full-time pediatrician position in Switzerland?
In Switzerland, there are on average 1,600 children per full-time pediatrician position. This is a national average concealing significant cantonal differences.
What can families experience as a result of the shortage of pediatricians?
The shortage may lead to longer waiting times, fully booked practices and practices that are not accepting new patients. In such cases, families may have to look for a pediatrician in a neighbouring municipality or canton.
Is children’s health insurance sufficient to ensure access to an available pediatrician?
No. Krankenkasse coverage is mandatory for every child, but having insurance alone does not guarantee that a pediatrician with available capacity can be found near the place of residence.
Does the rent automatically decrease when the reference interest rate falls?
No. Rent reductions are generally not automatic, so tenants must submit a written request to their landlord. The actual amount of the reduction may also be affected by ancillary costs and the consumer price index.
Who can request a rent reduction in Switzerland?
A tenant may request a reduction if their rent was based on a previously higher reference interest rate and the rate has since fallen. The request, known as a Herabsetzungsbegehren, must be submitted to the landlord in writing.
In which language should a rent reduction request be submitted?
The request should preferably be submitted in the official language of the place of residence, namely German, French or Italian. Local offices of the Swiss Tenants’ Association may support tenants with information, templates and legal assistance.
Related articles
Where Does Swiss Household Money Go? A Focus on Housing Costs
Swiss household data for 2023 shows the averages for income, mandatory expenditure and savings. To interpret the housing burden, the limitations of averages must also be taken into account.
Online Fundraising for Rent and Medical Treatment in Switzerland: What Does a Request for Help Show?
An online fundraiser alone does not prove that Switzerland’s social or healthcare system is not functioning. However, rent limits applied in social assistance vary from one municipality to another.
Why Is Zurich at the Highest Risk of a Housing Market Bubble?
In UBS’s 2026 index covering 23 metropolitan areas, Zurich received the highest bubble-risk rating. This is not a forecast of an imminent price crash.