A proposal by the centre-left parties in Switzerland for a single health insurance company with premiums based on personal income and wealth has been overwhelmingly rejected by voters. Over 46% of registered voters turned out for the referendum, which 71% rejected. The reform was opposed by the business community, as well as the centre-right, with the strongest public resistance displayed in the wealthy German-speaking part of the country. If approved, it would have replaced the current 87 private insurers providing mandatory coverage for basic healthcare in the country. Confusion over how the plan would have worked and its likely costs to the individual was blamed for the result.

Significance: Switzerland has one of the most expensive healthcare systems in the world, and spiralling costs were the rationale for the latest reform proposals. Despite the rejection of the proposed plans, the issue is not likely to end there, and further debate is expected. The government, in a crucial election year, remains opposed to the idea of a harmonised health insurance policy across the country.

March 12, 2007