Medicines in short supply

The reimbursement of imported medicines in the event of supply shortages has been regulated in Article 69b para. 1 (KVV/HIO; SR 832.102) since 1 January 2024. For medicines to be covered under basic insurance, Swiss healthcare providers have various options for procuring a medicine that is in short supply. This is governed by the FOPH’s circular on reimbursement in the event of supply bottlenecks (as of 07/2024). Healthcare providers that are permitted to operate with costs covered under basic insurance are listed in Art. 35(2) of the Swiss Federal Health Insurance Act (KVG/HIA; SR 832.10).

Imports are only permitted via a healthcare provider in Switzerland. The insured person must contact their doctor or a specialised pharmacy that imports products from abroad, for example the Victoria pharmacy in Zurich. This regulation only applies in the event of supply difficulties. It does not include medicines that have been withdrawn from the Swiss market.

If a medicine or a particular pack is not available, the following step-by-step procedure must be followed by the pharmacy or doctor:

1. Dispense an alternative product (different product with the same active ingredient, different dosage strength, different pack size or suitable form of administration, alternative drug) that is authorised in Switzerland and included in the SL.
2. Dispense an imported drug, provided that the import is permitted under therapeutic products legislation and the imported drug is available within a reasonable and necessary period of time.
3. Prepare a magistral formula (see LMT regulations)

The health insurer reimburses the effective costs, including import costs. Import costs are usually included in the price of pharmacy invoices. Shipping costs are not reimbursed.