Telemedicine - treatment via telephone and video

Telemedicine is medical care provided at a distance. This means that the doctor and patient are not physically in the same location, but are connected via telephone, internet, or video. By asking precise questions and listening carefully, the Medgate doctor makes a preliminary diagnosis and collaborates with you to determine a suitable treatment plan. Advanced software supports the telemedicine doctor in making a preliminary diagnosis and ensures the quality of the treatment. In some cases, photos from a digital camera or mobile phone can also be helpful for diagnosis.

Yes. All our doctors have several years of clinical experience, are specially trained in telemedicine and undergo an annual examination. The telemedicine doctors are supported in their work by state-of-the-art information and communications technology.

Telemedicine at Medgate is simple and straightforward. If you have a medical concern, first contact Medgate by phone or through our Medgate app. A doctor will then conduct an initial assessment and evaluation with you. Our qualified team is available to you around the clock. Depending on the assessment by medical professionals, you will receive either a recommendation for self-treatment, an electronic prescription for necessary medications, or a referral to a specialist for further examinations or treatments. This process helps avoid unnecessary doctor visits while providing you with high-quality medical care. Telemedicine at Medgate is therefore an efficient and cost-effective solution for insured individuals who value easy and fast access to healthcare.

If medically appropriate, the Medgate doctor can issue a medical certificate after a telephone consultation. Medical certificates are issued at the discretion of the doctor and are subject to strict guidelines. The guidelines for the issue of a medical certificate can be found here.

Teleconsultations with a Medgate doctor are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – also from countries outside Switzerland.

The consultation will be billed in the context of health insurance as part of the statutory benefits (analogous to a visit to a doctor's office) and is recognized by all Swiss health insurers. Teleconsultation costs are an average of CHF 50 during business hours on weekdays. Surcharges apply from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. at night as well as on weekends and holidays.

In the Telmed model, premiums can be significantly cheaper than in traditional insurance models. This is due to the efficient use of medical resources enabled by the Telmed model. By avoiding unnecessary doctor visits and digitizing medical consultations, costs can be saved, resulting in lower premiums for the insured. However, it is important to note that the exact premiums depend on various factors, including health insurance, the chosen model variant, and the individual conditions of the insured person. Therefore, it is always advisable to thoroughly inquire about the costs and conditions with your insurance company before choosing an insurance model.

In the Telmed model, as a patient, you first contact Medgate before visiting a doctor or receiving medical treatment. A team of competent doctors is available at Medgate 24/7 to assess patients' symptoms and provide appropriate medical advice. This may include recommendations for self-treatment, electronic prescriptions, or referrals to specialists. Thus, the Telmed model offers insured individuals a convenient, efficient, and cost-effective way to access healthcare, allowing patients to bypass a physical doctor visit when not strictly necessary, thereby reducing healthcare costs while maintaining quality medical care.

Several health insurance companies in Switzerland have recognized the potential of this innovative model and offer the Telmed model in their basic insurance coverage. These health insurance companies expand access to high-quality medical care and enable insured individuals to fully utilize the benefits of telemedicine. However, it is important to note that the availability of the Telmed model may vary depending on the health insurance company and insurance model. Therefore, it is recommended to inquire directly with your health insurance company about the models offered and the conditions.

The telemedicine model meets various needs and expectations. Do you value cost-effective basic insurance? Is your access to physical health facilities inconvenient or restricted, possibly due to your residential location? Due to your life situation (work, family, limited mobility, digital lifestyle), do you desire simple and unrestricted access to healthcare services? If so, you should take a closer look at the telemedicine model. Through telephone or digital access to qualified healthcare professionals, physical doctor visits and hospital stays are reduced, leading to savings on premiums and healthcare costs. Premiums in the Telmed model are lower than in traditional insurance models, thereby relieving household budgets.