Are there any vaccinations I should get or other health precautions to take as I prepare for my move to your city?
No vaccinations are required to enter Switzerland, but all travelers coming into the country should be up-to-date on tetanus-diphtheria, measles-mumps-rubella, polio and varicella (chicken pox) immunizations.  It is also important to bring any medical certificates/records from your home country.

Check any other specific vaccination requirements carefully with your local Switzerland consulate or embassy to confirm medical requirements.
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Before I get sick, what should I know about seeking medical care in your city as an expat?
Swiss medical facilities and health care are among the best in the world and are of very high standards.  However, health care is very expensive and having insurance prior to arrival is recommended. If you are staying for more than three months, Swiss health insurance is obligatory. Be sure that your health insurance from your home country will cover you until you can organize Swiss health insurance.

Emergency rooms are open 24 hours (CHUV or Clinique de La Source). You can get ambulatory exams (blood test, x-rays) at the Clinique de La Source (with a basic insurance LaMal).

For more information on local providers contact Crown Lausanne.
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What is the word for "doctor" in the local language?
Doctor: Docteur or médecin
Dentist: Dentiste
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What is the best way to locate a suitable health care provider?
Check the phone book under "médecin" for a list of doctors and under "médecin-dentiste" for a list of dentists. It is also good to ask your colleagues for some good tips. Your Crown Relocations consultant can also be a very good guide.
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Do expats in the area tend to leave the city/area/country to seek medical care? If so, why and where do they go?
Considering that the medical care in Switzerland is some of the best in the world, there should be no reason to leave. You're more likely to find someone leaving their country to seek Swiss medical care.
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What is the number to call to summon help in an emergency? List medical/fire/police.

  • Police: 117
  • Fire: 118
  • Ambulance: 144
  • Helicopter (Rega): 1414
  • Helicopter (Air Glacier): 1415
  • Emergency for children: 0848 / 133 133
  • Poisoning: 145
  • Road help: 140

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What do I do if there's an emergency in the middle of the night—or at another time when my normal doctor/clinic is unavailable?
You can call a local hospital and they will guide you to an on-call doctor or go to the emergency rooms of Lausanne (Le CHUV or Clinique de La Source “Vidysource”). 
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How will I recognize a pharmacy? What is it called in the local language?
Pharmacies are easily recognizable, thanks to the big green neon cross that flashes above the entrance.  In French, the word is Pharmacie. Pharmacies have a note on the door telling you where to go for an emergency.
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Is the water safe to drink?
Yes, the water is very safe to drink.
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your local Crown representative.