Swiss and American healthcare systems are (literally and figuratively) worlds apart, and not just in terms of insurance costs.

READ ALSO: How does the Swiss healthcare system compare with the US?

The same is also true about the financing of EU health schemes versus Switzerland’s.

One major difference is that, in contrast to its European neighbours, Switzerland’s system is not tax-based or financed by employers, but rather by individuals themselves.

And that principle applies to people of all ages, including pensioners, who must continue to pay for their own health insurance after retirement.

READ ALSO: How is Swiss healthcare system different from the rest of Europe?

So the answer to the question of whether retirees in Switzerland are entitled to free healthcare is ‘no.’

Why is this?

As stated above, Switzerland’s system is different than practically anywhere else.

That’s because under the Swiss Federal Health Insurance Act of 1994, which went into effect in 1996 after being approved by Swiss citizens in a referendum, basic health insurance — KVG in German and LaMal in French and Italian — is compulsory for everyone in Switzerland.

(While there are some specific exceptions to this rule, they don’t include pensioners).

The legislation mandates all residents of Switzerland, regardless of age, to purchase a policy from one of dozens of private carriers approved by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH).

The good news (all things considered) is that health insurance rates are not based on age and will therefore not soar the moment you turn 65 (even though, statistically, this age group has comparatively more health problems)

This means that pensioners pay the same premiums as working adults over the age of 25.

Do seniors at least benefit from lower rates?

Again, no.

Premiums are determined by factors such as your canton of residence and the deductible / co-pay amount you choose, but not by your age.

It is true, however, that for many older people who are no longer employed, the continually increasing insurance premiums are a major financial burden.

In such cases help is available, though it is not tied to age but rather to income.

According to the KVG / LaMal law, the cost of insurance should not exceed 8 percent of a family or individual income.

However, according to FOPH’s analysis, policy holders in certain Swiss regions spend much more — between 14 and 27 percent of their earnings — to pay for the premiums.

For those people, subsidies (reductions in healthcare premiums) are available.

Generally speaking, anyone who is a low earner or has a large number of children, could be eligible for subsidised premiums, though criteria, as well as amounts, vary from one canton to another.

Before deciding whether you receive the assistance, however, your canton of residence will look not only at your retirement pension, but at any other financial assets you hold as well.

So if your income is low but you have plenty of money in the bank in the form of savings or other investments, you will not be eligible for this financial aid.

READ ALSO: How does the Swiss pension system work – and how much will I receive?