How is healthcare organised in Bex, and who should you turn to depending on your needs? A simple guide, from the front door to the hospital.
1. The family doctor, your first point of contact
For most health problems, the general practitioner or internal medicine doctor is the first contact. They assess the situation, provide treatment and, if necessary, refer you to a specialist, a therapist or the hospital. You can find the doctors of Bex on the home page.
2. Therapists and specialists
Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, podiatry, coaching, orthopaedic or plastic surgery: several of these professionals are based in Bex or available on request. As a general rule, basic insurance coverage for a therapy such as physiotherapy requires a medical prescription.
3. Home care and nursing homes (EMS)
Home care is provided in particular by OSAD Helvetia (Route de Massongex 4). Nursing homes (établissements médico-sociaux, EMS), such as La Résidence in Bex, take in people who can no longer live at home; physiotherapy is also offered there by start.physio.
4. The reference hospital
For emergencies, hospital stays and specialised examinations, the regional reference hospital is the Hôpital Riviera-Chablais (Rennaz site), shared by the cantons of Vaud and Valais: hrc.ch.
Can people from Vaud receive treatment in Valais (and vice versa)?
Outpatient care (practice, therapist): you can in principle consult any recognised healthcare provider throughout Switzerland, regardless of cantonal borders. If you have chosen a specific insurance model (family doctor, telemedicine, HMO), its network applies: check with your insurer.
In hospital: since 2012, free choice of hospital has existed throughout Switzerland, but reimbursement is conditional. The hospital must appear on its canton’s hospital list for the treatment in question, and coverage is calculated at the tariff of your canton of residence; any difference is payable by you or by your supplementary insurance. For emergencies, the rules are more flexible. If in doubt, ask your doctor and your insurer before a planned hospital stay.
See also: Insurance, FAQ, Emergencies.
This information is provided for guidance only and constitutes neither medical nor legal advice. Last checked: October 2026. Sources: cantonal health authorities (VD, VS), insurers.