Inselspital — Bern University Hospital

Inselspital, the University Hospital of Bern, is one of the oldest hospitals in Europe, with roots stretching back to 1354 when it was established as a charitable institution during the medieval era. Today it stands as one of Switzerland's premier academic medical centers, combining nearly seven centuries of healing tradition with state-of-the-art medical technology and groundbreaking research.

With 1,008 beds and approximately 10,000 employees, Inselspital is the largest hospital in the canton of Bern and one of Switzerland's most important referral centers. The hospital treats over 250,000 patients annually and is closely affiliated with the University of Bern's Faculty of Medicine, driving a culture of continuous innovation and evidence-based practice.

Inselspital has earned an international reputation in neurosurgery, where its teams perform some of the most complex brain and spine procedures in Europe, including awake craniotomies, deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease, and minimally invasive skull base surgery. The hospital's cardiovascular program is equally distinguished, encompassing cardiac surgery, interventional cardiology, vascular surgery, and one of Switzerland's leading heart transplant programs.

The Department of Ophthalmology at Inselspital is a European reference center for complex retinal surgery, corneal transplantation, and treatment of rare eye diseases. As Switzerland's capital city hospital, Inselspital serves as a major trauma center and provides the full spectrum of tertiary and quaternary care, upholding the Swiss tradition of precision, quality, and patient-centered medicine.

Inselspital offers a comprehensive international patient program designed to make world-class Swiss healthcare accessible to patients from around the globe. The hospital's International Office serves as a single point of contact, managing everything from initial medical consultations and second opinions to complete treatment coordination.

Before arrival, international patients receive detailed treatment plans, transparent cost estimates, and assistance with travel documentation. The hospital coordinates with referring physicians to ensure seamless continuity of care. Bern's central location in Switzerland, with excellent rail connections to Zurich and Geneva airports, makes the hospital easily accessible from across Europe and beyond.

During treatment, patients benefit from private and semi-private room options, multilingual nursing staff, and dedicated patient coordinators who speak German, French, English, and Italian. The hospital's location adjacent to Bern's historic old town — a UNESCO World Heritage site — provides a tranquil recovery environment.

Post-treatment services include structured rehabilitation referrals, comprehensive discharge summaries in the patient's preferred language, telemedicine follow-up appointments, and coordination with the patient's home physicians. Inselspital's commitment to discretion and personalized care reflects the highest standards of Swiss hospitality applied to healthcare.