OBJECTIVES: IDA, the most common form of anaemia, has a relatively high prevalence across Europe. IDA is common in pregnancy, postpartum and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with IDA prevalences of 18, 17 and 33% respectively. At present, treatment with parenteral iron substitution is limited by the amount of iron which can be administered intravenously in any one application. This study estimates the BI associated with partially substituting the standard i.v. treatment, iron sucrose, with a new treatment, ferric carboxymaltose, allowing for the application of higher dosages in a shorter time. The study adopted the perspective of the Swiss mandatory health insurance over 3 years covering the indications pregnancy, postpartum and IBD. METHODS: Resource use was based on primary data and guidelines. Costs were estimated using a fee-for-service reimbursement system (Tarmed), including drug, personnel and other costs. The price of ferric carboxymaltose was assumed to be that of iron sucrose +40%. The BI was estimated for the first 3 years post-launch, using a substitution rate of 20% in year 1 and 50% in year 2 and 3. RESULTS: Ferric carboxymaltose reduces the costs per treatment cycle and patient in IBD by 35% compared to iron sucrose (CHF 475 vs. CHF 732), due to reduced personnel costs: 1000mg iron requires one application with ferric carboxymaltose and 5 for iron sucrose (200mg each). Total savings to the Swiss mandatory health insurance amount to approx. CHF 1 Mio (approx. € 611'600) in year 1 and approx. CHF 2.5 Mio in year 2 and 3 each. Costs were also reduced by 33% in the gynaecological indication using smaller, empirical dosages of 500mg. CONCLUSION: Treating IDA involves substantial costs to the Swiss mandatory health insurance. Substitution of iron sucrose by ferric carboxymaltose may help to reduce these due to saved personnel costs, despite higher product costs.