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You are here: Home Finance & Business Pensions & Insurance Insurance in Switzerland

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20/10/2009Insurance in Switzerland

An introduction to compulsory and optional forms of insurance in Switzerland.

The Swiss are world leaders in spending on insurance. The average Swiss family spends one-fifth of their household budget on insurance. The following is an introduction to compulsory and optional forms of insurance.

  • Compulsory insurance

Health insurance

This is governed by the Federal Law on Health Insurance. Everyone living in Switzerland is required to have basic health insurance (Soziale Krankenversicherung/Assurance maladie/Assicurazione-Mallatie). There are many different companies offering coverage and individuals are free to choose among them. Premiums vary between insurers, so it’s worth comparing.
    
Many employers offer discounted premiums through a group policy with a health insurer.
    
Basic insurance provides the essential coverage. In addition, each insurer offers supplementary cover that can be taken out on an individual basis (and can be private, semi-private, etc). Again, the benefits and premiums of health insurers can vary.


Accident insurance

In Switzerland, accident insurance is included in the services offered by health insurers. Employees are automatically insured by their employer. This enables you to reduce your premiums accordingly.

Vehicle insurance

The Federal Law on Road Transport requires anyone driving a car or riding a bicycle on the roads to take out liability insurance.

Motor vehicle liability insurance covers all damage caused by you, as the driver of a vehicle, to other road traffic users. Personal injury is insured, as is damage to property. You must present an insurance certificate to the road traffic authorities to receive Swiss licence plates.
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