Browse Topics
Tools
Editor's choice

2 kilos of carrots and a sack of potatoes

Jackie gives us the lowdown on being the proud member of her local CSA.

Say cheese in Gruyère

Kerrin of MyKugelhopf visits the working dairy museum where visitors can learn all about the region's world-famous cheese.

Live music in Switzerland

This week on Landlockedblues, Kaki King is a must-see in Geneva and Fribourg, and the Shout Out Louds and James Yorkston are previewed too.



You are here: Home Health & Fitness Healthcare Insurance in Switzerland

Healthcare

archive
Print Email Comment Subscribe
Enlarge font Decrease font Text size


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.


General rating: Not rated yet

Rate article:    Add my rating


Print Email Comment Subscribe

Post to Twitter
Tweet This Post
Share on Facebook


0 reactions to this article

Reply
Discussion Forums

Living in Switzerland

Anyone interested in starting a social club in Zurich?, by Nickie24

CH Community Noticeboard

Switzerland Live Music Blog!, by panthers91

Living in Switzerland

Part time Help Needed in Switzerland, by Amanda1507

Living in Switzerland

house order rules in switzerland, by swisshat

Living in Switzerland

Does anyone know Lausanne?, by motiontemps

participate in the forums

Health & Fitness essentials
Health & Fitness A-Z listings
find the business you need
Inside Expatica
Special needs in Switzerland

Special needs in Switzerland

Meeting the educational, legal and financial needs of those with disabilities.

Language Schools in Zurich

Language Schools in Zurich

Expatica’s selection of Language Schools, specialised in German for foreigners.

How to rent an apartment in Switzerland

How to rent an apartment in Switzerland

Information on searching for an apartment, visiting prospective homes, gathering necessary paperwork and signing the lease.

Switzerland's health care system

Switzerland's health care system

Information about the Swiss health care system, health insurance, pharmacies and emergency numbers.