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Insurance & Health Insurance – Your coverage in Switzerland

The basics: Social security & insurance in Switzerland

Switzerland has a well-developed insurance system that provides coverage in many areas of life. A number of mandatory insurances, regulated by law, are complemented by voluntary insurances that provide additional protection.

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Your coverage in Switzerland

In addition to selecting an insurance that is right for you, legal requirements and individual needs play a key role in securing proper coverage.

Mandatory insurances

  • Health insurance (KVG): All Swiss residents must take out basic health insurance within three months of arrival.
  • Accident insurance (UVG): Employees are insured against accidents through their employer. Self-employed persons must take out private accident insurance.
  • AHV/IV (1st pillar): Old-age and disability pension provides basic coverage for all gainfully employed persons.
  • Car liability insurance: Anyone who owns a car must take out liability insurance. A vehicle cannot be registered without it.
Learn more

Voluntary supplementary insurances

  • Supplementary health insurance (VVG): Coverage may include private hospital stays, alternative medicine, or special treatments.
  • Household contents and personal liability insurance: Protects your belongings and covers third-party damages (e.g., water damage, accidents).
  • Building insurance: Mandatory for property owners in many cantons, provides coverage in the event of fire and natural hazards.
  • Legal expenses insurance: Covers legal and court costs in the event of disputes (e.g., tenancy or employment law).
Learn more

Types of additional car insurance

Partial insurance: Covers damage related to natural events, theft, or glass breakage.

Comprehensive insurance: This coverage also includes damage resulting from self-induced accidents or vandalism.

How to proceed

1

Taking out health insurance

  • Select provider and compare premiums & benefits

  • Meet insurance obligation within three months after taking up residence in Switzerland

  • Select appropriate deductible (co-payment) & supplementary insurance

2

Gaining clarity regarding accident insurance

  • Gainfully employed persons are automatically covered via their employer

  • Self-employed persons must take out private accident insurance

3

Taking out car insurance (when owning a car)

  • Liability insurance is required to register a car

  • Partial or comprehensive insurance depending on value of vehicle & personal coverage

4

Further insurances depending on personal requirements

  • Household contents and personal liability insurance for additional protection

  • Legal expenses insurance to have coverage in case of disputes

  • Life and provisional insurance for long-term planning

Videos on insurance

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Health insurance – Switching provider

Learn how you can save hundreds of francs by switching health insurance provider in Switzerland while finding supplementary insurance that best suits your needs. Ask smzh to take a look at your health insurance and reap the benefits.

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Building insurance

Discover which types of insurance are essential for real estate owners in Switzerland and how to be best protected against any kind of damage. Learn more about building, household contents, liability and construction insurance as well as how to sustainably safeguard your financial security.

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Jewelry, watches or musical instruments – many household contents insurances do not sufficiently cover your valuables. A valuables insurance does – globally, against theft, loss or damage. Our video demonstrates what you should insure, how the value is determined, and what you need to mind.

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The right insurance for your property

An own home provides a great deal of freedom, but it also entails risks. Be it fire, storms or flooding – if your home is not adequately insured against these risks, you may incur steep costs in the event of damage. Our fact sheet details what insurances are truly important for real estate owners in Switzerland, and what is key to know in the so-called GUSTAVO (Geneva, Uri, Schwyz, Ticino, Appenzell Innerrhoden, Valais, Obwalden) cantons.

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Valuables insurance

Whether it is expensive jewelry, exclusive watches or precious heirloom – your favorite items deserve appropriate protection. A valuables insurance is a sensible complement to your household contents insurance and provides worldwide coverage in the event of theft, damage or loss. Our fact sheet details how you can cover your favorite items in a targeted and comprehensive manner.

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smzh for You

smzh ag provides independent advice and shows you the best insurance options – tailored to your needs.

  • Comparison of insurance providers & premiums
  • Support in terms of registration & contract analysis
  • Optimization of existing insurances & cost control
  • Collaboration with specialized partners to provide tailor-made solutions

We handle questions about insurance & health insurance on a daily basis. These are the most frequently asked ones:

Yes, health insurance coverage is mandatory within three months after taking up residence.

In most cases, you can’t. Yet exceptions apply for cross-border commuters or diplomats.

The community will refer you to a health insurer, which usually means higher premiums.

No, each family member must have his/her own health insurance.

Yes, a liability insurance is a prerequisite to register a vehicle in Switzerland.