Do you live in Switzerland and wonder which insurance policies you truly need? Distinguishing between mandatory and optional insurance can be quite challenging.
While some types of insurance are required by law, others are optional – but no less important. At smzh, we recognize that every life situation results in different insurance needs. Mandatory insurance in Switzerland forms the foundation of your protection, while voluntary insurance can provide additional coverage.
Mandatory insurance includes health insurance, accident insurance, and car liability insurance. Buildings insurance is compulsory in some cantons and voluntary in others. These policies offer comprehensive protection and ensure financial security in the event of illness, accident, or damage.
Insurance obligation: Every person domiciled in Switzerland must obtain mandatory health insurance within three months of taking up residence or birth. This insurance obligation ends in the event of death, emigration abroad, or an officially recognized exemption.
Premiums and governance: Premiums are calculated by the health insurers but must be approved by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH). The amount depends on the insurer, place of residence, deductible, insurance model, and age.
Deductible and coinsurance: Each year, insured persons pay a deductible (at least CHF 300 up to a maximum of CHF 2,500) for medical treatments. Once this is reached, they also contribute 10% of treatment costs as coinsurance – up to a maximum of CHF 700 per year (CHF 350 for children).
Comprehensive insurance coverage: Covers occupational and non-occupational accidents as well as occupation-related illnesses. This insurance covers all gainfully employed persons regardless of their workload – it therefore includes interns, apprentices, domestic personnel, and persons registered as unemployed.
Insurance start and obligation: Protection begins on the first day of work or, indeed, the first commute to work. Beyond 8 hours of work per week, there is an additional obligation for insurance of non-occupational accidents.
Definition of accident: An accident is defined as being caused suddenly, unintentionally, and involving external influence. Illnesses are only considered occupation-related if they are, indeed, largely due to work.
Scope of benefits: Covers treatment costs without deductible or coinsurance, daily allowance from the third day (80% of salary), disability and survivors' pensions, as well as compensation for physical impairment and for helplessness, where applicable.
Accidents abroad: Accident insurance also applies outside of Switzerland. When in countries with high healthcare costs (e.g., the USA), an additional accident insurance is recommended. Treatments abroad often require prior cost approval.
Employer obligations: Employers must pay premiums for occupational accident insurance and report accidents to the insurer without delay. Premiums for non-occupational accidents are generally deducted from employees’ salaries – sometimes partially covered by the employer depending on the collective employment agreement (CEA).
Reporting obligation: Employees must inform their employer immediately in the event of an accident. The employer then reports the accident to the insurer and submits an accident notification form.
Compulsory insurance: Owners of a motor vehicle must conclude liability insurance. This also includes motorcycles and fast e-bikes.
Damages covered: The insurance covers personal injury, property damage, and financial losses caused by the vehicle, as well as the defense against unjustified claims.
Damages not covered: Liability insurance does not cover personal damages to one's vehicle – these require comprehensive insurance.
Complement to liability insurance: Voluntary personal liability insurance is additionally recommended, especially for everyday situations, rented apartments, or dog owners (mandatory in many cantons).
Purchase price protection: Compensation of the full purchase price in the event of a total loss, for up to five years after purchasing the vehicle.
Bonus protection: Prevents higher premiums after a damage event.
24h car assistance: 24/7 assistance services, including legal protection for traffic incidents abroad and coverage for rental or shared vehicles (up to CHF 5,000).
Parking damage coverage: Protection against damage to your parked vehicle caused by unknown third parties.
Insurance for carried items: Protection of your laptop, smartphone, and similar devices against theft or damage – with no deductible.
Mandatory in 19 cantons: In most cantons, property owners are obliged to take out buildings insurance. This mandate does not exist in the so-called GUSTAVO cantons of Geneva, Uri, Schwyz, Ticino, Appenzell Innerrhoden, Valais, and Obwalden.
Insurance coverage: Building insurance covers damages caused by:
Further information on buildings insurance.
An overview for your financial security:
We help you gain an overview of potential insurance gaps, over and underinsurance or identify duplicate insurances. We look forward to assisting you.
