Question 1

Which insurance do I really need in Switzerland?

Accepted Answer

Mandatory are basic health insurance (KVG), motor vehicle liability, and for tenants, household contents insurance (only in certain cantons). Strongly recommended are personal liability insurance, household contents insurance and disability insurance. Depending on your life situation, legal protection, life insurance and supplementary insurance may also apply.

Question 2

What is the difference between basic and supplementary insurance?

Accepted Answer

Basic health insurance (KVG) is mandatory and offers a standardized range of benefits – every insurer must accept you. Supplementary insurance (VVG) is voluntary and covers extended benefits such as dental treatment, alternative medicine, private hospital rooms or worldwide coverage. Insurers may require a health assessment for supplementary insurance.

Question 3

How can I save on health insurance?

Accepted Answer

The most effective levers: increase your deductible (max. CHF 2,500 for adults), choose an alternative insurance model (HMO, family doctor, telmed), compare and switch insurers (notice period 30 November), and critically review supplementary insurance. Switching models and insurers alone often saves CHF 1,000–3,000 per year.

Question 4

What does personal liability insurance cover?

Accepted Answer

Personal liability insurance protects you when you unintentionally cause damage to a third party – whether property damage, personal injury or financial loss. Examples: damaging a rented apartment, your child scratching a car, or causing water damage. The coverage amount should be at least CHF 5 million.

Question 5

Do I need household contents insurance?

Accepted Answer

Household contents insurance is voluntary in most cantons but highly recommended – in certain cantons (Nidwalden, Vaud, Fribourg, Jura) it is mandatory. It covers damage to your belongings from fire, water, burglary, theft and natural hazards. The coverage amount should match the replacement value of your entire household contents. Tip: many insurers offer combined packages with personal liability insurance.

Question 6

What is disability insurance and who needs it?

Accepted Answer

Disability insurance pays a pension if you can no longer work in your profession for health reasons. It closes the gap between the disability pension and your previous income. Particularly important for sole earners, self-employed individuals and those with a high standard of living, since disability benefits including the pension fund typically cover only about 40–60% of income.

Question 7

Which deductible should I choose?

Accepted Answer

The rule of thumb: choose the highest deductible of CHF 2,500 if you rarely visit the doctor and can cover costs in an emergency – you'll save significantly on premiums. Choose a low deductible of CHF 300 if you regularly need medical services. Above around CHF 1,500 in annual healthcare costs, the low deductible pays off.

Question 8

What is the difference between life insurance and death benefit insurance?

Accepted Answer

Term life insurance pays a one-off sum to survivors only in the event of death – it is inexpensive and purely for protection. Endowment life insurance combines savings and risk protection: it pays out both on death and at maturity.

Question 9

When is legal protection insurance worthwhile?

Accepted Answer

Legal protection insurance is particularly worthwhile for tenants (tenancy law), drivers (traffic law) and employees (employment law). It covers lawyer, court and expert fees. Pay attention to the coverage amount (min. CHF 250,000), the waiting period and whether pre-existing cases are excluded. Costs are usually CHF 200–400 per year.

Question 10

What should I pay attention to with motor vehicle insurance?

Accepted Answer

Liability insurance is mandatory and covers damage to third parties. Comprehensive cover is worthwhile for new cars and leased vehicles, partial cover for vehicles up to around 5 years old. Important add-ons: parking damage, gross negligence, no-claims protection. Compare premiums annually and check whether switching to a higher deductible makes sense.

Question 11

How does daily sickness benefits insurance work?

Accepted Answer

Daily sickness benefits insurance protects your income during prolonged illness. The employer pays wages under the Code of Obligations for a limited period (depending on years of service). A daily sickness benefits policy then covers 80% of salary for up to 2 years. Self-employed individuals should definitely take out their own policy, as they have no employer protection.

Question 12

Can I switch health insurers at any time?

Accepted Answer

You can switch basic insurance as of 31 December – the notice must reach your current insurer by 30 November. In the event of a premium increase, you have a special right of termination. Supplementary insurance has different notice periods (usually 3 months), and the new insurer can reject you. Tip: get supplementary coverage confirmed by the new insurer before cancelling the old one.

Question 13

What are the most common insurance gaps in Switzerland?

Accepted Answer

The biggest gaps: lack of disability insurance, lack of personal liability insurance, no death benefit insurance for families with a single main earner, lack of household contents insurance, and a deductible that's too high or too low for your health insurance. Disability protection through the 2nd pillar is also often insufficient.

Question 14

Are insurance premiums tax-deductible?

Accepted Answer

Yes, partially. Health insurance premiums and other insurance premiums (life insurance 3b) can be claimed as a lump-sum deduction under the general insurance deduction. The amount varies by canton. Pillar 3a contributions are separate and fully deductible. Supplementary insurance falls under the general insurance deduction.

Question 15

What happens to my insurance policies in a divorce?

Accepted Answer

Joint policies (household contents, liability) must be split or newly arranged. Basic health insurance continues individually. For life insurance, the beneficiary clause must be reviewed and changed if necessary. Important: after a divorce, check all insurance policies for coverage gaps – especially disability and death benefit protection.

Question 16

How do I insure my family optimally?

Accepted Answer

Priorities for families:
1) Sufficient death benefit insurance for the main earner
2) Disability protection for both parents
3) Low deductible for children (CHF 0)
4) Personal liability insurance for the whole family
5) Supplementary child accident insurance. Children are covered under their parents' liability insurance.

Question 17

What is the difference between UVG and KVG?

Accepted Answer

The UVG (Accident Insurance Act) covers occupational and non-occupational accidents for employees working 8+ hours/week – employers pay the premium for occupational accidents. The KVG (Health Insurance Act) covers illness and accidents when there is no UVG coverage. Self-employed and non-working individuals must ensure accident coverage through the KVG.

Question 18

How does building insurance work in Switzerland?

Accepted Answer

In most cantons, building insurance is mandatory and offered by the cantonal building insurance provider (KGV). In some cantons it must be arranged privately. It covers fire and natural hazard damage to the building. Additional coverage for water damage and glass breakage is also recommended.

Question 19

What should I consider when insuring valuables?

Accepted Answer

Valuables such as jewelry, watches, art and electronics are only covered to a limited extent under household contents insurance – sub-limits often apply (e.g. max. CHF 20,000 for jewelry). For higher-value items you need individual insurance or a valuables policy. Document everything with photos and purchase receipts.

Question 20

When should I have my insurance reviewed professionally?

Accepted Answer

Especially during life changes: marriage, birth, buying a home, divorce, job change, becoming self-employed or retirement. Also after premium increases or if you haven't made any adjustments in over 3 years. An independent analysis reveals double coverage, gaps and savings potential – often optimizing CHF 1,000–5,000 per year.

Insurance in Switzerland:
The 20 most common questions

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Insurance in Switzerland:The 20 most common questions