There are many different types of insurance in Switzerland for expats to use. Some types of insurance must be purchased in order to obtain a visa or residence permit, while some are optional to give you greater security in your home.
Below is a collection of the types of insurance on offer in Switzerland, explaining which types of insurance are mandatory, and where you can look to find the best deal for you and your family. Many of these policies can be taken out together and insurers will be more than happy to bind a collection of insurances together for a reduced price.
Swiss insurance comparison websites
There are many types of insurance available to residents of Switzerland, and the amount of choice and the variations between packages can be overwhelming. To find the best deal for you, there are several price comparison websites that you can use. Many of these sites are in English.
Insurance comparison websites
Health insurance in Switzerland
Every resident of Switzerland must purchase health insurance. Even children need to have a privately purchased health insurance package to keep a residence permit. Under the Swiss system, every citizen must purchase basic health insurance, but it is possible to expand and enhance your healthcare coverage with supplemental health insurance.
Swiss social security
The main safety net for Swiss citizens and expats is the Swiss social security system. This is a diverse network of mandatory insurance schemes. Most are paid through a combination of employer, salary and tax contributions, and are designed to provide support should you find yourself in need. These schemes are also available if you are looking for a job or have recently lost a job. The main programmes under social security are:
Liability insurance in Switzerland
One of the most commonly-held types of insurance in Switzerland, liability insurance provides coverage should you accidentally injure or damage another person or their belongings. Your insurance will step in to pay any claims made against you for damage you have caused, giving you almost full financial protection should you be found liable. Find out about personal liability insurance in Switzerland.
Liability insurance providers
- CSS
- Zurich Insurance
- AXA
- Helvetia
Home insurance in Switzerland
Whether you're renting or own your own home, home insurance in Switzerland provides protection in situations like fires, extreme weather, accidents, theft and burglaries. In some situations, you might be required to have it.
Home/household contents insurance providers
- Helvetia
- Zurich Insurance
Pet insurance in Switzerland
The costs of owning a pet can quickly stack up. Pet insurance in Switzerland provides cover should your pet need veterinary treatment. You can also take out special liability insurance for pets (in some Swiss cantons you are required to do so), in case they cause damage to another person or their property.
Pet insurance providers
Legal insurance in Switzerland
Should you find yourself facing a legal dispute - whether that's with your landlord, employer, business partner, or someone else - having legal insurance in Switzerland means you can feel confident asserting your rights, without fearing negative financial consequences.
Legal protection insurance covers the insured for any large expenses related to legal proceedings. These proceedings can relate to paying for legal representation from a lawyer, claims for bail and other legal costs incurred that are not part of a punishment or settlement.
Legal protection insurance providers
- Generali
- JUSTIS
- Groupe Mutuel
Life insurance in Switzerland
Life insurance is an insurance policy that is paid out, normally to your family, in the event of your death. It might also be paid out should you become incapable of working. Life insurance policies can be paid out as a lump sum or an endowment for your next of kin and have to cover different situations. This type of insurance is additional to disability insurance, meaning both can be claimed together should you qualify.
Combining risk insurance with long-term savings, life insurance in Switzerland functions as an essential part of the third pillar of the Swiss pension system. Learn how it works.
Life insurance providers
Swiss car & motorcycle insurance
If you have a motorbike or a car in Switzerland, you must take out vehicle insurance. If you are in an accident or need repairs to your vehicle, your insurance company will pay a significant portion of the costs for you, plus any cost incurred in accidents, should you be liable.
Car insurance operates in a similar way to health insurance, with premiums depending on your age, the type of car or motorbike you use, and the deductible you choose. Check out our guide to getting car insurance in Switzerland for more information.
Vehicle insurance providers
- AXA
- Basler Versicherungen
- TCS
- Smile
Swiss travel insurance
If you are planning to travel abroad from Switzerland, it is a good idea to take out travel insurance. Whereas the cost of medical treatments abroad is covered automatically by Swiss health insurance, costs for early return due to accident or disaster, cancellation insurance, and additional nights in hotels are only covered by travel insurance. This insurance will cover all non-health-related issues that may arise when abroad.
Travel insurance providers
- Zurich Insurance
- AXA
- Groupe Mutuel