The social security system in Switzerland is relatively fragmented, each sector
having its own particularities. This is due to the federal system (where the
Confederation lacks legislative power, this is exercised by the cantons) and to
direct democracy (with provision for popular initiatives or referendums).
Swiss social security provides covers for old age, death and invalidity (basic
scheme and occupational benefit schemes), sickness, accident, occupational
diseases and unemployment, as well as family allowances. As regards maternity,
benefits in kind are provided by the health insurance scheme and cash benefits
by the loss-of-earnings insurance scheme (IPG/APG).
Every Swiss resident is required to have health insurance within three months of
birth or of arrival in Switzerland. Insurance is personal; individuals must
contact their chosen health insurance fund. Daily-allowance health insurance is
optional, unless an individual employment contract or collective labour
agreement provides for compulsory insurance.
Persons resident or working in Switzerland are required to join the basic
Federal old age and survivors’ insurance (AHV/AVS) and invalidity insurance
(IV/AI) schemes. However, only workers whose pay exceeds a specified limit must
join an occupational benefit scheme. Cash maternity benefits are payable to
women engaged in gainful activity (whether employed or self-employed). Accident
and unemployment insurance covers employed workers only. The Federal family
allowance scheme covers all agricultural workers and self-employed farmers whose
income is below a specified limit. Cantonal schemes cover employed workers; some
cantons also insure the self-employed and/or persons not engaged in gainful
activity.
The Swiss social insurance schemes are in general funded by contributions from
insured persons; with contributions determined by income or wealth. Employers
contribute to the funding of all types of insurance except health insurance.
Public bodies too contribute to the funding of social insurance, except for
accident insurance and occupational benefit schemes. Health insurance is funded
by the premiums paid by insured persons on an individual-person basis and not
according to income. Public bodies subsidise the less well-off.
Claims should be submitted to the relevant insurer: the health insurance scheme,
the accident insurance scheme, the old age and survivors’ insurance fund, the
invalidity insurance office or the occupational benefits provider.
Text last edited on: 11/2007
Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2008
Reproduction is authorised.
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