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Health insurance is compulsory for all Swiss residents.
Adults and children are insured individually. Every insured person pays an
individual premium, which is not income-dependent but varies with the type of
insurance, place of residence and cover chosen.
Benefits are payable in respect of sickness, accident (if not covered by
accident insurance) and maternity. The insurance covers the cost of outpatient
and in-hospital medical care and doctor-prescribed medicines. Dental treatment
is not normally covered. Insured persons have a free choice of service provider.
They must pay a set annual maximum contribution to medical expenses.
Daily-allowance sickness insurance is optional. However, compulsory insurance
may be required under an individual employment contract or a collective labour
agreement, in which case, it may take the form of a collective contract.
Under employment contract law, employers are required to continue to pay
wages and salaries for a limited period if an employee falls ill: three weeks in
the first year of employment and thereafter a longer period which varies
according to the canton where the work is performed. The cantonal courts have
drawn up tables (or ‘scales’) showing the relevant periods. Collective
labour agreements often provide for more favourable terms.
Text last edited on: 11/2007
Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2008
Reproduction is authorised.
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