Comparis - Married couple without children

Just in case - check to see whether you need life insurance.

Do you need this insurance?	Importance	Tips	Comparison

Health insurance		Tips	Compare

Basic health insurance
Supplementary ambulatory insurance
Supplementary hospital insurance

Private liability insurance		Tips	Compare

Household insurance		Tips	Compare

Accident insurance for employees (hired by employer for at least 8 hours per week)		Tips

Include accident coverage in basic health insurance
Include accident coverage in supplementary health insurance

Accident insurance for unemployed individuals

Include accident coverage in basic health insurance
Include accident coverage in supplementary health insurance
Lump-sum compensation for death and invalidity

Insurance for legal protection		Tips	Compare

Private legal protection
Motor legal protection

Life insurance		Tips

Insurance for risk of death
Insurance for risk of invalidity
Retirement provision (life annuity and free provisions)

Legend

Insurance is...
	Mandatory
	Highly recommendable
	Worth considering
	Only necessary in exceptional cases
	Not of use

	Health insurance

	Comparis health insurance tips (basic health insurance)

	Switching health insurers is easy and may yield surprising amounts in savings. Comparing basic health insurers is especially easy, since all companies must provide the exact same coverage. Click here to visit our premium comparison Insurance providers must accept all applicants for basic health insurance without objection. This is why you may switch basic health insurance providers regardless of your state of health or age. If your work for the same employer for at least 8 hours per week, your are automatically insured against accidents occurring in- and outside of work. Therefore, you can buy health insurance without accident coverage and considerably lower your premiums. Click on this link to find out if cheaper alternative insurance models such as HMO, GP or LIGHT models are available where you live. Many insurance holders would save money by raising their deductible rate (optional contribution to costs) and thus lower their premiums. Figure out your ideal deductible rate here. Click here to find out how your canton of residence deals with individual premium reduction.

	General tips for supplementary insurance

	There are no medical reasons why any resident of Switzerland would require supplementary health insurance for treatment within the country. According to the federal office for social insurance, basic health insurance should be sufficient for most travel abroad, since health costs must be covered for up to twice the amount the same emergency treatment would have cost in Switzerland. In spite of this, it is advisable to buy supplementary insurance for travel in North America, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. It may also be worth considering insurance covering costs for search parties, rescue attempts and repatriation. You may buy basic and supplementary health insurance from different providers. It is rare but possible for supplementary health insurers to demand administration surcharges. If you wish to buy supplementary health insurance, you will have to answer questions about your health. It is essential to provide truthful and precise answers. Providers of supplementary health insurance may reject applications without an explanation, only offer coverage under certain conditions or demand higher premiums for individuals at increased risk. In the case of the supplementary health insurance, health insurance companies may reject insurance applications without an explanation, cover a persion only under certain conditions or demand a risk premium addition for an increased risk. If your canton of residence has very extensive medical infrastructure, you can limit your supplementary health insurance to hospital coverage within the canton.

	Comparis tips for supplementary ambulatory insurance

	This type of insurance is only worthwhile if you wish to keep your options open about costly alternative medicine as well as psychotherapy, homeopathic treatment performed by a non-physician or similar treatment methods. Some supplementary ambulatory health insurance products will reimburse membership of a health club. It can be worthwhile taking out (early) supplementary insurance for children if it includes benefits for the correction of tooth alignment. Helsana offers a cheap supplementary product for ambulatory care called 'Top', which also includes legal protection for health matters. This insurance is worth buying if you already have supplementary ambulatory insurance and don't really want or need extensive separate insurance for legal protection. This assistance is limited to conflicts with doctors, hospitals (e.g. for incorrect treatment), social and private liability insurers (e.g. for pension claims) as well as claim enforcement from liable third parties. Continue here to supplementary health insurance comparison

	Comparis tips for supplementary hospital insurance

	Supplementary hospital insurance is only worth considering if either a free choice of physician and clinic or a single or double room is important to you. Before concluding supplementary hospital insurance, check to see whether your employer has already bought additional accident insurance for hospitals as well as mandatory accident insurance for employees. It is worthwhile comparing premiums and performance for such insurance products. Also take into account how premiums change with age and after claims are made (bonus/malus system).
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	Private liability insurance

	Comparis tip for couples

	If you still pay for two separate private liability insurance policies, you should definitely consider switching to a cheaper collective family policy.

	General Comparis tips for private liability insurance

	If you would rather cover costs for small cases of damage yourself, you should consider buying liability insurance with retention. Even if the chances of causing millions worth of damage are extremely small, it is definitely worth paying slightly more for additional coverage. Some insurers provide a discount for combining personal liability and household insurance in the same policy. If you own a house and never rent a vacation home, you do not have to worry about causing damage as a tenant. Ask about personal liability insurance without this kind of coverage. If you do rent a home, check to see what kind of coverage your liability insurance provides for damage to rented homes. Some insurers have a rule that each room is liable to separate retention. In such cases, it is probably worth switching to an insurance provider charging flat or no retention in exchange for slightly higher premiums. Choose an insurance product which may be terminated after every year.

	Why is private liability insurance so important?

	Private liability insurance is indispensable for all individuals. Imagine what would happen if you, your child or even your dog caused an accident resulting in severe damage. Without liability insurance, you would have to cover unlimited costs for damage caused with your private present and future assets. In such cases, private liability insurance will provide protection from financial disaster. Coverage must be provided for all damage costs, such as material damage, health treatment, compensation, pension for bereaved or resulting disability and compensation for salary loss. However, most claims are made for smaller cases of damage, often concerning damage to rented homes, e.g. sink or carpet damage. (Keep in mind that liability insurance would cover the sink's current value, whereas household insurance would cover its original value.) You will need additional liability insurance for certain risks; for example for hunting, extreme sports, horseback riding on a horse other than your own, keeping wild animals, etc. You will also need additional liability insurance for damage you cause to a car you may occasionally use, for services you provide on an avocational basis and charge fees for or if you are self-employed.
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	Household insurance

	Comparis tip for couples living together

	You and your partner have probably had communal household insurance for a long time. Either that or you have just discovered excellent savings potential.

	Comparis tips for household insurance

	Click here to compare premiums for household insurance: It is always worthwhile. Every few years, check to see whether extent of compensation still roughly corresponds to the value of your household items (make an inventory for each room). This way, you will not be at risk for compensation reduction in case of damage due to underinsurance. You can save on premiums by agreeing on maximal coverage, e.g. CHF 2,000 for so-called simple theft outside of home. However, such coverage is insufficient if you have valuable possessions such as laptops, bicycles or expensive hobby utensils or are travelling with luggage. Choose a household insurance product with a short contract period (year-long policy with automatic extension) or one which may be terminated each year. This will enable you to switch to better providers. Usually, household insurance provides coverage for original value. Especially make sure bikes and ski equipment are insured for their original value. Many insurers offer premiums discounts for combinations of private liability and household insurance in the same policy. Check to see whether you need insurance for damage to window panes. Insurance for damage to glass belonging to the premises may be included in household insurance, which is recommended for homeowners. This is not necessary for tenants. Ask your insurer to include risk of implosion. This will provide coverage for your television and damage to other household items if it implodes.

	How much damage is covered by household insurance?

	Household insurance covers damage caused by fire, water, theft or broken glass. Coverage is provided for damage to household items, furniture, clothing, sporting equipment etc., but not for damage to the building itself.
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	Accident insurance

	Comparis tip for people with no or very little work

	Many health insurance providers particularly recommend lump-sum accident compensation for persons who do not work, individuals with a low income or children/youth since they would be eligible to only limited coverage in case of accidents. Lump-sum accident compensation pays one-time compensation in case of death or invalidity resulting from accidents. Such insurance is quite cheap compared to the corresponding life insurance and therefore worth considering. Keep in mind, however, that illness-related invalidity is not insured, although it is by far more common than disability caused by accidents. If you can afford it, you should contemplate buying insurance for risk of invalidity.

	Comparis tips for employed individuals

	If you work for the same employer for over 8 hours per week, you are automatically entitled to accident coverage. This means you can lower your health insurance premiums: Exclude accident coverage from your insurance since it is totally unnecessary and superfluous. If you are interested in additional accident insurance, check with your employer to find out the extent of your coverage (treatment costs, compensation for loss of salary, invalidity pension). You may need additional insurance for certain high-risk sports. If you submit yourself to hazards, cause an accident due to negligence or participate in riots, you may be denied coverage in part or in whole. Compensation for loss of salary, pensions in case of invalidity or death and compensation for injury may be reduced. If you are an especially careless driver (use a cell phone, exceed the speed limit, drive without wearing a seatbelt), you may want to consider additional insurance for coverage denial.

	More information about accident insurance

	Accident insurance is mandatory. If you work for the same employer for over 8 hours per week, you will automatically be entitled to accident coverage as stipulated by law. Should this not be the case for you, you will have to buy accident coverage within the scope of mandatory health insurance.

	What does accident protection provided by basic health insurer cover?

	If you are not employed, you are obligated to include accident coverage in your basic health insurance as determined by law. Accident coverage within the context of basic health insurance covers treatment and hospital costs in a general ward. Services covered by basic health insurance are liable to 10% retention and deductible rates. Costs are covered worldwide for up to twice the amount the same treatment would have cost within Switzerland. The federal office for social insurance recommends buying additional accident insurance for travel within North America, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

	As an employee, how am I insured against accidents?

	If you are an employee (work for the same employer for at least 8 hours per week), you are automatically entitled to accident coverage from your employer as stipulated by law. This accident insurance provides more extensive coverage than accident coverage from mandatory health insurance, which is why it makes absolutely no sense for employees to pay additional costs for accident coverage. Terminating accident coverage is a good way to lower basic health insurance premiums. Accident coverage provided by employers will cover treatment costs across the globe just as basic health insurance with accident coverage would for up to twice the amount the same treatment would have cost in Switzerland. In addition, it also provides the following compensation: loss of salary, compensation for injury, pensions for bereaved in case of death and invalidity. Keep in mind that compensation for salary loss only starts after three missed work days and covers 80% of a yearly salary of up to CHF 106,000 (applies to accidents occurring after Jan. 1, 2000).

	What happens if I am involved in an accident outside of work?

	If you work for the same employer for under 8 hours per week, you are automatically entitled to coverage for accidents occurring either during or on your way to or from work (occupational accident). Accident coverage must be included in basic health insurance for accidents occurring during all other times. If you work for the same employer for at least 8 hours per week, you are automatically entitled to coverage for all accidents as stipulated by law. This means you have the right to accident coverage both day and night.

	Do I need additional accident insurance?

	There is no medical reason to buy additional accident insurance. However, the federal office for social insurance recommends buying additional accident insurance for travel within North America, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. Basic health insurance provided either by your employer or health insurer only covers up to twice the amount of costs the same emergency treatment would have cost in Switzerland. Keep in mind that this additional insurance covers all costs abroad including repatriation. If you wish to be able to choose the doctor responsible for your treatment in case of an accident or wish to stay in private or semi-private hospital room, you will also need additional accident insurance. Some employers opt for additional accident insurance e.g. in order to guarantee full compensation for salary loss for each day of work missed. Ask your employer whether this is the case for you.
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	Insurance for legal protection

	Comparis tips for private insurance for legal protection

	Before concluding private liability insurance, assess your risk of larger legal conflicts, e.g. involving your employer, landlord or purchase, lease and other contracts or assignments. Keep in mind that legal proceedings concerning labour involving an amount of up to CHF 30,000, arbitration for rental disputes and court proceedings for social insurance are free of charge. There is also the possibility of coverage for legal representation if deemed necessary and not financially possible. Helsana offers a cheap product for supplementary ambulatory health insurance called 'Top', which includes coverage for legal protection concerning health matters. This product is worth considering if you already are a holder of supplementary ambulatory insurance and do not really want to buy separate insurance for extensive legal protection. This protection only applies to conflicts with doctors, hospitals (e.g. for incorrect treatment), social and private liability insurance providers (e.g. for pension claims) as well as claim enforcement from liable third parties. Click here to continue with our supplementary health insurance comparison

	Comparis tip for motor legal insurance:

	It is worthwhile for all individuals to contemplate buying motor legal insurance protection, not just for vehicle drivers, but also for pedestrians, especially for matters involving back injury, whiplash, extent of pension or level of inability to work, which may very quickly result in costly lawsuits. Yearly premiums are relatively low compared with fees for legal representation.

	General tips for legal protection insurance

	First, check to see whether you already have insurance for legal protection (may be included in health or other insurance or you may be protected as a union member or if you belong to a tenants' association etc.). Premiums may vary by over 100% which makes ordering several offers quite worthwhile. If possible, choose insurance for legal protection which will allow you to select your own lawyer. Lawyers employed by insurance companies have a tendency to consent to hasty agreements or declare possible lawsuits futile. Lawyers active on the open market are not subject to pressure concerning trial costs. Choose an insurance product for legal protection which you may terminate each year.

	What is covered by insurance for legal protection?

	Legal protection insurance covers legal expenses. There are products for private protection, motor protection and a combination of the two. Motor legal protection insurance covers legal costs for conflicts with insurance companies, injuring parties (eg. person who caused the accident), contractual partners or criminal and administrative proceedings which result from traffic incidents. Private legal protection covers the cost of legal proceedings pertaining to contractual conflicts, especially purchase, rental, works, loan and employment contracts. Legal costs in case of divorce, inheritance conflicts, building processes, tax and most cases of criminal proceedings are not covered. Legal proceedings pertaining to employment laws with an amount in dispute of up to CHF 30,000.- and arbitration proceedings concerning rental laws are free of charge. This also applies to social insurance proceedings. Further, costs for legal representation may be covered if deemed necessary and not financially possible.
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	Life insurance

	There are four different categories of life insurance:

	Insurance for risk of death Insurance for risk of invalidity (resulting from illness, accident or both) Pension provision Combined life insurance (combination of insurance for pension provision and term life insurance)

	Comparis life insurance tips for childless couples

	Insurance covering risk of death: This kind of insurance is worth considering if your spouse is dependent on your income in order to maintain his/her standard of living and pensions provided by the state and pension funds are insufficient. Invalidity insurance: Many heath insurers offer relatively cheap insurance products which provide a certain agreed amount of compensation in case of disability or death due to an accident. However, by far the most cases of invalidity are caused by illness and not accidents. Even so, social insurance does not provide adequate coverage for such situations. Life insurance covering the risk of disability will ensure your and your partner's standard of living. Persons who do not work: If you do not work, you are not protected by a pension fund or even for accident insurance as provided by employers. This is why comparis.ch recommends considering insurance protection for invalidity. If you should become disabled, meagre pensions provided by the government would be supplemented by insurance benefits. Check to see whether you or your husband/wife have made enough contributions to your local pension fund. If this is not the case, you will not be eligible for a full pension. Insufficient payments may be paid retrospectively for the past 5 years. Employed individuals: If you become disabled due to the occurrence of an accident, your employer must provide protection as stipulated by law as long as you work for the same one for at least 8 hours a week.

	More tips for invalidity insurance from Comparis

	Disability due to illness is far more common than disability resulting from accidents. However, most kinds of insurance do not provide adequate coverage for illness-related invalidity. This is why you should closely inspect your potential financial situation in case of disability. If the extent of disability is at least 40%, you would most likely receive a pension from the government. Pensions provided by your pension fund may vary and are able to be found on pension documents sent to you each year. Consult your fund's regulations for even more information. If you work for the same employer for at least 8 hours a week, you will automatically receive accident coverage as stated by law, according to accident insurance law (UVG). Already in the case of smaller salary losses, the accident insurance according to UVG pays a rent which, together with disability rent (IV) and pension fund, covers at most 90 percent of the salary. Therefore, you as an employed person can take out the disability risk insurance with accident exclusion and thereby save premiums. The accident insurance covers the annual salary up to a maximum of CHF 126,000 according to article 15 UVG and article 22 ff UVV (as of January 1, 2008). You may also lower your premiums for invalidity insurance by agreeing to a 24 month waiting period before receiving your first pension. This is especially worth considering if your employer has consented to continue paying your wages over a time period of 720 days. Details can be found in your employment contract. If you are employed on a part-time basis, you should pay special attention to how your pension would be calculated. Non-remunerated activities such as housekeeping or childcare would have to be taken into consideration, for example by comparing activities before and after invalidity occurs. Pension calculations are included in general insurance conditions for invalidity protection.

	General tips for private pension provision:

	For extensive analysis, it is best to consult an expert on pension savings not affiliated with banks or insurance providers. At least 15 to 20 years before reaching retirement age, clarify your future financial needs since pensions provided by funds and the state are often insufficient. The so-called 'third pillar' will enable you to start saving ahead of time and benefit from privileged conditions. If you make contributions to the optional 'third pillar', you should do this at the beginning of the year, if possible, since returns are higher for personal pension savings accounts than for postal, transaction or salary accounts. It is generally not worth buying combined life insurance which covers risks for disability and death along with 'third pillar' savings. Only consider buying such combined insurance if you explicity desire protection for death and invalidity, have enough long-term financial means and can only save money if you can't access it. Keep in mind that you must be prepared for financial loss if circumstances force you to terminate your life insurance. Every fifth contract for life insurance is terminated prematurely. Comparis recommends covering risks of disability and death by taking out a life insurance and depositing personal pension savings in a corresponding bank account. Find a comparison of 3rd pillar accounts here. Insurers typically promise noncommittal surplus for their products. However, banks have been able to offer higher returns than life insurance providers in the past and offer another significant advantage: there is no savings obligation.

	General information about life insurance

	Term life insurance may be bought with the option to terminate the contract upon a year's notice. In case of death, life insurance favours heirs over debtors. Coverage is not treated as general legacy, which is particularly interesting if inheritance must be rejected due to excessive indebtedness. Should the deceased's spouse or own children be eligible to benefits, claim to compensation is not subject to confiscation in case of prosecution. General information for insurance covering risk of death: This type of insurance can secure the bereaveds' standard of living. Compensation is provided for salary loss or additional costs for external housekeeping and childcare. Should the insured person die before the contract validity period is up, the insurer will hand out compensation according to their agreement. However, should the policyholder live to see the contract expire, the insurer will deny all claims. General information for insurance covering risk of invalidity: This type of insurance ensures that the affected policyholder as well as his dependants can maintain their standard of living. Compensation is provided for salary loss or the additional costs of external housekeeping and childcare. There are often especially large losses of income for cases of invalidity caused by illness, which may be compensated by insurance products covering invalidity risks. General information for private retirement provisions: Life insurance enables you to save for retirement and and therefore establish a third source of retirement provisions besides public retirement funds and possible pension funds. comparis.ch highly recommends you set up this optional retirement provision with a bank instead of an insurance provider. There are two kinds of such provision, namely bound provision (pillar 3a) and free provision (pillar 3b). Bound provision is granted tax concessions whether it is held by a bank or a life insurance provider (deductible from income, capital is only liable to moderate taxation upon withdrawal). Only employed individuals under retirement age may establish such funds. Free provision has the advantage of its holder being able to determine contract length and persons entitled to benefits in case of death. There are also many products to choose from. General information for life insurance combinations: Life insurance combinations include pension provisions as well as insurance for risk of death and invalidity. Insurance salesmen usually receive higher commission for such combined life insurance products. This is why they are quite popular. However, comparis.ch does not recommend these products. For more information, read the paragraph "General comparis tips for private pension provision".
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