DETAILED GUIDE
Insurances: Everything you need to know
Which existing policies to cancel, which to keep, and which Swiss policies are recommended.
Table of Contents
Overview of the most important insurances in Switzerland
Anyone moving from Germany to Switzerland should review and adjust their existing insurances. Here is an overview of which insurances are mandatory or highly recommended in Switzerland:
- Health Insurance (KVG): Legally required basic insurance for every person residing in Switzerland. Must be taken out within 3 months of registration.
- Personal Liability Insurance: Voluntary in most cantons, but required by almost all Swiss landlords when signing a lease. Covers tenant damages.
- Household Contents Insurance: Protects your belongings against fire, water, theft, and natural hazards. Often offered in combination with personal liability.
- Motor Vehicle Insurance: Third-party liability insurance is legally mandatory for registering your vehicle in Switzerland. Casco (comprehensive/collision) insurances are optional.
- Legal Expenses Insurance: Recommended for protection in conflicts with employers, landlords, or in Swiss road traffic.
Handling old German contracts
Many German insurance contracts lose their validity upon official deregistration from Germany or no longer offer sufficient protection abroad:
- Liability & Household Insurance: Generally cancel immediately after the move and replace with Swiss policies, as the scope of validity is usually limited to Germany.
- Occupational Disability Insurance (BU): Can often be continued worldwide. Be sure to inform your German insurer of your new Swiss address before the move.
- Legal Expenses Insurance: German legal expenses policies usually do not cover disputes under Swiss law or before Swiss courts.
Always get written confirmation of notice periods and foreign validity scope from your German insurance companies.
Common Pitfalls
- Avoid double insurance: Some German contracts continue to run for months. Clarify if a special right of termination exists due to relocating abroad.
- Underinsurance of household goods: Set the sum insured of your Swiss household contents realistically so you are not underinsured in the event of a claim.
- Special rules for cross-border commuters: Those who work in Switzerland but remain resident in Germany are subject to different insurance and health insurance obligations.