Social security system

Switzerland has a close-knit network of different types of social insurance, which offer the persons living and working here, and their dependants, a broad protection against risks whose financial consequences could not be covered without an insurance. 

The Swiss social security system is organized in five sections:

• Old-age, survivors’ and invalidity insurance (consisting of three pillars)
  • First pillar (compulsory): guarantees benefits to pensioners, the disabled, and survivors
  • Second pillar (compulsory only for citizens on a regular and fixed income in Switzerland): occupational benefit plan
  • Third pillar (optional): savings scheme on a fixed deposit account, subject to tax relief (available exclusively to Swiss residents)
• Insurance for the consequences of an illness (UVG / LAA) and accidents(KVG / LAMal)
• Income compensation allowances in the case of maternity
• Income compensation allowances in the case of unemployment
• Family allowances are intended to supplement family income by providing a certain level of compensation for the cost of raising a family.

The benefits paid by the various insurance branches are financed mainly by social security contributions deducted from wages. Employers contribute to the financing of the scheme but do not finance health insurance. Each insured person pays his or her own health insurance premium. The State also contributes to the funding of social security schemes, with the exception of the occupational pension scheme.

The Brochue Social security in Switzerland is aimed at Swiss employers and anyone who is subject to the Swiss social security system by living or working in Switzerland, regardless of their nationality.

With assistance of the FindYourPension website you can search for your pension claims in Europe and learn about various pension schemes and providers.