Social insurance

Social insurance differs from private insurance because membership, financing and benefits are largely set by law and serve social protection. In Switzerland, most residents and workers are covered by several schemes at once, such as AHV/AVS, disability insurance, accident insurance, health insurance and occupational pensions. Entitlement usually depends on residence, employment, insured risk, contribution history or medical assessment. Benefits may be cash payments, pensions, allowances, daily benefits or coverage of treatment costs.