Social Insurance is organised and partly funded by the State. Private insurance is provided by insurance companies established under private law. Social insurance includes the following schemes: Old-age and survivors insurance (AHV), Invalidity insurance (IV), supplementary benefits (EL), occupational benefit plans (BVG), health insurance (KVG), accident insurance (UVG), unemployment insurance (ALV), military insurance (MV) and the income compensation regulations (EO).

Personal insurance is intended to protect the insured from financial distress in old age and in case of incapacity for work pursuant to an illness, accident or handicap. Occupational insurance is based on three pillars: the Old-Age and Survivors and Invalidity Insurance, mandatory occupational pensions and personal pension provisions. Private pension schemes include life insurance and the fixed and flexible (3rd pillar a and b) pension plans. Health insurance, which covers medical expenses, also falls under the scope of personal insurance.

Besides individuals, property and assets can also be insured, covering damage resulting from destruction or theft, or a specific occurrence (e.g. fire or hailstorm). This type of insurance can be either optional (e.g. a travel insurance) or compulsory (e.g. third party insurance for motor vehicles).

The Swiss Insurance Association provides comprehensive information about private insurance options. The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) supervises insurance companies (solvency control) and the protection of the insured. The Ombudsman of Private Insurance and of Suva, which is a foundation, provides its services free of charge while maintaining a neutral position for insurance disputes. For general information on insurance matters, please consult private insurance companies or consulting firms.