Life insurance in Switzerland: protect your family and prepare your retirement
Life insurance protects your family in case of death or disability and helps you prepare for retirement. In Switzerland, it combines with the 3rd pillar, which offers tax advantages.
Updated on 05.10.2026
The main types of life insurance
- Death cover (pure risk): a lump sum is paid to your loved ones if you die. Low premium, no savings.
- Loss of earnings insurance: an income in case of long-term illness or accident.
- Endowment insurance: savings combined with death cover, often within the 3rd pillar.
Pillar 3a and pillar 3b
Pillar 3a is restricted: contributions are deductible from taxable income up to a ceiling (7'258 CHF in 2026 with a pension fund), but the money is locked until retirement, with some exceptions. Pillar 3b is unrestricted: more flexible, but its premiums are deductible only in a few cantons, including Geneva and Fribourg.