Social Security - Sickness insurance

Adults and children are insured individually. Every insured person pays an individual premium, which is not income-dependent but varies with the type of insurance, place of residence and cover chosen.

Benefits are payable in respect of sickness, accident (if not covered by accident insurance) and maternity. The insurance covers the cost of outpatient and in-hospital medical care and doctor-prescribed medicines. Dental treatment is not normally covered. Insured persons have a free choice of service provider. They must pay a set annual maximum contribution to medical expenses.

Daily-allowance sickness insurance is optional. However, compulsory insurance may be required under an individual employment contract or a collective labour agreement, in which case, it may take the form of a collective contract. 

Under employment contract law, employers are required to continue to pay wages and salaries for a limited period if an employee falls ill: three weeks in the first year of employment and thereafter a longer period which varies according to the canton where the work is performed. The cantonal courts have drawn up tables (or ‘scales’) showing the relevant periods. Collective labour agreements often provide for more favourable terms.

Text last edited on: 11/2007

Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2008
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