Which insurance is compulsory in Switzerland?
Welche Versicherung ist in der Schweiz obligatorisch?
Correct answer: A
- A old-age and survivors' insurance (AHV)die Alters- und Hinterlassenenversicherung (AHV)
- B youth insurance (JV)die Jugendversicherung (JV)
- C life insurance (LV)die Lebensversicherung (LV)
- D birth insurance (GV)die Geburtenversicherung (GV)
Why
The AHV is a state social insurance. Everyone who lives or works in Switzerland must pay contributions.
Common mistakes
- C: life insurance (LV)
- Life insurance is voluntary. It can be part of the private third pillar.
Topic
AHV, IV and supplementary benefits
The AHV is the most important social insurance in Switzerland. AHV stands for old-age and survivors' insurance. It pays a pension in old age. It also pays the survivors: these are widows, widowers and orphans when someone dies. The AHV is compulsory for everyone who lives or works in Switzerland.
Reference age 65
First pillar
Erste Säule
State pension provision with the AHV and IV, compulsory for everyone.
Second pillar
Zweite Säule
Occupational pension provision, also called the pension fund or BVG.
Third pillar
Dritte Säule
Voluntary private pension provision, for example pillar 3a.
State, job, self: 1st pillar from the state (AHV), 2nd pillar through your job (pension fund), 3rd pillar you save yourself.
Supplementary benefits Extra money if the pension is not enough for the subsistence minimum.
Living in Switzerland
Pension provision
Sources
Last checked: September 2026
Question 147 of the official question list of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.