Double insurance
Definition of double insurance
Double or multiple insurance occurs when you have taken out two or more insurance plans that cover the same risk. This may be the case with the same provider or with different providers. Insureds often unknowingly take out multiple insurance plans, as is sometimes the case with accident insurance.
How can I find out whether I have double insurance?
In most cases, double insurance is unnecessary and expensive. It is therefore worth reviewing your insurance cover and checking directly with your health insurer and your employer.
How is it possible to have double insurance?
You will find an explanation and two examples here: When it comes to health insurance, the following cases commonly occur in connection with double insurance:
Example of double insurance
Person A works for more than 8 hours for company A.
| Insurance taken out | Sanitas | Health insurance XY | Accident insurance with company A* |
| Basic insurance | Basic | ||
| Supplementary outpatient insurance | Vital Smart | ||
| Supplementary hospital insurance | Hospital Standard Liberty | Supplementary hospital insurance | |
| Accident insurance | Included | Included |
Person A has double insurance. She has two supplementary hospital insurance plans with two different health insurers that cover the same risk, plus two accident insurance plans. One with Sanitas and one via the employer.
Example of no double insurance
Person B is a student and does not work
| Insurance | Sanitas | Health insurance XY |
| Basic insurance | Basic | |
| Supplementary outpatient insurance | Vital Smart | |
| Supplementary hospital insurance | Supplementary hospital insurance XY | |
| Accident insurance | Included |
Good to know:
- Double insurance is not possible with basic insurance.
- Most frequent cases of double insurance occur with accident insurance.
- You can use the Cover Check in the Sanitas Portal to search for individual benefits.
What do I have to do if I find I have double insurance?
Let the insurance companies know. They will then discuss the next steps with you.
How can I cancel double insurance?
There is no right of termination due to double insurance. This means that you can only cancel the relevant policy after the term of insurance has expired. You will find details on the term of insurance in your policy.
What happens with a claim in case of double insurance?
The Swiss Federal Act on Insurance Policies governs what happens in case of double insurance. It stipulates that the claim must be borne jointly by the insurance companies.