Swiss Federal Act on Insurance Policies – definition and legal framework
The Swiss Federal Act on Insurance Policies (VVG/IPA) provides the legal framework for supplementary insurance plans.
Definition of Swiss Federal Act on Insurance Policies (VVG/IPA): What does the Swiss Federal Act on Insurance Policies (VVG/IPA) govern?
The Swiss Federal Act on Insurance Policies (VVG/IPA) governs the contractual relationship between insurance companies and insureds. As insurance companies can define the scope of services for supplementary insurance plans themselves, they set out the details in the general terms of insurance.
What is the difference between the Swiss Federal Act on Insurance Policies (VVG/IPA) and the Health Insurance Act (KVG/HIA)?
The Swiss Federal Act on Insurance Policies (VVG/IPA) applies to supplementary insurance, the Health Insurance Act (KVG/HIA) to basic insurance.
Supplementary insurance plans are voluntary insurance cover that provide additional benefits. Governed by the Swiss Federal Insurance Policies, they are subject to minimal legal provisions.
In contrast, basic insurance is part of social insurance. The Health Insurance Act (KVG/HIA) therefore precisely prescribes the scope of benefits covered by basic insurance. It is the same for all people resident in Switzerland.