Which insurer should I contact first?

Funeral and accident insurers often impose 48-72 hour notice – contact them first.

What if the policy is missing?

National insurance registers and banks can usually trace existing contracts.

How long does the life-insurance payout take?

Typically 4-8 weeks after the complete file is submitted.

Does health insurance refund premiums?

Yes, pro rata from the date of death on written request with a certificate.

What if there is double cover?

Cancel the more recent contract and keep the older one with better terms.

Insurance after a death Switzerland: what to cancel, what to claim

<p>After a death in Switzerland relatives face a whole stack of insurance contracts. This guide explains which policies end automatically, which must be cancelled and which pay out a benefit. The <a href="/app" class="text-primary underline">Wegbegleiter App</a> keeps everything in one view and drafts the required letters.</p>

Which insurance contracts are affected?

After a death in Switzerland you typically review ten to fifteen contracts: life, accident, funeral, health, long-term care, liability, home contents, legal expenses, motor, travel and supplementary AHV / Pensionskasse cover. Some end automatically, some require active cancellation – and several pay out important benefits.

Which contracts end automatically?

Personal cover (health, accident, long-term care) ends by operation of law on the date of death. You still notify the insurer in writing so that premiums stop on the day and any pro-rata refund is paid. Always attach a death certificate.

Which policies pay a benefit?

The following may trigger a payment:

Life insurance – paid to the named beneficiaries
Accident insurance for accidental death
Funeral policy – paid directly to the funeral director
Mortgage protection – settles the loan
AHV / Pensionskasse – survivor's and orphan's pensions

Important: most insurers require notification within 48-72 hours.

Liability and home contents

If the deceased lived alone, liability and home contents cover ends with the property clearance. If they lived with family, the contract usually continues and can be transferred to the surviving partner. A simple letter with the certificate is enough.

Motor insurance

If the car is sold, cover ends with deregistration. If an heir keeps the car, the policy can be transferred with a special cancellation right within one month after inheritance.

Deadlines and procedure

1. Prepare 6-10 original death certificates. 2. Notify each insurer by registered post. 3. Claim benefits with policy, certificate and bank details. 4. Send cancellations referencing within 2 working days. 5. File every confirmation for the estate accounts.

The Wegbegleiter App lists every contract in a single overview, generates the letters and reminds you when an insurer fails to respond.

Frequently asked questions

Which insurer should I contact first?: Funeral and accident insurers often impose 48-72 hour notice – contact them first.
What if the policy is missing?: National insurance registers and banks can usually trace existing contracts.
How long does the life-insurance payout take?: Typically 4-8 weeks after the complete file is submitted.
Does health insurance refund premiums?: Yes, pro rata from the date of death on written request with a certificate.
What if there is double cover?: Cancel the more recent contract and keep the older one with better terms.

Wegbegleiter – the app for difficult moments

Checklists, letter templates and an encrypted emergency folder – free to start.

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