How is your family protected if something happens to you?

In short

If you die or become disabled, OASI, DI and the pension fund pay pensions to you or your family.

They rarely cover your whole salary, though. Gaps arise especially for unmarried couples living together, for self-employed people and for families with high fixed costs such as a mortgage.

As of 2 October 2026 · AHVG, IVG, BVG Art. 19 to 22 · Sources ahv-iv.ch, ch.ch, faq.bsv.admin.ch and 1 more

Want to know more?

What do OASI and the pension fund pay on death?

For whom	OASI	Pension fund, minimum under the BVG
Spouse	80 percent of the old-age pension of the deceased	60 percent of the old-age or disability pension
Children	40 percent per child, 60 percent if both parents have died	20 percent per child
Partner in an unmarried couple	Nothing	Only if the regulations provide for it

For widowers different conditions apply in OASI today than for widows. Many pension funds pay more than the statutory minimum.

And in case of disability?

If you can no longer work permanently because of illness or accident, DI pays a pension, and so does the pension fund. In an accident, accident insurance comes on top and covers clearly more than for illness. The gap is therefore usually bigger with illness.

Where do gaps arise?

Unmarried couples. Without marriage there is no survivors’ pension from OASI.
Self-employed without a pension fund. Then the second pillar is missing entirely.
Mortgage and fixed costs. Pensions fall, the costs stay.
Illness instead of accident. The benefits are lower.

What many people get wrong

“My partner gets my pension.” Only automatic with marriage. As an unmarried couple you have to provide for it.
“With disability DI pays my salary.” The pensions usually replace only part of it.
“Life insurance always makes sense.” Anyone who has no family to support often does not need it.

Is my partner protected if we live together unmarried?

Not by OASI. Many pension funds pay life partners a pension if certain conditions are met and you have registered the person. Check your regulations and register your partner.

Is anything changing with the widow's pension?

Parliament is discussing a reform of OASI widows' and widowers' pensions. Before you decide, check the current status with the Federal Social Insurance Office.

Do I need death cover insurance?

If your family could not bear the fixed costs without your salary, often yes. Pure risk insurance is cheaper than mixed life insurance with a savings part.

This page explains in general terms and does not replace personal advice. Law and your policy are what counts.