Social norms have changed considerably since the mandatory Occupational Pension Legislation (BVG - Berufliches Vorsorgegesetz, LPP Loi sur la Prévoyance Professionnelle) was introduced in Switzerland 20 years ago.
Social norms have changed considerably since the mandatory Occupational Pension Legislation (BVG - Berufliches Vorsorgegesetz, LPP Loi sur la Prévoyance Professionnelle) was introduced in Switzerland 20 years ago. Nowadays, living together with one's life partner without being married has become widespread and generally accepted. Furthermore, the revised BVG/LPP* has now laid down a legal framework that entitles unmarried partners to death benefits without the formerly-required evidence of responsibility of the insured to provide financial support.
New partner’s pension for unmarried couples
In the context of the new occupational provisions, Swiss Life has adjusted its insurance plans to better match current needs, and has introduced a partner's pension for unmarried couples under its one year group insurance rates. In the event of death the same conditions apply for opposite-sex and same-sex life partners as for married couples, provided certain requirements are met.
Conditions
Entitlement to an unmarried partner's pension shall arise provided the surviving partner:
- is not drawing a widow's pension, widower's pension or unmarried partner's pension from an employee benefits institution,
- is not married,
- is not related to the insured person, and there was no stepparent-stepchild relationship between the two,
- had cohabited (lived in the same household in a marriage-like relationship) with the insured person for at least the last five years prior to the latter's death, or
- was cohabiting with the insured at the time of the latter's death and is additionally responsible for financially supporting one or more children from the relationship.
The unmarried partner's pension will be paid in line with the provisions of the pension fund regulations valid at the time of death of the insured.
No premium surcharge
This forward-looking insurance coverage has been offered to groups since January 1, 2005, without any premium surcharge.
Swiss Life is proud to be the first major life insurance company in Switzerland to introduce this modern solution for all unmarried couples, thus responding to a clear customer need.
For more information, please visit www.swisslife.com
*see the Swiss Life Network Newsletter - December 2004 edition
New partner’s pension for unmarried couples
In the context of the new occupational provisions, Swiss Life has adjusted its insurance plans to better match current needs, and has introduced a partner's pension for unmarried couples under its one year group insurance rates. In the event of death the same conditions apply for opposite-sex and same-sex life partners as for married couples, provided certain requirements are met.
Conditions
Entitlement to an unmarried partner's pension shall arise provided the surviving partner:
- is not drawing a widow's pension, widower's pension or unmarried partner's pension from an employee benefits institution,
- is not married,
- is not related to the insured person, and there was no stepparent-stepchild relationship between the two,
- had cohabited (lived in the same household in a marriage-like relationship) with the insured person for at least the last five years prior to the latter's death, or
- was cohabiting with the insured at the time of the latter's death and is additionally responsible for financially supporting one or more children from the relationship.
The unmarried partner's pension will be paid in line with the provisions of the pension fund regulations valid at the time of death of the insured.
No premium surcharge
This forward-looking insurance coverage has been offered to groups since January 1, 2005, without any premium surcharge.
Swiss Life is proud to be the first major life insurance company in Switzerland to introduce this modern solution for all unmarried couples, thus responding to a clear customer need.
For more information, please visit www.swisslife.com
*see the Swiss Life Network Newsletter - December 2004 edition