Over the last ten years,the landscape of sickness-related absences in Switzerland has undergone a significant evolution, with direct repercussions on the market for daily allowance insurance (IPGM).
A marked increase in workplace absences
According to the latest data, absences for health reasons have grown significantly. Particularly noteworthy is the increase in psychological diagnoses, risen by approximately 60% over the last decade.
Absences attributable to mental health disorders are not only more frequent but also have a longer average duration compared to physical pathologies: approximately 218 days, nearly two months longer than somatic cases.
The overall average absence per employee has also increased substantially, rising from 6.3 days to 8.5 days per year—an increase of about one-third.
In parallel, costs for insurers have grown consistently: in 2024, benefits paid out reached 12 billion francs, an increase of 4.4 billion compared to 2010.
The causes of a complex dynamic
The observed evolution is primarily attributable to three structural factors:
- the growth of mental health disorders and work-related stress;
- the medium-term effects of the Covid-19 pandemic;
- the ageing of the active population.
These elements are profoundly altering the risk profile of companies and, consequently, the technical balance of insurance portfolios.
The reaction of insurance companies
Faced with this cost pressure, companies are adopting containment measures and revising their commercial policies. Key trends include:
- cancellations of existing contracts with unfavorable technical performance;
- significant increases in the premium at the renewal stage;
- stricter underwriting criteria for new contracts;
- greater selectivity in accepting companies with high claims ratios.
In some cases, businesses are facing premium increases exceeding 200% or repeated rejections from multiple insurers.
Possible regulatory updates
The Swiss Insurance Association (SIA/ASA) has announced its intention to introduce, likely starting from 2027, several measures aimed at strengthening system stability.
Among the proposals under discussion:
- in the event of a change of insurer or employer, if it is not immediately clear which company is responsible for an ongoing illness case, the previous insurer should advance the benefits until the definitive clarification of jurisdiction;
- companies that cannot obtain coverage – for example, after being rejected by at least three insurers or in the presence of unsustainable premium increases – should be readmitted by the last insurer or officially assigned to another operator.
These interventions aim to avoid coverage gaps but could lead to a redistribution of risks within the market.
A context requiring specialized expertise
In this increasingly complex scenario, for companies and freelancers, the choice of an IPGM policy can no longer be addressed solely on the basis of the premium.
Elements that become central include:
- duration of benefits;
- waiting periods;
- coordination with other social and private coverages;
- contractual conditions in case of cancellation or ongoing claims;
- the insurer’s solidity and risk management policy.
Why rely on a broker: the advantages
The role of a specialized broker consists of analyzing the company’s risk profile, negotiating sustainable conditions, and accompanying the entrepreneur through critical phases of renewal or coverage restructuring, reducing administrative impact and management stress.
In an evolving market, a structured consulting approach represents a decisive factor today for ensuring continuity of coverage and financial stability.
Contact us now for a dedicated consultation, together we will find the most suitable policy.
The information provided does not constitute a contract and does not bind the broker or the insurer, for whom the contractual conditions signed between the parties apply. Carefully read the policy information set before signing.
