I GUESS THE SWISS ARE SOCIALISTS

According to the country's website, the Swiss aren't quite the libertarian capitalists I thought they were.  There are 5 main components to the Swiss safety net:

1) The first is a state-pension plan that consists of various insurance schemes such as the Old Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI), Disability Insurance, and Unemployment Insurance. OASI and disability insurance are mandatory for all Swiss residents.

2)  The second pillar is based on occupational pension plans and accident insurance. Employees who earn more than SFr20,520 a year are automatically insured by a second pillar pension fund. Pension plans and accident insurance have been mandatory for all employees for more than 25 years.

3) The third pillar is a private, individual option that workers can use to help make up the remainder of their income not covered by the first two pillars. Such schemes are also protected by law and often offer tax advantages. These typically take the form of a retirement savings account (with tax breaks) or a flexible savings account (few if any tax breaks).

4) Paying into Switzerland’s unemployment scheme is compulsory for all non-self-employed employees who have not yet reached retirement age. The payments are divided between employer and employee.

5) Purchasing basic health insurance is compulsory for everyone residing in Switzerland. Since basic health insurance premiums are not tied to income, Swiss authorities subsidise those who have trouble making the payments. For more information, please see section on Daily Life, Insurance, Health.