Read the clause and the policy
For a pillar 3b life policy governed by Swiss law, Article 77 of the Insurance Contract Act distinguishes naming a beneficiary from waiving the right to revoke the designation. The waiver requires a signed statement in the policy itself and delivery of the policy to the beneficiary. A copy of the clause naming someone is not enough to conclude that it is irrevocable. This does not replace the separate statutory order of beneficiaries for pillar 3a.
A change in family circumstances
Suppose someone named their partner in a 3b policy several years before a separation. They find a letter containing the name but cannot locate the signed policy or its amendments. Before sending a new instruction, they ask the insurer for the current version and procedure. They check whether there was a formal waiver or another commitment requiring review. They do not assume that changing a will automatically updates the insurer's records.
What to confirm
Identify the policyholder, insured person and beneficiary. These need not all be the same person. Check that the designation and insured event match your purpose, such as protecting a partner on death. Ask how the insurer handles a designation by category, a substitute beneficiary or shares between several people. If the policy is pledged or backs a creditor's claim, get advice before acting. The beneficiary clause alone does not resolve succession or tax issues.
Keep records you can use later
Keep the policy, dated endorsement and insurer's acknowledgement with your important papers. Send identifying documents only through the designated secure channel. Review the file after family or financial changes. If a designation is disputed, a waiver has already been signed or foreign law may apply, have the documents reviewed before promising any outcome.
If you divide the capital among several people
Review the percentages, the meaning of each category and the scenario in which a named person dies before you. Ask the insurer to confirm how the clause would be read using a concrete example. A split calculated on paper does not establish that the policy will produce that result. Keep the instructions for different policies separate: updating one contract with one insurer does not automatically update the rest. Use the insurer's latest written acknowledgement when reviewing the file again.