Your retirement date is only one date to check
Continuing to work for yourself after reference age does not automatically extend sickness benefits on the terms you had before. Check which law governs the cover, who is insured and the age clause. Ask whether the policy refers to your OASI reference age, receipt of a pension or a specific age printed in the policy. The date that matters for your state pension does not replace checking what your policy and any amendments actually say.
One set of terms does not represent the whole market
For example, Article 16 of the SWICA group terms reviewed provides a maximum of 180 days at ordinary OASI retirement age across current and future claims combined, and no later than age 70. Those terms cover a specific group product. Your own schedule determines whether you are covered, particularly if you buy an individual policy as a self-employed person. Ask whether the contract names you and which conditions apply to you.
Draw a timeline for an absence that crosses the date
Suppose an absence starts 40 days before your reference age and continues for 90 days afterwards. Ask which limit applies before and after the date, whether any earlier days count and who carries the cost during the waiting period. Ask what would change if you returned part-time. You need a calendar showing the number of days and a written explanation, as well as the daily rate printed on the first page.
Work out the remaining cash requirement
Suppose your business pays CHF 1,100 in fixed costs a month, and your household is CHF 1,700 short each month after taking a confirmed pension into account. Two months without benefits would require CHF 5,600 in this example. Do not budget for an old-age pension you have not yet applied to receive. Compare your cash reserves, commitments you can cut and any existing cover, including coordination rules.
Confirm three separate limits
Ask the insurer for the last date on which you are covered, the maximum number of payable days after the threshold and the treatment of a claim that started before it. Ask separately about accident cover and what earnings it will use if you work fewer hours. That gives you enough information to decide how long to keep fixed business commitments and how much cash to keep accessible if you cannot work.
Sources & further reading
SWICA — Exemple de CGA collectives, art. 16 et 17
OFSP / FOPH — Assurance facultative d’indemnités journalières