Accident Insurance (UVG) in Switzerland
Every employee in Switzerland is automatically insured against accidents under the Accident Insurance Act (UVG). The insurance is split into two parts: occupational accidents (employer pays premiums) and non-occupational accidents (employee pays premiums, covered if working 8+ hours/week). Claims are swift and cover 100% of medical costs from day one.
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Coverage and Premiums
Occupational accident cover: all employees, from the first day of work, all working hours. Employer pays 100% of premiums. Covers: accidents and occupational diseases that happen at work or on the way to and from work. Non-occupational accident cover: employees working at least 8 hours/week with the same employer. Employee pays premiums (deducted from salary). Covers: accidents in leisure time, sport, home. Below 8 hours/week: non-occupational accident is not covered by the employer's UVG, private insurance required.
Benefits
UVG provides: full medical cost coverage (no co-payment, from day 1), daily allowance from the 3rd day (first 2 days: employer pays 100% under OR Art. 324a) at 80% of insured wage, disability pension if permanent work incapacity (linked with IV), survivor benefits (40% of insured wage for widow/widower, 15% per child up to 25%). The insured wage is capped at CHF 148,200/year.
Claims and Home Office
Report any accident immediately to your employer, who notifies the insurer. Treatment costs are billed directly to the insurer. Home office accidents: occupational accidents are covered if the activity is directly work-related (sitting at your desk, on a work call). Accidents during breaks (going to the kitchen, exercise) are non-occupational. When UVG benefit period ends (recovery or transition to IV pension), a medical report determines the path forward. Always request a formal decision if a claim is rejected, it can be appealed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays the UVG premiums?
Occupational accident premiums: 100% paid by the employer. Non-occupational accident premiums: paid by the employee (deducted from salary). The split is automatic, you do not need to apply.
What is covered by UVG for accidents on the way to work?
The direct commute to and from work is covered as an occupational accident (Berufsunfall). Deviations for personal errands interrupt the work commute and convert it to a non-occupational accident.
What happens to my UVG cover when I leave a job?
UVG cover continues for 31 days after the last paid workday. After that, you must take out private insurance. If you are drawing ALV, you are covered through the ALV fund.
Federal Law on Old-Age and Survivors' Insurance (AHVG/LAVS) · Swiss Federal Social Insurance Office (FSIO/OFAS) · admin.ch