Accident Insurance (UVG/LAA) in Switzerland

Compulsory Coverage

All employees in Switzerland are automatically covered by UVG accident insurance from their first working day. Occupational accidents (BA): all accidents during work or on the direct commute. Non-occupational accidents (NBA): leisure accidents, covered for employees working at least 8 hours/week. Part-timers under 8 hours/week must obtain personal accident coverage through their health insurer.

Who Pays the Premiums?

Occupational accident premiums are fully paid by the employer; non-occupational accident premiums are typically deducted from employee salary. Premium rates vary by industry and risk level (set by SUVA or private insurers). Employers choose the insurer (SUVA for mandatory sectors, or approved private insurers).

Benefits After an Accident

Following an accident, UVG covers: medical costs (doctor, hospital, medication) at 100%; daily allowances for incapacity: 80% of insured salary from day 3 (retroactive from day 1); disability pension for permanent incapacity: up to 80% of insured salary; survivors' pension on death: 40% for spouse, 15% per child. Maximum insured salary: CHF 148,200/year (2026).

What to Do After an Accident

Report the accident immediately to your employer; the employer must notify the UVG insurer. Seek medical attention and document the accident circumstances in detail. For occupational accidents, treatment is immediately covered; no co-payment applies. Disputes over accident recognition can be appealed to the cantonal insurance court.

Context on the Swiss job market helps frame any career decision in Switzerland. Our gross-to-net salary guide shows what Swiss gross salaries look like after AVS, LPP and tax deductions. The salary negotiation guide covers how to use market data in offer discussions and which arguments work with Swiss recruiters. Our guide to working in Switzerland as a foreigner covers entry conditions, permit categories and practical relocation steps. The work permit guide explains B, C, G and L permit categories and processing timelines. For cross-sector salary benchmarks, the Switzerland salary guide covers all major roles and cities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Am I covered by accident insurance from day one in Switzerland?

Yes. All employees are covered by UVG from their first working day – for occupational accidents at 100% employer cost.

What does non-occupational accident insurance cover?

All accidents outside work (sport, leisure, home). Covered if you work at least 8 hours/week with one employer. Below 8 hours, you must arrange personal accident coverage.

How much is the daily allowance after an accident?

80% of insured salary, from the third day after the accident (retroactive from day 1). Maximum insured salary: CHF 148,200/year (2026).

What happens to my UVG accident coverage after I lose my job?

UVG coverage continues for 31 days after the last day of employment. After 31 days, you must switch to accident coverage through your KVG health insurer by activating the accident supplementary module. Employees registered with the RAV (unemployment) are automatically covered by accident insurance through the unemployment system, they do not need to separately activate the accident module as long as they are receiving ALV benefits.

What is the 13th month salary in Switzerland?

The 13th month salary in Switzerland refers to an additional monthly salary paid once a year, typically in December. It is included in annual salary benchmarks as standard: when a Swiss employer quotes CHF 120,000 per year, this normally means 13 monthly payments of approximately CHF 9,231 each, not 12 payments of CHF 10,000. The 13th month is governed by the employment contract or collective agreement (GAV), not by statute. It is subject to social contributions (AHV/ALV) and income tax. Always clarify with a prospective employer whether a quoted annual figure includes or excludes the 13th month.