Occupational accident insurance

Occupational accident insurance in Switzerland

Mandatory insurance for all employees

The Swiss Federal Accident Insurance Act (Bundesgesetz über Unfallversicherung - UVG) requires every employer to protect employees from financial consequences of occupational illness and accidents, whether or not the accidents are work-related. Basic employee accident insurance covers costs as defined by law.

However, if you wish to be more appealing to potential employees, you can take out an extended accident insurance plan.

What is covered by basic insurance?

Basic coverage includes the following mandatory benefits regulated by law:

• costs of medical treatment, hospital stay, medication and therapy
• daily benefits for loss of earnings
• disability allowance and family/widow’s pension (if applicable)
• compensation when daily activities can no longer be performed due to the accident

What additional insurance can be purchased?

Additional benefits can be purchased at a slightly higher insurance premium.

These include, for example:

• costs of stay in a private hospital ward
• compensation in case of disability or death due to an accident
• daily benefits higher than required by law or additional allowance
• special coverage for accidents caused by gross negligence

How is a daily accident benefit calculated?

The annual wages are divided by 365 days to calculate the lost daily income. The daily benefit is 80% of the thus estimated amount and is paid from the 3rd day after the accident. Additional benefits, such as a 13th-month bonus and family allowances, are included in the annual salary.