Accident Insurance (UVG) in Switzerland

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.

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

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.

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.

How do Swiss notice periods work for employment contracts?

Under Swiss law (Code of Obligations, Art. 335c), notice periods during probation (default 1 month, up to 3 months by agreement) are 7 days. After probation, statutory notice periods are: 1 month during the first year, 2 months in years 2 to 9, and 3 months from year 10 onwards. Notice must be given in writing by end of calendar month (or end of the agreed notice period month). Contractual or GAV notice periods can be longer but cannot be shorter than statutory minimums. Protected periods exist (illness, accident, pregnancy) during which termination is suspended or prohibited.