Accident Insurance (UVG/LAA) in Switzerland
The Federal Accident Insurance Act (UVG, or LAA in French) mandates accident insurance for all employees in Switzerland from their first day of work. Occupational accidents are covered regardless of hours worked; non-occupational accidents are covered for employees working at least 8 hours per week with one employer.
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.
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.
Federal Accident Insurance Act (UVG/LAA) · SUVA · SECO · admin.ch