In this article
Key points
- Mandatory accident insurance (UVG/LAA) covers salaries up to CHF 148,200 a year: above this, loss of earnings is not fully compensated.
- In the event of gross negligence (non-occupational accidents) or hazardous undertakings, UVG/LAA benefits may be reduced.
- Supplementary accident insurance extends protection: income, medical costs, rehabilitation, treatment abroad and relatives.
- It can also cover the employer’s obligation towards surviving dependants (Art. 338 CO).
In Switzerland, the Federal Act on Accident Insurance (UVG/LAA) guarantees all employees basic cover against occupational and non-occupational accidents, as well as occupational diseases.
However, this basic cover is not always enough to deal with every risk and expense after a serious accident or an occupational disease. This is where supplementary accident insurance comes in: an essential tool for broader protection and greater financial security.
The limits of mandatory UVG/LAA cover
Mandatory accident insurance provides basic benefits that mainly cover medical costs and part of the loss of earnings after an accident. It does, however, have some important limits:
- Maximum insured earnings: the UVG/LAA covers salaries up to CHF 148,200 a year. Above this, loss of earnings may not be fully compensated in the event of an accident or disability.
- Additional benefits: an injured employee’s needs often go beyond the statutory benefits: long-term therapy, advanced rehabilitation or long-term care are not always fully covered.
- Benefit reductions: in the event of gross negligence, daily allowances may be reduced for non-occupational accidents; for hazardous undertakings, benefits may be reduced or, in particularly serious cases, refused. Employees may then be left without adequate protection just when they need it most.
The benefits of supplementary accident insurance
Supplementary accident insurance extends the basic cover and provides more support in several key areas:
- Income top-up: full cover even for salaries above the maximum insured earnings under the UVG/LAA, essential for maintaining your standard of living and regular expenses.
- Extended medical care and rehabilitation: therapy, specialist treatment and rehabilitation beyond the UVG/LAA, including a stay in the private ward of a hospital.
- Treatment abroad: the UVG/LAA reimburses treatment abroad up to twice the cost of equivalent treatment in Switzerland; supplementary insurance can cover the difference up to the actual costs.
- Reductions offset: supplementary insurance can cover the share of benefits reduced by the UVG/LAA in the event of gross negligence or hazardous undertakings.
- Support for relatives: additional sums or capital for relatives if the employee dies, to preserve the family’s financial stability.
Mandatory UVG/LAA or supplementary insurance?
Table 1| Criterion | Mandatory UVG/LAA | With supplementary insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Insured earnings | Up to CHF 148,200 a year | Including the part of the salary above the maximum |
| Medical care and rehabilitation | Basic cover | Therapy, specialist treatment, private ward |
| Treatment abroad | Up to twice the cost in Switzerland | Difference up to the actual costs |
| Gross negligence, hazardous undertakings | Reduced benefits | Missing share covered (option) |
| Relatives and employer | Statutory benefits | Capital for relatives, salary owed to surviving dependants (Art. 338 CO) |
Tailored protection for every sector
Every line of work has its own risks. Sectors such as construction and healthcare expose employees to greater hazards, which makes supplementary insurance particularly worthwhile.
Managers and high earners, who are often less well protected by mandatory UVG/LAA cover, can also benefit greatly from additional cover.
Peace of mind, an added value
Knowing you are covered in every situation brings real psychological relief.
Lorena Respini, Assidu
By providing financial security in the event of an unexpected accident or an error, supplementary accident insurance lets employees focus on their work without worrying about the future. This peace of mind matters most for people working in high-risk environments or with family responsibilities.
Conclusion
Investing in supplementary accident insurance means choosing more comprehensive and flexible protection, offering peace of mind in the face of an unpredictable accident or occupational disease.
It protects not only health but also the financial stability of employees and their families: a modest investment that can make a big difference in difficult times.
Member of Management · Insurance Specialist with Federal Diploma of Higher Education · Social Insurance Specialist with Federal Diploma of Higher Education
