Accident Insurance Switzerland (CH) – UVG Explained
Mandatory Swiss accident insurance explained: who is covered under UVG, what’s included, differences to health insurance, and what employees & self-employed need to know in 2026.
- Mandatory coverage: UVG is required for most employees in Switzerland.
- Clear split: occupational vs non-occupational accidents.
- Key differences: accident insurance vs health insurance (KVG).
Switzerland has a unique system: accidents are usually not covered by basic health insurance, but by a separate mandatory scheme called UVG (Unfallversicherungsgesetz). If you work in Switzerland, chances are you’re already insured – but many people don’t fully understand what UVG covers, who pays for it, and where the gaps are.
This guide explains accident insurance in plain English: coverage rules for employees and self-employed, benefits, premiums, and how UVG interacts with health insurance and supplementary cover.
1. What is accident insurance (UVG)?
UVG is the mandatory Swiss accident insurance law. It covers medical treatment, income replacement and long-term benefits after accidents and certain occupational diseases. Unlike health insurance, UVG benefits are largely standardized by law.
- Medical treatment after accidents
- Daily allowance (80% of salary)
- Disability pensions
- Survivors’ benefits
2. Who is insured?
| Status | Coverage | Who pays? |
|---|---|---|
| Employees (≥ 8 h/week) | Occupational + non-occupational accidents | Employer (work), employee (non-work) |
| Employees (< 8 h/week) | Occupational accidents only | Employer |
| Self-employed | Not mandatory (voluntary UVG) | Self-employed person |
If you’re self-employed and opt out of UVG, accidents are usually covered by your basic health insurance, but with different cost-sharing rules.
3. What does UVG cover?
3.1 Medical benefits
- Doctor & hospital treatment
- Medication, therapy, rehabilitation
- No deductible or co-payment for accidents
3.2 Income replacement
From day 3 after the accident, UVG pays 80% of insured salary (up to the legal maximum).
3.3 Long-term benefits
- Disability pension (IV-like structure)
- Integrity compensation (permanent damage)
- Survivors’ pensions
4. Occupational vs non-occupational accidents
UVG clearly separates accidents at work from those in private life.
- Occupational: injury at the workplace, business travel accident
- Non-occupational: sports injuries, home accidents, leisure travel
Non-occupational coverage only applies if you work at least 8 hours per week for an employer.
5. UVG vs health insurance (KVG)
| Accident (UVG) | Health (KVG) | |
|---|---|---|
| Deductible | None | Franchise + co-pay |
| Income replacement | Yes (80%) | No |
| Mandatory? | Yes (employees) | Yes (everyone) |
6. Gaps & supplementary accident insurance
UVG has salary caps and limitations. Higher earners or families often add supplementary accident insurance to cover:
- Income above the UVG maximum
- Private or semi-private hospital wards
- Worldwide accident cover
This is often bundled with supplementary health insurance.
FAQ: Accident insurance Switzerland
Is accident insurance mandatory in Switzerland?
Yes, for employees. Self-employed persons can join voluntarily.
Do I pay a deductible for accidents?
No. UVG covers accident costs without franchise or co-payments.
What if I don’t have UVG?
Accidents are then covered by your basic health insurance, including deductible and co-payment.
Is sports injury covered?
Yes, as a non-occupational accident if you work at least 8 hours per week.
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