LAA, PROTECTING YOUR EMPLOYEES.
Accident insurance (UVG/LAA) is compulsory for employers in Switzerland. It protects your employees against the financial consequences of occupational accidents and, under certain conditions, of non-occupational accidents.
ESSENTIAL PROTECTION FOR YOUR EMPLOYEES
LAA insurance covers the consequences of occupational and non-occupational accidents, subject to the statutory conditions. Discover the four main benefits provided for by Swiss law.
COMPULSORY COVER
Occupational accidents
All employees are insured against accidents occurring in the course of their work, including certain accidents on the way to and from work.
COVER OUTSIDE WORK
Non-occupational accidents
Employees working at least 8 hours a week for the same employer are also covered against accidents during their leisure time, their holidays and their private life.
MEDICAL COVER
Medical and hospital costs
LAA insurance covers, among other things, necessary medical treatment, prescribed medicines and hospitalisation in a general ward, in accordance with the statutory provisions.
Daily allowances and pensions
If an employee is unable to work following a covered accident, the LAA provides in particular for a daily allowance of up to 80% of insured earnings from the third day. Pensions may also be paid in the event of disability or death.
IS YOUR BUSINESS PAYING TOO MUCH FOR ITS ACCIDENT INSURANCE?
Employer obligations, premiums, employee cover and choice of insurer: find the answers to the key questions about LAA insurance in Switzerland.
ALL ABOUT ACCIDENT INSURANCE IN SWITZERLAND
Is LAA insurance compulsory for all businesses in Switzerland?
Yes. Any business employing staff in Switzerland must insure its employees against occupational accidents under the Federal Act on Accident Insurance (UVG/LAA). This obligation also applies to part-time employees and apprentices. Self-employed people without staff are generally not subject to this obligation for themselves.
Who pays the accident insurance premiums?
Premiums covering occupational accidents are paid by the employer. Premiums for non-occupational accidents are in principle paid by the employees, unless a more favourable arrangement applies. LAAC premiums may be paid by the employer, by the employees or shared between the two, depending on the applicable provisions.
What is the difference between LAA and LAAC?
The LAA is the compulsory accident insurance that guarantees statutory benefits in the event of an accident. The LAAC is optional supplementary insurance that improves these benefits, in particular for hospitalisation, continued payment of salary or benefits in the event of disability and death.
Do self-employed people need to take out LAA insurance?
Self-employed people without salaried staff are generally not required to be insured under the LAA. However, under certain conditions, they may join this insurance voluntarily or choose private accident cover suited to their activity and their needs.
Can you choose your LAA insurer freely, or do you have to go through SUVA?
Some businesses must be insured with SUVA, in particular in several industrial and construction sectors. Other businesses can choose from among the private insurers authorised to provide LAA cover. The choice therefore depends on the business activity and the applicable legal provisions.
What happens if an employee works less than 8 hours a week?
An employee working less than 8 hours a week for the same employer remains insured against occupational accidents but is not covered by the LAA for non-occupational accidents. Accidents on the direct route between home and work are then treated as occupational accidents. The employee generally needs to keep accident cover with their health insurer.