BUV — Occupational Accident Insurance
BUV (Berufliche Unfallversicherung) is mandatory insurance for all employees in Switzerland, covering workplace injuries and occupational illnesses. You must register with an approved insurer and pay premiums based on payroll and risk class. It's a legal requirement under the UVG (Accident Insurance Law).
BUV stands for Berufliche Unfallversicherung—occupational accident insurance that covers employees' work-related injuries and illnesses. Every Swiss employer must purchase BUV for all staff working 8 or more hours per week, regardless of employment type (permanent, temporary, apprentices).
The insurer you choose becomes responsible for medical costs, rehabilitation, disability benefits, and death benefits if an employee is injured at work or develops an occupational illness. Premiums are calculated per employee based on your total payroll and your company's risk classification (industry sector).
When BUV comes up in your hiring process
BUV obligations begin the moment you hire. Before an employee starts work, you must be registered with a BUV insurer and your employee must be covered. If you're a new employer, contact your industry association or a broker to find an insurer—don't delay.
You'll also need BUV in place if you're adding staff or increasing someone's Pensum above 8 hours weekly. The insurer should notify you of annual premium adjustments. Keep all BUV documentation and proof of coverage accessible in case of an accident claim.
- Register with an approved BUV insurer before hiring or expanding staff
- Coverage applies to all employees working 8+ hours per week
- Premiums are based on your payroll and industry risk class
- You receive an annual premium notice; budget for increases
- Provide employees with accident reporting procedures
- Keep certificates of insurance on file
Your obligation as employer
Under the UVG (Accident Insurance Law), you are legally responsible for arranging and paying BUV. You cannot ask employees to cover the cost. You must register your company and all qualifying employees with your chosen insurer within the required timeframe.
You must also report workplace accidents to your insurer without delay—typically within a few days. Failure to do so can result in claim denial or penalties. Your insurer will guide you on the notification process; follow their procedure exactly.
- Pay the full premium; employees cannot be charged
- Ensure all employees working 8+ hours weekly are registered
- Report accidents to the insurer promptly (within 3–5 days usually)
- Maintain safe working conditions to reduce accident risk
- Cooperate with insurer investigations if a claim is filed
- Verify your insurer is approved by SECO (State Secretariat for Economics)
The most common mistake
The single most frequent error is assuming you don't need BUV for part-time or short-term staff. In fact, even a student or temporary worker scheduled for 8+ hours per week must be covered. Many employers delay registration or fail to notify the insurer of new hires, leaving gaps in coverage.
A second common pitfall: not reporting an accident because you think it's minor or the employee recovered quickly. Even small incidents must be reported to the insurer in writing. A delayed or missing report can invalidate the claim and create liability for your company. Confirm your insurer's reporting deadline in writing when you sign up.
- Assuming part-time or temporary workers don't need coverage
- Delaying registration or not notifying insurer of new hires
- Failing to report accidents or underreporting severity
- Not keeping updated payroll records for premium calculations
- Choosing an insurer not approved by SECO
- Ignoring premium notices or failing to pay on time
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need BUV if I have only one employee?
- Yes. BUV is mandatory for every employee working 8 or more hours per week, regardless of company size. Even sole traders with one assistant must register.
- Can I deduct BUV premiums from employee wages?
- No. The UVG requires employers to pay the full premium. You cannot pass the cost to employees. It is not a deductible expense from their salary.
- What happens if an employee is injured and I haven't registered them?
- The insurer may deny the claim, and you could face fines or legal liability. The injured employee may pursue a claim directly against you. Always register before work begins—this is non-negotiable.
General information for Swiss employers, not legal advice. Have a lawyer confirm anything with legal consequences.