UVG: Mandatory Accident Insurance for Employees
UVG (Unfallversicherungsgesetz) is mandatory accident insurance that covers employees for work-related injuries and occupational illness. You must register all employees working at least 8 hours per week, and your insurer collects premiums monthly or quarterly based on payroll and risk category. It is not optional.
UVG stands for the Federal Act on Accident Insurance. It requires every Swiss employer to insure employees against workplace accidents and occupational diseases. Premiums are paid to a licensed insurer—typically SUVA for most sectors, or a private insurer if your industry qualifies.
Your obligation begins the moment an employee starts work, regardless of contract duration or Pensum percentage. The insurer registers employees automatically when you report them; failure to do so can result in fines and personal liability if an accident occurs.
When UVG Applies and Registration
All employees working at least 8 hours per week must be insured under UVG. This includes apprentices, temporary workers, and part-time staff at any Pensum level. Self-employed persons and company owners may opt in but are not required.
You must notify your insurer (SUVA or private carrier) within five days of hiring. Provide employee name, start date, annual salary estimate, and job category. The insurer assigns a risk category that determines your premium rate. Failure to register timely exposes you to penalties and uninsured liability.
- Employees working fewer than 8 hours weekly are exempt but may request coverage
- Premiums are calculated as a percentage of insured payroll and invoiced monthly or quarterly
- Risk category depends on industry and job function—construction and manufacturing pay higher rates than office work
- Coverage includes medical costs, rehabilitation, disability benefits, and survivor pensions
- You cannot require employees to pay the premium; it is your legal obligation
- Foreign employees and cross-border workers have the same requirement
Your Obligations as Employer
You must report all accidents to your insurer within 24 hours of notification. Delays can invalidate claims. Keep detailed accident records, including witness statements and circumstances. Your insurer investigates to determine coverage and benefits.
Pay premiums in full and on time. Premium notices list your expected payroll; if actual payroll differs significantly (especially downward), report the variance to avoid overpaying. Missing payments can trigger legal action by the insurer and regulatory sanctions by cantonal authorities.
- Report accidents immediately—do not wait for employee request to file
- Maintain a written incident log with date, time, location, and persons involved
- Cooperate fully with insurer investigations; non-cooperation can void claims
- Provide payroll declarations accurately; inflated estimates inflate premiums unnecessarily
- Inform employees of coverage and claims procedures in their language
- Update insurer when Pensum changes, contracts end, or job roles shift significantly
Common Mistakes and Legal Framework
The most common error is registering only full-time staff and forgetting part-time or temporary workers. Even a 10%-Pensum employee must be insured if they work regularly. This leaves your company unprotected and can trigger liability claims.
Swiss law (UVG and cantonal regulations) makes accident insurance non-negotiable. If you have doubts about whether an employee qualifies, consult your insurer or a lawyer—underinsurance is not a cost-saving strategy, it is a legal violation that can cost far more in claims and fines.
- Do not assume probationary or apprenticeship contracts are exempt—they are not
- Do not delay accident reporting; timely notification is a condition of coverage
- Do not underreport payroll to lower premiums; insurers audit and penalize discrepancies
- Do not confuse UVG with LAI (disability insurance for non-occupational accidents)—both apply but cover different scenarios
- Do not forget to update insurer when an employee leaves; overpaying for terminated staff is avoidable
- Consult your cantonal labor inspectorate if you are unsure of your registration status
Frequently asked questions
- What happens if I do not register an employee under UVG?
- You remain personally liable for accident costs and medical bills. Your insurer can refuse claims if employees were never registered. Cantonal labor authorities may fine you and order retroactive premium payment. Registration is mandatory—there is no grace period.
- Does UVG cover accidents during commute or lunch break?
- No. UVG covers only accidents that occur during work or work-related activities. Commuting to and from the office and personal errands during lunch are not covered. However, travel for business purposes is usually covered—ask your insurer for clarity on your specific situation.
- Can I switch insurers to save premium costs?
- Yes, you can change insurers annually with proper notice, or sooner if your business circumstances change. However, do not let coverage lapse during the switch. Consult your current insurer about cancellation deadlines and ensure new coverage starts on day one of the new contract. Never assume overlapping coverage.
General information for Swiss employers, not legal advice. Have a lawyer confirm anything with legal consequences.