Accident insurance (UVG)
is Switzerland’s mandatory accident insurance: employers insure all employees for occupational accidents and illnesses (BU), and staff working 8+ hours weekly also for non-occupational accidents (NBU). Premiums: occupational borne by the employer, non-occupational typically deducted from employees.
How UVG works in payroll and practice
Cover is arranged with Suva or private insurers by sector; premiums are per-mille rates on insured salary up to the ceiling (CHF 148,200), varying by risk class. NBU deductions appear on payslips; missing UVG registration is a classic onboarding failure that surfaces at the first claim.
UVG pays treatment, daily allowances (80% from day 3) and pensions for lasting disability — separate from health insurance, which is why accident coverage status matters when employment ends: NBU lapses shortly after exit unless bridged (Abredeversicherung).
Related terms: daily sickness allowance, BVG/LPP
FAQ
Who pays UVG premiums?
Occupational-accident premiums: the employer, always. Non-occupational (NBU): deductible from employees and usually deducted, though some employers absorb it as a benefit. Both flow through payroll with the insurer relationship held by the employer.
What happens to accident cover after leaving a Swiss job?
NBU cover ends 31 days after employment; leavers without a next employer should buy the bridging Abredeversicherung (up to six months) or ensure their health insurance adds accident cover — a standard offboarding advice point Swiss employers owe departing staff.