Accident insurance: distinguish statutory and additional cover
Accident insurance may cover medical treatment and the financial consequences of an accident. First check existing statutory protection through employment and any additional cover needed. A business policy, voluntary self-employed insurance and protection during a work interruption are different tasks. A request does not confirm the insurance start date.
Your circumstances determine the comparison
Explain whether you are insuring employees, a self-employed activity or seeking private supplementary cover. For employees, hours with the same employer and existing protection matter. A work interruption also calls for timely checks to prevent an unnoticed gap.
Occupational and non-occupational accidents
Employees generally have cover for occupational accidents and occupational diseases. Non-occupational cover applies from at least eight hours a week with the same employer. Below that level, occupational cover does not include every leisure accident. Have irregular schedules and multiple jobs checked individually rather than automatically adding hours across employers.
| Area | Central check |
|---|---|
| Occupational accidents | Employment and competent insurer |
| Non-occupational accidents | At least eight weekly hours with the same employer |
| Private additions | Additional benefits and unintended duplication |
Insurer choice may be determined by law
Statutory jurisdiction depends on actual business activities. Certain businesses are assigned to an insurer by law. Check that classification before seeking competing statutory-cover quotes. Supplementary insurance can still be a comparison topic; submitting a request does not remove a compulsory assignment.
Check self-employment and absent employer cover
Self-employment alone does not provide the same compulsory insurance as employment. Voluntary UVG or private cover may be considered. With full UVG cover for occupational and non-occupational accidents, suspension of accident cover in basic health insurance can be requested; proof of that cover matters, rather than employment alone. Basic health insurance does not automatically provide identical UVG cash benefits; check status and existing benefits first.
Compare each additional benefit
Supplementary cover may include higher insured earnings, different hospital benefits or capital payments. Check each requested benefit, its limits and exclusions. High-risk leisure activities and benefit reductions are not fully covered by every supplement. A higher insured capital amount alone does not explain the contract.
| Comparison | Check quote and terms |
|---|---|
| Basis | UVG or private contract and covered people |
| Benefits | Treatment, daily benefits, pensions or capital |
| Supplement | Hospital choice, higher salary basis and specific limits |
| Premium | Activity, payroll, charges and adjustment rules |
Clarify interruption deadlines early
Subject to conditions, interim accident insurance can extend existing non-occupational cover for up to six months. Purchase and payment must occur before residual cover expires. This generally lasts 31 days from the last day of entitlement to at least half salary. A quote request does not preserve that deadline; clarify protection promptly with the competent insurer.
Obtain confirmed cover
Businesses should initially provide activity, prospective covered headcount and approximate aggregate annual payroll. For private requests, describe the situation and intended protection first. Then compare benefits, jurisdiction, premium basis and start date. Exchange necessary information securely and obtain acceptance before changing existing cover; do not include accident or health records in the initial description.
Frequently asked questions
Do exactly eight weekly hours qualify for non-occupational cover?
Generally yes, from at least eight weekly hours with the same employer. Irregular work and special cases need individual clarification.
Can every business freely choose its UVG insurer?
No. Statutory jurisdiction rules may determine the insurer. Have the actual business activities assessed.
Are self-employed people automatically UVG-insured?
No. Status and voluntary or private options need checking. Calling someone a freelancer is not sufficient.
Does health-insurance accident cover replace every UVG benefit?
No. Medical costs and cash benefits follow different rules. Compare existing protection and any required additions.
Does the request secure interim cover retrospectively?
No. A request confirms neither cover nor compliance with purchase or payment deadlines. Clarify an urgent extension directly with the previous insurer.
Must I send an accident report or policy number?
No. The initial description concerns future insurance needs only. An existing claim belongs with the competent insurer.
