Whether you are an office worker, craftsman, or even intern, the LAA has you covered. It is there to repair damage to health and compensate for loss of earnings in the event of professional accidents or illnesses. But who exactly is covered by this insurance? What are the risks in the event of non-subscription? And what about coverage abroad or after leaving work?
In short, what is the LAA?
- The LAA is compulsory insurance for all employees working in Switzerland, in accordance with the federal law of March 20, 1981.
- It aims to repair the damage to health and compensate for the loss of earnings suffered by people who are victims of accidents or occupational illnesses.
- Coverage includes employees, people working from home, apprentices, interns, volunteers, and those in trade schools or sheltered workshops.
- The self-employed, certain members of the employer's family, and people carrying out public activities without a service contract are not necessarily covered.
- Employers must insure their employees with the Swiss National Accident Insurance Fund (Suva) or other authorized insurers.
- Benefits are granted in the event of an occupational accident, non-occupational accident, or occupational illness, with specific conditions for those working less than eight hours per week.
- Employers pay premiums against occupational accidents and illnesses, while premiums for non-occupational accidents are the responsibility of employees.
Who must have Compulsory Accident Insurance?
Under the Federal Accident Insurance Act (LAA), which is part of the Swiss insurance system, certain categories of people must have Compulsory Accident Insurance in Switzerland.
Here is an explanatory list of those affected:
- Employees/Employees : All employees working in Switzerland are automatically covered by the LAA. This includes those who carry out dependent gainful activity.
- People working from home : Those who carry out their professional activity from home are also covered.
- Apprentices : Apprentices, whatever their field of activity, are included in the compulsory coverage of the LAA.
- Interns : Trainees, regardless of their sector of activity, are covered by this insurance.
- Volunteers : People carrying out voluntary work are also compulsory insured.
- Trade schools and sheltered workshops : People working in trade schools or in sheltered workshops are included in coverage.
The equivalent for an independent would be “Loss of earnings insurance in the event of illness and accident for the self-employed“
For whom it is not obligatory to have an LAA?
Certain categories of people are not required to have Compulsory Accident Insurance (LAA) in Switzerland. Here is an explanatory list of these exceptions:
- Independents : People working independently are not automatically covered by UVG. But it is highly recommended for independent of having certain insurance to cover its activity.
- Employer’s family members :
- Those who do not receive a salary in cash and do not pay contributions to the AVS (Old Age and Survivors Insurance).
- Members having a direct ascending or descending relationship with the manager of an agricultural operation.
- Sons-in-law or daughters-in-law of the person in charge of the farm, likely to take over the farm.
Who can insure me for LAA?
Employers must insure their employees against accidents with the Swiss National Accident Insurance Fund (Suva) or other authorized private insurers.
Finwise, as an insurance broker, can provide you with advice on choosing the appropriate LAA insurer at the best price, based on the coverage needs of the business or individual.
In what cases does the LAA insure the damages?
LAA accident insurance covers damage in the following situations:
- Professional accidents : Any accident occurring in the course of work or in connection with professional activity.
- Non-professional accidents : Yes, you read that right! Accidents that occur outside of working hours, including during leisure time, are also covered.
- Occupational diseases : Illnesses caused directly by professional activity or the work environment.
Who must pay for compulsory accident insurance? the employee or the employer?
It is employers who must take out and pay insurance premiums for occupational accidents and occupational illnesses. Premiums for non-occupational accidents are the responsibility of employees. The employee is free to take out additional insurance to benefit from greater coverage for non-professional accidents.
PLEASE NOTE: It is common for employees to pay for accident insurance even though they are already covered by that of their employer. Check to avoid paying double for your accident insurance.
What risks do I run by not taking out compulsory accident insurance?
For a company, not taking out compulsory accident insurance (LAA) can result in several significant risks, including:
- Financial responsibility : In the event of an accident or occupational illness, the uninsured employer is held responsible for the employee's medical costs and loss of income.
- Legal sanctions : Failure to comply with the legal obligation to take out accident insurance for employees results in criminal sanctions.
- Risks for employees : Uninsured employees will not receive compensation or support in the event of an occupational or non-occupational accident.
And what about the unemployed, students, maternity leave and children in all this?
Registered unemployed people are covered by the accident insurance of the unemployment fund.
Students are not covered by the LAA unless they complete internships or activities related to their training that classify them as employees or interns.
Women on maternity leave are covered according to their current job even if they do not go to work. If they are neither employed nor unemployed, no compulsory accident insurance protects them.
Children are not covered by UVG. Other forms of insurance, such as health insurance or private accident insurance, may offer protection for children.
Am I covered by accident insurance after stopping work?
Coverage by compulsory accident insurance (LAA) continues for a limited period after the end of employment. This post-employment coverage period is 31 days after termination of employment. It aims to provide continued protection during the transition between two jobs or while waiting to find a new job.
Am I covered by accident insurance abroad?
LAA Accident Insurance coverage extends to accidents occurring abroad.
This includes situations where employees are on business trips or on temporary assignments outside Switzerland.
It is important to note that for long stays or overseas assignments, specific arrangements are necessary to ensure full coverage.