What the LAA imposes on employers
The Federal Law on Accident Insurance (LAA) requires the employer to insure all employees employed in Switzerland against occupational accidents and occupational illnesses, from the first day of work. This concerns in particular permanent employees, part-time employees, apprentices, interns and home workers.
When the person works at least 8 hours per week for the same employer, they must also be insured against non-professional accidents: leisure, vacation, sport, private travel. Below this threshold, she is covered by the employer for professional accidents and direct commuting, but must maintain accident cover from her health insurance for private life.
Professional and non-professional accidents
- AAP: accidents occurring at work, occupational illnesses and journeys according to LAA rules.
- AANP: private life accidents for employees working at least 8 hours per week with the same employer.
- AAP premiums: borne by the employer.
- AANP premiums: generally payable by the employee and deducted from the salary, unless otherwise agreed.
- Insurer: certain branches necessarily come under Suva; other companies take out insurance with an authorized accident insurer.
Basic benefits and limits
The LAA covers the recovery costs linked to the accident, hospital treatment in the general ward, the necessary rescue and transport costs, as well as cash benefits. In the event of incapacity for work, the legal daily allowance generally reaches 80% of the insured earnings, from the third day, up to the maximum LAA salary.
This legal framework is solid, but it can leave gaps: first two days payable by the employer, salary exceeding the maximum LAA, loss of income beyond 80%, hospital comfort limited to the common division or specific needs of executives and directors.
Why consider supplementary LAA?
Supplementary accident insurance (LAAC) helps improve employee protection and strengthen the attractiveness of the company. It can cover a daily allowance from the first day, supplement the salary by 90% or 100%, ensure the portion of salary above the LAA ceiling, provide a private or semi-private ward in the hospital, or improve benefits in the event of disability and death.
Independents and managers: pay attention to the gaps
Self-employed people are not automatically insured under the LAA. They can take out optional LAA insurance under certain conditions or a suitable private solution. Without specific coverage, LAMal mainly covers medical expenses, but not loss of income. For employee founders of their SA or Sàrl, liability must be verified as for other employees.
Points to settle correctly
- Declare all people subject to compulsory insurance.
- Identify whether your branch depends on Suva or an authorized private insurer.
- Manage part-time work, short contracts, apprentices, interns and irregular employees.
- Inform employees of their accident coverage, particularly below the 8-hour threshold.
- Coordinate LAA, loss of salary due to illness, professional pension and supplementary insurance.
- Update payroll and risk categories to avoid premium corrections.
Our support
Finwise analyzes your activity, your workforce, your occupancy rates, your payroll and your existing contracts. We help you choose between Suva and a private insurer when possible, structure a relevant LAAC and secure your employer obligations without unnecessarily over-insuring.