Differentiation between occupational accidents and non-occupational accidents
In Switzerland, insurance companies differentiate between so-called occupational accidents and non-occupational accidents. These two types of work accidents are characterized by the following special features:
- Occupational accident: describes events that occur during work that are carried out on the instructions of the employer or in his interest
- Non-occupational accident: accident that occurs on the way to work, while playing sports or otherwise in leisure time
An accident happened: and now?
After an occupational or non-occupational accident, employees are obliged to immediately inform the employer about the event. The employer then has the duty to report the accident to the insurance company immediately.
Thereupon affected workers receive a form, which treating doctors have to fill out truthfully and completely. The insurance company is then immediately informed of the event, possibly via an online report.
Accident insurance companies, public liability insurers, supplementary insurers of an employer or the casualty or disability insurance companies may be considered as potential service providers. Alternatively, providers for old-age and survivor insurance, pension insurance or liability insurance companies are available as potential service providers.
Are those affected entitled to continued payment of wages?
In Switzerland, employers are obliged to continue paying their employees 80 percent of their wages for a certain period after an accident. However, there are no clear rules regarding the duration of continued wages.
For safety reasons, all employees in Switzerland are therefore compulsorily insured against the consequences of accidents. Only from the third day after the accident do those affected have a right to daily allowance that amounts to 80 percent of their wages. It is irrelevant whether the accident occurred during leisure time or during work.
Special regulations for employers with few hours of employment
Special regulations apply only to employees who work less than eight hours a week. These employees are only insured for accidents and occupational accidents that affect the way to work. Employers are obliged to pay the wages of these people in the amount of 80 percent for a certain period of time.
In this case, too, the duration of continued payment of wages is not explicitly regulated by law. However, according to court practice, employers should consider a minimum of three weeks in the first year of service.
However, if the employment relationship lasts longer, guidelines such as the Basler, Zürcher or Berner Skala come into force. These tables show the period over which employers have to pay wages depending on the number of years of service.
Can I be dismissed while unable to work?
After an accident, there is a high risk of being unable to work for a long period of time. Employers are then not entitled to dismiss their employees within a limited period of time. It is therefore all the more important to fully utilize the support provided by health insurance companies and to undergo the best possible therapy.
Are affected people allowed to work despite a medical certificate?
Those who are unable to work are also not allowed to work. Otherwise, workers run the risk that the Daily sickness insurance reclaims the daily sickness allowance. In the worst case, the insurance companies even file criminal charges.
Finding an accident insurance: A comparison helps
If employers want to take out accident insurance for their employees or if private individuals are interested in the policy, an insurance comparison in advance is highly recommended.
Quotations from individual insurance companies differ significantly from one another. Anyone looking for the offer with the best price-performance ratio will receive a representative overview of the individual offers in an insurance comparison.
These comparisons are now easily possible on the Internet. Entering a little information and data is enough to get detailed information about the insurance conditions and offers.
The health insurance comparison really worth it! Click here now and find the best solution!
