Can you exclude accident cover from your health insurance?

In short

If you work at least 8 hours a week for one employer, you are insured against accidents through them, in your free time too.

Then you can suspend the accident cover in your health insurance and save premium. Everyone else needs it.

As of 2 October 2026 · KVG Art. 8 and 10, UVG Art. 1a · Sources bag.admin.ch, suva.ch

GuideTo the answer in a few questions

Who pays if you have an accident?

Two questions, and you know which insurance is responsible and whether you need accident cover in your health insurance.

All answers at a glance

How do you work? Self-employed

You need the accident cover of your health insurance. As a self-employed person you are not compulsorily insured against accidents. Health insurance with accident cover pays the treatment, but no daily allowance for your loss of earnings. You can insure yourself voluntarily under the UVG, for example with Suva.

How do you work? Not working, in education or retired

Health insurance pays, with accident cover. Without an employer you are not insured under the Accident Insurance Act. Your health insurer must include accident cover. It pays the treatment with deductible and co-payment.

How many hours a week do you work for one employer? 8 hours or more

Your employer's accident insurance always pays. You are insured under the UVG at work and in your free time. It pays the treatment without a deductible and from the third day 80 percent of your salary as a daily allowance. You can suspend the accident cover in your health insurance and so save premium.

How many hours a week do you work for one employer? Less than 8 hours

At work the employer pays, in your free time health insurance. You are only insured for occupational accidents under the UVG. Accidents in your free time are paid by your health insurer. So keep the accident cover included.

According to UVG and KVG, as of 2026. With several employers and special cases, your health insurer will advise you. Not advice.

Want to know more?

Who may suspend accident cover?

Only people who are fully insured under the Accident Insurance Act, so for work and leisure accidents. That applies if you are employed for at least 8 hours a week by one employer.

Everyone who does not work or works less may not suspend it. This includes children, students, homemakers, retired people and self-employed people without voluntary accident insurance.

How do you suspend it?

Get proof. Your employer confirms the insurance to you, it is often also in your employment contract.
Submit the application. Tell your health insurer that you want to suspend accident cover.
Check the premium. From the following month you pay less.
Include it again. If the job ends or your workload falls below 8 hours, tell the insurer immediately.

What many people get wrong

“Better safe than sorry.” Wrong. If you are insured through your employer, accident insurance always pays first. The accident cover in your health insurance then only costs you premium.
“After I am dismissed I am automatically still insured.” Only for 31 days. After that you need the insurer’s accident cover or an interim insurance with your previous accident insurer.
“Part-time means I am not insured.” Wrong. At work you are always insured. Only for leisure accidents do you need at least 8 hours a week.

From when does the suspension apply?

At the earliest from the first day of the month after your application. Your insurer needs proof that you are fully insured through your employer.

What happens if I lose my job?

Your employer's accident insurance ends 31 days after the last entitlement to salary. Contact your health insurer in good time so that it includes accident cover again.

I work for two employers, 5 hours each. Am I insured?

For leisure accidents the hours with a single employer count. With 5 hours each you are only insured at work and need the accident cover in your health insurance.

How much do I save?

That depends on your insurer. Your insurer shows you the premium with and without accident cover, and so does the federal premium calculator.

This page explains in general terms and does not replace personal advice. Law and your policy are what counts.