She's already found out. But do remember that if you have non-employer supplied accident insurance you are still subject to the franchise and retention.

Agreed, just thought I'd repeat this as it is so important an issue- for the sake of a few Chuffs on top (about 25CHF depending on insurance) - it is just not worth leaving yourself open to ginormous costs.

Im actually a bit lucky as I my former employer covers me for 6 months after I have left

Caramba, I am so happy I am covered with my employer then...

But like regular basic insurance it is covered even if you don't pay it as it is compulsory. You'd have to back pay the premiums you didn't pay.

I don't know for sure but I'd assume that's the case.

Don't get this Porsche. Accident is NOT compulsory if you are self-employed or retired, health insurance is, but you only have 3 months to get it organised and back pay to day you arrived in country. Otherwise nobody would pay, wait for an accident to occur and then decide to join and back pay??? How can any system work like this?

I'm not saying that that's a good idea to do. But I was under the impression that accident insurance is compulsory for all Swiss residents. You say it isn't for self employed or retired. Is it compulsory for unemployed people? If it is and you don't sign up for it, as it is compulsory, when they find out, you will have to back pay it. So there is no huge bill as you said

You can't not pay something that is compulsory.

Have you got a link to say that it is not compulsory for unemployed people?

I declare myself officially lost :s

Sorry Angela , it is indeed confusing. If you are employed, your employer pays for the accident Insurance for accidents at work- and you normally pay a proportion for accidents that happen outside work. If you are self-employed or retired (as we are) you have to pay 2 Insurances, a/ health insurance which is compulsory from day 1 on being on Swiss territory, in fact day 1 of the month you arrived (so never arrive on the 30th or 31st or you will have to pay for whole month, yep) - although you have 3 months to arrange (same for employed) AND ON TOP OF that, pay for accident insurance. This part is not compulsory- but as said above relatively cheap and not worth being without.

Where I am not sure, is what happens to unemployed people - it seems you are covered by your employer's insurance for some time (did you ever have to pay part of the insurance for accidents not at work, or not? Maybe some employers take this on and do not charge part cost). But then, what happens, I am not sure. If I were you I;d check with RAV and your health insurers to make absolutely sure - and I'd be grateful if you would share results, please. In the meantime, pheeeeeew that you are covered, and get better fast.

Hi Odile, I think you missed my previous post I called the RAV and they told me that I was supposed to be insured by my most recent employer (as I stopped working there on the 9th of this month), my employer contacted me and told me they had insured me and they would pay for it for 6 months after I had left the company

Quote from an insurance website (eg not official):

accident insurance


What is an accident insurance?

• The accident insurance covers medical treatment, daily allowances and pensions. Insurance claims concerning accidents which occur abroad are also covered.
• All gainfully employed persons are compulsorily insured.
• Premiums for occupational accidents and diseases are paid by the employer; premiums for non-occupational accidents are paid by the employee and deducted from the salary. Different agreements in favour of the employee are subject to change.

Am I automatically insured?

• All gainfully employed persons are compulsorily insured against occupational and non-occupational accidents as well as against occupational diseases. Unemployed persons registered as unemployed are also insured.
• The following persons are not automatically insured:
  • Persons employed less than 8 hours per week are not insured against non-occupational accidents.
  • Self-employed persons, housewives.

Unquote, my bold. So good news for Angela. That word 'housewife' I presume also includes house husbands, retired, concubines, etc.

On the other side, as a 'housewife' I was told that I must have accident insurance with my basic cover, and it was difficult to have it removed once I started work - they asked three times for 'proof' of employment...I was double insured for about 18 months before I finally got it sorted...but as others have said, it's not expensive...

All the above is true, and I would like to add the following:

The employer is obliged to insure you against accidents at work if you work more than 8 hours per week (Corrected, see below). The insurance will only pay out your lost earnings after about 5 days out of work! Some employees automatically add extra cover for these first few days, and sometimes charge you the extra from your monthly payment. They can also charge you for the private accident cover, but that is seldom.

When you are unemployed and you are registered with the RAV, you are covered by the SUVA (I can't remember if there is a 5 day waiting rule)

When you are not on the RAV, but receiving social help, you are not covered for accidents, and you should inform your sickness insurance who will charge you approximately CHF 25 per month for the accident cover.

Hope you don't mind me correcting your excellent post Sbrinz - it is 8 hours per week, not month.

This post is for reference, should someone stumble on this thread while looking for information on this topic sometime in the future. In particular, Angela, this doesn't apply to you as you said that your employer has confirmed that you're covered through him for another six months (I assume that this is some extra benefit provided by your employer).

The general situation is what Tilia mentioned a few posts back: following the termination of your job, you're still covered by your employer's accident insurance for 30 days. Furthermore you have the right to extend your coverage with your employer's accident insurance provider for up to additional 180 days, by stipulating an "insurance by convention" (Abredeversicherung). It is important that the first premium be paid before the end of the 30 day period. This is not necessary if you register with RAV and receive unemployment benefits, since in that case you're automatically covered by SUVA. On the other hand, it may be relevant for someone taking an unpaid leave.

For further information, see e.g.:
http://www.suva.ch/startseite-suva/v...erung-suva.htm
http://www.comparis.ch/krankenkassen...lldeckung.aspx