Summer Vacation: More than one in ten accidents occur abroad
People who think of mountain bike crashes, rock climbing, or extreme water sports when they hear about vacation accidents are often mistaken. Most Swiss people are injured during their summer vacations abroad while engaging in everyday activities—such as walking, being out on the road, or tripping and slipping.
In July and August, approximately 12,100 Swiss nationals are involved in accidents while on vacation abroad. That amounts to about 200 accidents per day. This figure does not include cross-border commuters. Sports activities play a role, but they are not the leading cause.
A brief moment of inattention is all it takes
More than one in ten recreational accidents occur outside of Switzerland during the summer months of July and August. Many of these accidents do not occur during high-risk activities, but rather in situations that seem harmless: tripping at a campground, falling down the stairs in a vacation rental, or slipping by the pool.
Most accidents abroad occur in the most popular European travel destinations. At the top of the list are France with 2,400 accidents, Italy with 2,100 accidents, and Germany with 1,500 accidents.
Check your insurance coverage before departure
Anyone who works more than eight hours per week for the same employer is generally covered by mandatory accident insurance even while abroad. However, depending on the destination, there may be differences in how costs are covered. In countries that have a social security agreement with Switzerland, special rules apply to the reimbursement of medical expenses. These include EU and EFTA countries, as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.
Special attention is required during extended absences, unpaid leave, or after a job change. It is precisely in such situations that many people plan a longer trip. «We repeatedly see cases where policyholders were completely unaware that their coverage might be limited or even lapse entirely during such times,» says Maximilian Gmür, an expert on insurance coverage abroad at Suva. «We generally recommend checking your own insurance coverage before traveling.»
Suva's 24-Hour Helpline
If an accident occurs abroad, Suva’s assistance service is available to its insured members around the clock. It arranges medical care and, if necessary, organizes the return trip to Switzerland.
If you want to be on the safe side, save the assistance provider's contact information +41 848 724 144 before leaving, check your cell phone and find out what insurance coverage you have. This way, you can avoid unpleasant surprises and ensure your vacation remains a fond memory.
Source: Suva
