UVG: Gaps closed

Parliament approved the revised Accident Insurance Act (UVG) at the end of September. It closes a number of loopholes in the law.

For example, UVG insurance cover for the unemployed is now regulated by law.

Gaps in insurance cover when starting a new job have also been closed: in future, employees will be insured as soon as they have a valid employment contract - not just when they go to their new job for the first time, as was previously the case. In future, employees will also be protected if the contract starts at a weekend.

Among other things, the provisions on the coverage of "accidental bodily injuries" such as torn ligaments or muscles have also been clarified. The accident insurer should now cover the costs if it cannot prove that the impairment is due to wear and tear or illness.

Last but not least, the revision is intended to prevent overcompensation of pension recipients in future. In future, UVG pensions paid for life will be reduced as soon as the person concerned reaches the normal retirement age. The intention behind this is not to give recipients of an UVG pension an advantage over people who have not had an accident after retirement.

For the first time, Suva's ancillary activities, such as rehabilitation clinics, the development and sale of safety products and workplace health promotion, are also anchored in the revision. These activities must be financially self-supporting and closely related to Suva's main task. The revised law thus provides Suva with a clear framework for its future activities in the Swiss social insurance market.

The revision, which was launched at the beginning of 2006, failed in its first attempt in 2011 - it went too far for the councils. Employers and employees then negotiated a compromise that was also supported by the private insurers and Suva. This was approved by the Councillors after a final reconciliation of differences between the Council of States and the National Council.