Non-Occupational Accident (Nichtberufsunfall, NBU)

Concept and the eight-hour rule

The UVG defines the non-occupational accident negatively: it covers every accident that does not meet the conditions of an occupational accident under Art. 7 UVG (Art. 8 para. 1 UVG) – accidents during leisure time, at home, in sport or on the way to work. Employees whose weekly working time with one employer is at least eight hours are compulsorily insured against non-occupational accidents (Art. 8 para. 2 UVG, Art. 13 UVV). Those below the threshold are insured against occupational accidents only; their leisure accidents fall under mandatory health insurance (KVG), with deductible and co-payment and without a daily allowance.

Premium, duration and reductions

The NBU premium is charged to the employee (Art. 91 para. 2 UVG); the employer deducts it from salary but may voluntarily bear it. NBU cover ends on the 31st day after the day on which entitlement to at least half the salary ceases (Art. 3 para. 2 UVG), for example when changing jobs with a gap, during unpaid leave or at the end of unemployment benefits; the gap can be bridged for up to six months with an extension agreement (Abredeversicherung). Only for non-occupational accidents are cash benefits reduced for gross negligence (Art. 37 para. 2 UVG); for hazardous activities the reduction under Art. 39 UVG and Art. 50 UVV may extend to refusal.

Practical note

NBU cover is a peculiarity of the Swiss system: in Germany and Austria statutory accident insurance covers only occupational and commuting accidents; leisure accidents are a matter for health insurance or private accident insurance. Employers with many part-time staff below eight hours a week should consider whether a group accident policy under the VVG should supplement leisure cover.