StatutoryAccident Insurance
Everything about GUV: Who is covered, what benefits are provided, and why it does not provide complete protection.
Tip for Newcomers
Statutory accident insurance in Germany only covers work accidents. For leisure accidents, you need private accident insurance.
Key German Terms
What is Statutory Accident Insurance?
The GUV is part of the social insurance system and protects against work and commuting accidents.
GUV Carriers
- Trade Associations (BG)
For commercial economy (e.g. BG BAU, BGN)
- Accident Funds
For public service, schoolchildren, students
- Agricultural BG
For agriculture and forestry
Financing
Employers pay everything
Unlike health or pension insurance, employees pay NO contributions to statutory accident insurance.
Contribution Amount
The amount is based on the payroll sum and hazard class of the company. Higher-risk industries pay more.
Who is Statutorily Insured?
Covered Groups
- Employees (also part-time, mini-job)
- Trainees
- Schoolchildren and Students
- Children in daycares and kindergartens
- Volunteers (certain areas)
- Caregiving relatives
- Lifesaver and first responders
NOT Covered Groups
- Self-employed (only voluntary insurance)
- Freelancers
- Housewives and housemen
- Pensioners (except side jobs)
- Entrepreneurs (only voluntary insurance)
These groups have NO statutory accident protection and should definitely get private accident insurance!
What is covered - and what is not?
Covered Accidents (ca. 30%)
- Work accidents
Accidents during work at the workplace
- Commuting accidents
On direct way to/from work
- Occupational diseases
Illnesses caused by work
- Business trips
Accidents during business travel
NOT Covered (ca. 70%)
- Leisure accidents
Sports, hobbies, trips - no protection!
- Household accidents
Falls, cuts, burns at home
- Vacation accidents
Accidents on vacation or private trips
- Detours
Private errands on the commute
70% of all accidents are NOT protected by GUV! Private accident insurance is therefore important.
Benefits of Statutory Accident Insurance
Medical Treatment
Full coverage of all treatment costs: doctor, hospital, medication, aids - without co-payment.
Injury Compensation
For inability to work after a work accident: 80% of gross salary, maximum 100% of net salary.
Rehabilitation
Comprehensive rehabilitation measures: medical rehabilitation, vocational retraining, workplace adaptation.
Disability Pension
For permanent reduction in earning capacity (MdE) from 20%: Monthly pension depending on previous income.
Survivor Benefits
In case of death from work accident: funeral benefit, widow/-er pension, orphan pension for children.
Vocational Reintegration
Benefits for reintegration: retraining, further education, technical work aids.
Close the Gap: Private Accident Insurance
Supplement the statutory protection with private accident insurance for 24/7 protection worldwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Statutory Accident Insurance
What counts as a commuting accident?
A commuting accident is an accident on the direct way between home and the workplace. Important: The way must be direct. Who makes a detour (e.g., shopping) loses insurance coverage for this section. Bringing children to daycare can also be insured if it lies on the commute.
Am I insured during lunch break?
Only limited. The way to eat (e.g., canteen, restaurant) is insured, but not the meal itself. Who falls in the canteen, is not insured. The protection applies again on the way back to the workplace. Private errands during lunch break are also not insured.
What about Homeoffice?
Since 2021: Statutory accident protection also exists in homeoffice - but only for activities directly related to work. The way to the toilet or coffee machine is insured if it would also be so in the office. Private activities (cooking, laundry) remain uninsured.
How do I report a work accident?
For a work accident, the employer must send an accident report to the relevant trade association within 3 days (for more than 3 days of inability to work or death). You should document the accident and see a designated doctor (D-Arzt).
Why do I need private accident insurance anyway?
Statutory accident insurance only covers about 30% of all accidents. The remaining 70% happen during leisure time, at home, or on vacation - there you are completely unprotected. Private accident insurance provides 24/7 protection worldwide and closes this big gap.
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Close the Gap of Statutory GUV
70% of all accidents are not protected by GUV. Secure yourself now with private accident insurance.
* Statutory accident insurance is mandatory for employees and is fully funded by the employer. A private supplement is recommended.