Workplace injury in Germany: the difference between health insurance (Krankenversicherung) and accident insurance (Unfallversicherung)
If you have an accident at work, who covers your costs? And when is an incident considered a workplace injury? Here are the precise details.
First: What is a “workplace injury” (Arbeitsunfall)?
It is any sudden and unexpected accident that happens:
while performing your work
or on the direct route to work or back home (Wegeunfall)
Examples:
a fall inside the factory
a traffic accident while commuting to work
exposure to a hazardous substance during an assignment
Not considered a workplace injury:
accidents during a break outside the designated break area
detours (for example, stopping for shopping on your way to work)
Who covers treatment and rehabilitation costs?
| Case | Responsible body | Main coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary illness or an injury unrelated to work | Health insurance (GKV/PKV) | Covers treatment and medication according to the insurance conditions |
| Injury at work or on the direct commute | Occupational accident insurance (Berufsgenossenschaft / BG) | Comprehensive coverage with no personal co-payments – including treatment, rehabilitation, medical aids, and financial compensation or partial pension |
Key differences between the two insurances:
| Item | Health insurance (GKV) | Occupational accident insurance (BG / statutory accident insurance) |
|---|---|---|
| Who finances it? | Employee contribution + employer share | Employer only (mandatory) |
| When is it used? | For all general health cases | Only for workplace injuries or occupational diseases |
| Any co-payments? | Yes (e.g., prescription fees and a share of certain costs) | No – everything is covered in full |
| Rehabilitation benefits | Limited depending on the insurance | Very comprehensive, including Umschulung and Pflege if needed |
| Financial compensation | Krankengeld after 6 weeks | Verletztenrente if disability/impairment remains |
What should you do if you have a workplace injury?
Inform your company immediately
Visit an approved accident doctor (Durchgangsarzt)
Make sure the injury is documented and that a report is submitted to the BG
Your employer sends an official notification to the Berufsgenossenschaft if your absence exceeds 3 days
Important notes:
After a workplace injury, do not go to a regular doctor – you should see a doctor approved by the BG.
Accident insurance also covers trainees, volunteers, and pupils/students during lessons or training activities.
In case of death, the BG provides benefits/compensation to the deceased person’s family.
Summary
| Point | Health insurance (GKV) | Occupational accident insurance (BG) |
|---|---|---|
| Covers everyday illnesses | Yes | No – only occupational diseases |
| Covers workplace injuries | No | Yes |
| Requires co-payments | Yes | No |
| Includes intensive rehabilitation | Partly | Yes – comprehensive |
| Financial compensation for permanent damage | Rare | Yes – injury/disability pension |
Note: The site’s editorial team strives to provide accurate information through thorough research. However, errors may occur or some information may be unconfirmed. Please treat the content as an initial reference and always consult the competent authorities for verified and binding information.
