The short answer
A posting requires preparation based on the country, nationality, duration and nature of the assignment. First clarify the applicable social security system with your compensation office, then check your accident insurance (UVG/LAA), supplementary accident insurance, sickness daily allowance insurance, pension arrangements and health cover. Assistance and repatriation must be addressed separately.
Identify the type of arrangement
A posting involves an employee of a business in Switzerland temporarily going abroad to work for that business. Remote working from abroad, cross-border employment and working in several countries are subject to different rules: do not treat them as postings by default.
Gather details of the destination country, nationality, planned duration, contractual employer and nature of the assignment.
Social security status
The Federal Social Insurance Office (FSIO) explains that the conditions depend on the country. For postings to the EU or EFTA, an A1 certificate may allow the employee to remain subject to the Swiss system under certain conditions; it is requested through the platform and the compensation office. It is neither a work permit nor confirmation of all your insurance cover. Different rules apply to countries covered by another agreement; where there is no agreement, the situation requires a specific assessment.
For health insurance (KVG/LAMal), the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) states that nationality, country and the applicable agreement affect the insurance requirement.
Your business insurance policies
- Accident insurance and supplementary accident insurance: continuation during the assignment and applicable conditions
- Sickness daily allowance insurance: territorial scope and formalities in the event of incapacity for work abroad
- Occupational pension: check continued membership with the pension institution
- Health: basic cover and any supplementary cover, depending on the situation
- Assistance and repatriation: separate cover to be checked
Before and during the assignment
Set a review date if the assignment is extended or moves to another country. Give the employee useful telephone numbers and the procedure to follow in the event of an accident or illness. Keep a copy of the certificate and the insurers' confirmations in the HR file.
Frequently asked questions
Is an A1 certificate enough to leave on assignment?
No. It addresses which social security system applies, subject to conditions. Work permits, private insurance and assistance remain separate matters.
Are the rules the same for every country?
No. Different rules apply to the EU/EFTA, countries covered by another agreement and countries without an agreement. Start with the destination country.
Does the employee remain covered by our accident insurance?
This is often possible during a temporary assignment, subject to conditions. Ask your insurer to confirm continuation and its duration in writing before departure.