Integrity Compensation (IC) in Switzerland
Integrity compensation (IC) is a specific benefit of accident insurance (AAIA), paid by SUVA or the competent AAIA insurer in the event of permanent and significant after-effects of an occupational accident, a non-occupational accident or an occupational disease. This compensation aims to compensate not for loss of earnings, but for the impairment to the insured person's physical or psychological integrity. PBM Avocats represents accident victims in Geneva and Lausanne to defend their rights to IC.
Legal Basis and Conditions for Award
IC is governed by arts. 24 and 25 AAIA as well as by Annex 3 of the OAAIA (Ordinance on Accident Insurance). The conditions for award are:
- The impairment must result from an insured accident or an occupational disease (SUVA list)
- The impairment must be permanent: the after-effects must be stable and lasting
- The impairment must be significant: the rate of impairment must reach a minimum of 5%
- IC is paid once only, as a general rule after the closure of medical treatment
Calculation of IC: The SUVA Tables
The amount of IC is calculated by multiplying the rate of impairment to integrity by the maximum insured annual earnings under AAIA (CHF 148,200 in 2024). The rate is determined according to the SUVA tables (Annex 3 OAAIA), which set indicative values for the most common impairments:
| Type of after-effect | Indicative SUVA rate | IC amount (2024 basis) |
|---|---|---|
| Total loss of a thumb | 20% | CHF 29,640 |
| Total loss of an index finger | 10% | CHF 14,820 |
| Total loss of a hand | 50% | CHF 74,100 |
| Loss of an eye | 30% | CHF 44,460 |
| Loss of both eyes | 100% | CHF 148,200 |
| Complete paraplegia | 80-100% | CHF 118,560 - 148,200 |
| Complete bilateral hearing loss | 40% | CHF 59,280 |
| Serious psychological disorders (PTSD, etc.) | Variable (5-50%) | According to assessment |
These rates are indicative and may be adjusted according to specific circumstances. Multiple impairments are subject to addition of rates, within the limit of 100% of the maximum amount.
Impairments Not Listed in the SUVA Tables
For after-effects not expressly listed in the OAAIA tables, SUVA proceeds by analogy, taking account of the severity and extent of the impairment in comparison with the catalogued after-effects. This analogical assessment is often a source of disputes. Frequently contested impairments include:
- Chronic pain syndromes (herniated disc, persistent cervical pain)
- Post-traumatic psychological disorders (post-traumatic stress disorder, reactive depression)
- Complex functional limitations involving multiple organs or limbs
- After-effects of traumatic brain injuries
Procedure and Deadlines
IC is generally determined at the closure of the case by SUVA, that is, when medical treatment has reached its maximum effect (status quo ante or status quo sine). The procedure:
- Assessment by the SUVA district medical officer
- Formal decision by SUVA setting the rate and amount of IC
- Objection within 30 days if you contest the retained rate
- Appeal before the cantonal insurance court in case of rejection of the objection
Accumulation with Other Benefits
- AAIA disability pension: cumulative; both compensate different types of damage
- AI/IV pension: cumulative with IC
- Civil moral damages: in the event of fault by a third party, a civil liability action may allow additional damages to be obtained beyond IC. See our page on liability
- No IC-IC cumulation: only one IC per claim, but multiple impairments arising from the same accident are added together
What is the integrity compensation (IC)?
The IC is a one-time benefit paid by SUVA (or the AAIA insurer) to compensate for permanent and significant after-effects of an occupational accident or occupational disease. It aims to compensate lasting physical or psychological impairments. Its amount is calculated according to the rate of impairment to integrity, expressed as a percentage of the statutory maximum amount (CHF 148,200 in 2024).
From what threshold is IC paid?
IC is paid when the rate of impairment to integrity is at least 5% (art. 24 para. 1 AAIA). Below this threshold, no compensation is granted. For minor impairments (5-10%), the amount is relatively modest. For serious impairments (loss of a limb, loss of sight, paraplegia), the rate may reach 100% of the maximum amount.
How does SUVA assess the rate of impairment to integrity?
SUVA uses its own compensation tables (SUVA tables) which set indicative rates for different types of after-effects. For example, total loss of a thumb represents 20%, loss of an eye 30%, complete paraplegia 80-100%. These rates may be challenged if the actual after-effects are more serious than the retained rate.
Is IC cumulative with the AAIA disability pension?
Yes, IC and the AAIA disability pension are two distinct and cumulative benefits. The disability pension compensates for loss of earnings, while IC compensates for the physical or psychological impairment as such, irrespective of any economic loss. These two benefits may also be cumulated with AI/IV disability pensions.
Can the rate of impairment to integrity retained by SUVA be challenged?
Yes. The decision setting the rate of impairment to integrity may be challenged by way of objection within 30 days. If the objection is rejected, an appeal before the cantonal insurance court is possible. It is often useful to produce specialist medical reports to support a higher impairment rate than that retained by SUVA.