Federal Government and Railways Accident Insurance: your comprehensive cover for workplace accidents and occupational diseases
04.06.25
8
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
An occupational accident or work-related illness can happen to anyone. For employees of the federal government and the railways, the Accident Insurance for the Federal Government and Railways (UVB) provides cover. Find out how this important safety net works and what specific benefits you can expect.
The topic in brief and concise terms
The Federal and Railway Accident Insurance (UVB) offers comprehensive protection against workplace accidents and occupational diseases for employees of the federal government and the railways, with prevention taking priority.
The benefits provided by the UVB range from medical treatment and rehabilitation to vocational reintegration and cash benefits such as injury benefit and pensions.
Special rules apply to civil servants under occupational accident benefits, with the UVB also partly responsible here and carrying out preventive measures. [3,1ü]
Understanding the core tasks and insurance benefits of the UVB
The Accident Insurance Fund for the Federal Government and Railways (UVB) follows a holistic approach. Its primary objectives are the prevention of workplace accidents and occupational diseases. Should an insurance claim nevertheless occur, the UVB ensures medical treatment and rehabilitation. The range of services includes medical, vocational and social rehabilitation measures. The UVB provides its services from a single source, ensuring coordinated care. These also include cash benefits such as injury benefit or pensions in the event of permanent damage to health. Insured persons do not pay any contributions of their own for this protection; these are borne by the employers or member companies. The UVB supports employees covered by collective agreements, trainees and also volunteers in certain organisations such as the THW. [2]
The clear priority is: prevention before compensation and rehabilitation before pension. This principle underlines the effort to promote the insured persons' ability to work and their participation in society as effectively as possible. Close cooperation with the member companies is an important success factor. The UVB actively supports them in implementing occupational health and safety measures. This is an ongoing process that includes adjustments to new working environments, such as location-flexible working. [2]
Precisely define the UVB insured group
The group insured by Unfallversicherung Bund und Bahn (UVB) primarily includes employees of the Federal Government and Deutsche Bahn AG, as well as their subsidiaries. [5,2] Employees of the Federal Railway Asset Fund and the Federal Employment Agency are also insured here. [2] It is important to distinguish this from civil servants, judges and soldiers, who are generally covered by separate accident care regulations. [2]
However, there are exceptions and special responsibilities:
Collective agreement employees and trainees of the federal administration and Deutsche Bahn AG. [2]
Employees of transferred organisations, such as political foundations or institutes. [2]
Employees of foreign armed forces in Germany and of NATO headquarters. [2]
Volunteers and full-time staff of the Technical Relief Agency (THW) and in certain areas of the German Red Cross. [2]
Participants in the development policy volunteer service „weltwärts“. [2,4]
Persons complying with a special request from the Federal Employment Agency to visit an office. [2]
This broad remit covers more than five million people. Since 1 January 2021, UVB has also been responsible for duties relating to occupational accident care for civil servants and judges in parts of the federal administration. A detailed assessment of your compulsory insurance requires an individual review.
Range of services in detail: From medical treatment to cash benefits
If an insured event occurs, such as an occupational accident, commuting accident or an occupational disease, the comprehensive benefits package of Unfallversicherung Bund und Bahn applies. The aim is always the full restoration of health and functional capacity. Medical rehabilitation includes not only acute treatment, but also further therapies. A central element is rehabilitation management, which ensures individual support. The UVB covers the costs of medical treatment, medicines and aids.
If a return to the former profession is not possible, benefits for participation in working life apply. This may include retraining or adjustments to the workplace. Social rehabilitation, i.e. support in regaining independence in everyday life, is also an important component. If, despite all efforts, there remains a reduction in earning capacity or a need for care arises, the UVB also provides cash benefits. These include injury benefit as wage replacement, pensions for insured persons (accident pensions) or, in the event of death, survivors’ pensions. [5] The benefits of accident insurance are varied.
Specific regulations for civil servants and the role of service accident benefits
Special regulations apply to federal civil servants in the area of accident cover, which is primarily covered by official accident care. [3,2ü] However, the Accident Insurance Fund for the Federal Government and Railways (UVB) has the authority of an employer, and the civil servants employed by it are federal civil servants. [3] Since 1 January 2021, the UVB has taken over key tasks of official accident care for civil servants and judges in parts of the federal administration. [3,1ü] This includes, for example, the administration of official accident care under the Federal Civil Servants' Pensions Act for certain ministries and courts. [1ü]
An official accident must be reported within a limitation period of two years. [2ü] The responsible office investigates the accident and reports it to the civil servants' accident care office. [2ü] Even if there is no immediate incapacity for work, there is still a right to have the incident recorded as an official accident. [2ü] If the capacity for gainful employment is reduced by at least 30 per cent for more than six months as a result of the official accident, accident compensation may be paid. [4ü] The exact rules for civil servants are complex. The UVB also carries out preventive measures for civil servants at member companies. [1ü]
Prevention as a cornerstone: actively preventing workplace accidents and occupational diseases
The prevention of workplace accidents, commuting accidents and occupational diseases is the primary task of the accident insurance institution Bund und Bahn. This preventive approach aims to identify and minimise health hazards in the workplace at an early stage. UVB actively supports its member companies with advice and training. A holistic approach that includes occupational safety, occupational medicine and health protection measures is the focus. UVB provides extensive information and practical assistance, for example on the topic of location-flexible working. [2]
The prevention services include, among other things:
Advising companies on designing safe workplaces.
Conducting training courses and further education for safety officers.
Developing and providing sector-specific information materials.
Research into new occupational risks and how to avoid them.
Promoting a culture of safety in companies.
Monitoring compliance with occupational health and safety regulations.
These measures are intended to continuously reduce the number of insured claims. The statutory accident insurance regulations provide the basis for this. The effectiveness of prevention is reflected in declining accident figures in many areas.
Procedures and reporting channels in the event of a claim: What should be done?
Even if all preventive measures are in place, if an accident at work occurs or an occupational disease is suspected, swift and correct action is important. Claims cases must be reported to Unfallversicherung Bund und Bahn without delay. [1] The UVB provides the appropriate forms and reporting channels for this purpose. Early reporting is crucial for the prompt initiation of medical treatment and rehabilitation measures. In the case of accidents at work, a designated accident doctor should usually be consulted. These are doctors with special authorisation for the treatment of workplace accidents.
After receiving the report, the UVB reviews the facts and decides whether to recognise it as an insured event. It then coordinates all further steps, from medical care to any compensation benefits. Insured persons incur no direct costs by using the benefits of statutory accident insurance. The accident insurance providers act here on behalf of the community of solidarity. It is advisable to keep all relevant documents carefully.
To make the best possible use of the protection provided by the Unfallversicherung Bund und Bahn, there are a few important aspects to bear in mind. Our expert tip: Document every accident, even minor incidents, carefully and report it immediately to your employer and, where applicable, to the UVB. This is especially important if late effects occur. Make sure you comply with the reporting deadlines, especially in the case of occupational accident cover for civil servants, where a limitation period of two years applies. [2ü]
Make active use of the prevention services offered by the UVB and your employer. Find out about specific risks at your workplace and possible protective measures. If you have any questions about your insurance cover or benefits in the event of a claim, contact the UVB directly or seek expert advice. A private accident insurance policy can supplement statutory cover, particularly for accidents during leisure time. Carefully weigh up your individual needs. The costs of accident insurance can vary. Also bear in mind that benefits from accident insurance may under certain circumstances tax-relevant be.
Future prospects and further developments at the UVB
The world of work is undergoing constant change, and with it the requirements placed on Unfallversicherung Bund und Bahn are also changing. Digitalisation, new forms of work such as home working, and changing risk profiles require continuous adaptation of prevention strategies and service offerings. [2] UVB is involved in research and is continuously developing its concepts. One example is the adaptation to the needs of female and male soldiers after the end of their military service relationship, for which UVB will take on new tasks from January 2025. [2]
The electronic patient record (ePA) is another topic that UVB is actively supporting in order to optimise care processes. [1] Strengthening rehabilitation management and providing individual support for policyholders remain key priorities. Cooperation with partners, such as the Bundeswehr, is being intensified in order to ensure tailored care. [2] Whether you need private accident insurance remains an individual decision, even though statutory cover is comprehensive. UVB will also continue to be an important pillar of social security for employees of the federal government and railways.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked free of charge and receive concrete suggestions for improvement.
More useful links
Unfallversicherung Bund und Bahn (UVB) provides comprehensive information on its homepage about statutory accident insurance for federal and railway employees.
Unfallversicherung Bund und Bahn (UVB) provides detailed information in this section of its website on occupational safety and preventive measures.
A PDF publication by the German Statutory Accident Insurance (DGUV) offers in-depth insights into relevant topics relating to accident insurance.
The German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) provides statistics and facts on fatal occupational accidents in Germany on this page.
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) provides data on fatal occupational accidents in Germany here.
The Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) explains the definition of occupational accidents on this page.
The official service Laws on the Internet provides the full legal text of § 8 SGB VII, which defines occupational accidents.
Another PDF publication (A109) by the German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) covers practical aspects of occupational health and safety.
FAQ
What is the difference between statutory accident insurance and private accident insurance?
The statutory accident insurance (such as the UVB) covers workplace and commuting accidents as well as occupational diseases. The employer pays the contributions. A private accident insurance policy offers worldwide cover 24 hours a day, including during leisure time, and the benefits and premiums can be tailored individually.
Are accidents while working from home also covered by the UVB?
Yes, working from home can also be covered by statutory accident insurance under certain conditions if the accident is directly related to your work. The exact distinctions can be complex.
What happens if I disagree with a decision by the UVB?
Appeals can be lodged against decisions of the Federal and Railway Accident Insurance within one month of notification. If the appeal is not upheld, legal action can be brought before the social courts.
Does the UVB also cover the costs of retraining?
Yes, as part of vocational rehabilitation (services for participation in working life), the UVB can also cover the costs of necessary retraining if the previous profession can no longer be practised due to an insured event.
Are there specific prevention programmes for railway employees?
Yes, the accident insurance fund for the federal government and railways develops and promotes industry-specific preventive measures tailored to the particular risks in the rail sector, for example in the area of road safety or when handling heavy loads.
How long does the UVB pay injury benefit?
Injury benefit is generally paid until the end of incapacity for work or until the start of a pension due to reduced earning capacity, but for no longer than 78 weeks within three years after the accident.
