Media release ,  24.10.2024

Generali survey reveals that more than 50% of people in Switzerland have needed medical treatment as a result of an accident

• Most accidents happen during people’s leisure time, with cycling, skiing and football the main causes of sport and recreation-related accidents
• Accident prevention and precautionary measures are important to people in Switzerland
• More than 60% of respondents have accident coverage via their employer or health insurance, while a quarter have private accident insurance

Adliswil – Over the last five years, 50% of people in Switzerland have required medical treatment as a result of an accident. This was among the findings of the first Generali accident study, which was conducted in 2024 and surveyed more than 1,100 people in Switzerland aged 18 to 69 on this topic. When and where did respondents injure themselves most frequently? What are the primary causes of accidents, what precautions do those surveyed take, and what is the situation in terms of financial security in the event of an accident?

More than 50% had previously required medical attention as a result of an accident

56% of people in Switzerland stated that they had suffered an injury requiring medical treatment over the past five years. The bulk of them had injured their legs or ankles (47%), experienced bruising or a sprain (41%) or hurt their arms or hands (39%). Burns (12%), poisoning (4%) or an electric shock (3%) were less common reasons for seeking medical assistance.

The risk of accidents is greatest when people are relaxing in their leisure time: cycling, skiing and football are the main causes of sport and recreation-related accidents

Where did most accidents that caused physical injury occur? Just 11% of all accidents requiring medical treatment are due to incidents involving cars or motorbikes. It’s a different story when it comes to sport and leisure activities, where 39% of accidents occur: 33% of them involving a bike, 31% when skiing and 30% when playing football. Work only plays a role in 13% of accidents.

Accidents don’t necessarily happen where you’d expect

Respondents’ opinions on where accidents are most likely to happen provide food for thought: 39% of those surveyed share the common belief that most accidents occur in the home. However, the data shows that this is not the case. Road accidents were also seen as being more common (18%) than they are in reality (around 11%). Respondents were generally on the right track in terms of sport and leisure (35%), but they underestimated (7%) the proportion of accidents that take place at work. 

Accident prevention and precautionary measures are important to people in Switzerland

Regardless of these statistics, current accident figures are certainly not due to respondents’ reticence: in fact, 97% of them say that safety and protection are very important to them and that they take various steps in these respects. This is reflected in the fact that 69% try to appraise potential risks and generally act with caution, adhering to speed limits (60%) and assessing their own level as realistically as possible when choosing a ski run or route, for instance (53%). In addition, 64% wear protective gear, such as a cycling, motorcycle or ski helmet, and more than a third of respondents don light-coloured and reflective clothing. 43% make sure that they perform regular maintenance on their sports equipment and warm up before exercising.

The overall study also reveals that there is not a major gender disparity in terms of preventative endeavours: women and men generally take precautions to the same extent. Women only display more caution than men in terms of using protective gear (women 68%/men 60%) and wearing light-coloured, reflective clothing (women 43%/men 34%). 

Insurance offers protection against financial fallout

Insurance provides indirect protection in the event that something happens and, depending on the circumstances, can help cushion the financial fallout of an accident. When asked about the insurance situation for themselves and their family, 63% said that they were protected under their compulsory health insurance, while 62% of respondents had accident insurance coverage via their employer. A quarter of people in Switzerland have private accident insurance, which takes over once the benefits of compulsory insurance cease to apply. This offers families with children and one adult who is not in employment, in particular, financial security.

Study profile:
The above-mentioned survey was based on a quantitative online questionnaire conducted with the market research institute Bilendi, Zurich, between 25 March and 2 April 2024. The survey is representative in terms of age, region and gender (sample size: 1,112 people).