During the lunch hour, guaranteeing a route to the grocery store
In the world of work, taking a break is essential for maintaining productivity. However, when it comes to the insurance coverage of activities during these breaks, the rules can be a bit complex in Germany.
Generally, justifying activities during a break as essential for continuing to work is a challenge, resulting in the paths taken for these activities not being insured. For instance, walks, midday naps, doctor's appointments, and haircuts during a break are not covered by statutory accident insurance because they are difficult to justify as work-related.
On the other hand, the path to the canteen, a restaurant, or one's own kitchen during a break remains insured. This is because these places are considered work-related locations during break times. However, if an employee moves excessively far from the workplace to eat, the insurance coverage for the path is lost.
Shopping trips and grocery purchases beyond immediate sustenence during a break are also private and not insured. However, if an employee goes shopping with the sole purpose of getting food for the break or work time, the path to the store becomes insured. But, if the shopping is for personal reasons, the path is not covered.
It's important to note that a break of at least 30 minutes is mandatory for a working day of more than six hours, but this time is considered private and not insured. The time spent eating during a break is also not insured.
If an accident occurs during a break at work or on the way to work, it is not covered by statutory accident insurance. The determination of whether a break-time path is covered by statutory accident insurance depends on specific factors related to the nature and circumstances of the travel.
Key factors include the purpose and context of travel, designated routes and activities, type of transport and safety compliance, break time and location. For example, accidents that happen during breaks or on paths taken for non-work-related reasons typically are not covered.
In conclusion, the statutory accident insurance in Germany typically covers accidents that happen during work, on work-related travel routes (including commuting), and on employer's premises. The insurance excludes accidents occurring on paths not directly related to work or during leisure activities in break times, especially if the means of transport or route falls outside typical work-related use. Personal accident insurance or additional coverage may be advised for broader protection during such times.
[1] Personal accident insurance or additional coverage may be advised for broader protection during such times. [2] If an employee moves excessively far from the workplace to shop for food for the break or work time, the insurance coverage for the path is lost. [3] If an employee moves excessively far from the workplace to eat, the insurance coverage for the path is lost. [4] Certain cases (e.g., use of e-scooters or monowheels) have been explicitly excluded from statutory accident insurance coverage during travel to or from start zones for certain professions, as these are not considered work-related transport in the statutory system.
- To ensure broader protection during breaks, consider obtaining personal accident insurance or additional coverage.
- Moving excessively far from the workplace, either for shopping or eating, may result in losing insurance coverage for the path.
