One of the first things Angela had to do to open an online business was register as self-employed. When she did so, she had to choose a mutual insurance company for work-related accidents and occupational diseases . Angela knows that mutual insurance companies are the ones that manage benefits for work-related accidents, but she doesn't know the details. So she decides to contact someone from her mutual insurance company to explain how it works.
Angela looks for the contact number of her insurance company and calls them. After a few moments, she is put through to an agent, Oliver, who asks her how he can help her. Angela explains that she has many doubts because it is the first time she has worked as a freelancer.
First aid kit for work accidents
What benefits am I entitled to in the event of an accident at work?
Oliver answers that Angela will have more or less coverage depending on how she is paying social security contributions. Oliver explains that social security offers self-employed people three types of benefits for which contributions are made independently:
1. Benefits for common contingencies:
It is mandatory ; all self-employed persons must pay contributions to have at least this coverage. Common contingencies are understood to be illnesses and accidents suffered independently of the work performed.
2. Benefits for occupational contingencies:
For most self-employed workers it is voluntary , although it is mandatory for high-risk jobs . It specifically covers work-related accidents and occupational diseases.
3. Benefits for cessation of activity:
They are also voluntary in nature . They consist of financial aid for self-employed persons who become unemployed.
Oliver reminds Angela that when she registered as self-employed she had to choose which benefits she was entitled to. Angela remembers that at that time she chose to pay the minimum amount necessary. Worried, she asks Oliver:
If I only pay contributions for common contingencies, do I not receive assistance if I have accidents at work?
Social security card
Oliver reassures her and explains that benefits for common contingencies also cover accidents at work. These benefits apply to all accidents, regardless of whether they occur in the workplace or not.
Oliver then goes on with an example: Let's say you have an accident and suffer an injury. Since you pay social security contributions for common contingencies, you are entitled to social security medical assistance. And what's more, if the injury prevents you from working, you can take sick leave. For the time you are on sick leave, as long as it is justified, you will receive financial assistance that can last two years. After hearing this, Angela asks:
Oliver replies that to explain the difference he will use the same example but assuming telemarketing leadsusa telephone number data that Angela was paying for occupational contingencies. In the case of accidents at work, Angela would have the right to go to the mutual doctor. Medical care would be paid for by the mutual and would include rehabilitation and prescriptions for medicines. In the event of having to take sick leave, Angela would receive a subsidy for a maximum of two years. In this case, the financial aid would be maximum from the beginning. This would not be the case with the common contingency coverage, which provides 15% less money for the first 20 days.
Angela weighs the benefits of occupational contingency coverage. Perhaps it would be worth it for her to take advantage of these benefits, but it all depends on the following question:
How much more should you contribute to cover occupational contingencies?
Price of medicines and care in accidents at work
Oliver answers that it depends on the work being done. Angela explains that she makes and sells handicrafts. Oliver then asks what materials these items are made of. Angela answers that they are mainly made of iron and glass, although she also works with ceramics and sometimes with electrical wiring.
In that case, Oliver continues, you would have to pay 3.85% of your contribution base as a self-employed person. This percentage varies according to the risk associated with each profession and can be consulted with social security.