A self-employed person may work in an office, a workshop, at a client’s location, or in several places in a single day. However, the mere fact that an accident occurred while performing a job does not automatically entitle the person to an accident insurance payout. The content of the contract is of key importance: the coverage period, territorial scope, definitions used in the General Terms and Conditions, the nature of the work performed, and limitations arising from other provisions and clauses. The policy does not automatically take effect for every incident that occurs during work. Before signing a contract, it’s a good idea to review the document in a specific order, and after an accident, to keep records that allow you to reconstruct what happened. The instructions below show how to do this without relying solely on the name “NNW” or a general description of the offer.
Which documents should I start with?
When assessing your coverage, you shouldn’t start by asking, „Do I have accident insurance?” but rather by determining exactly what kind of policy you have. You’ll need the current General Terms and Conditions applicable to a specific policy, the insurance policy, and the attached clauses. The plan, term, and coverage extensions may affect the meaning of the general product description.
First, write down product name, General Terms and Conditions version, and selected variant. Next, look for the provisions regarding the subject of coverage, the duration and scope of coverage, definitions, limitations, and what to do after an accident. Do not assume that two products with similar names have identical terms and conditions.
Your job profile is also a good point of reference. Describe where you usually work, what tasks you perform yourself, and whether the location where you carry out your work varies. This description makes it easier to verify whether the language of the General Terms and Conditions matches the actual way you perform your work. You’ll find more context on choosing coverage in the guide on Insurance for a sole proprietorship.
Important: The name of the accident insurance policy indicates the type of coverage, but does not necessarily determine whether a specific incident involving the customer falls within the scope of the policy. The final decision is made based on the full text of the relevant documents, not on the colloquial understanding of the word „accident.”.
How to Check the Coverage Period
The first practical question is: When is the policy in effect? It is important to distinguish between the term of the contract and the time frame of coverage during the day and with respect to the activity being performed. The insurance term and the coverage period are two separate points of consideration.
The 2026 General Terms and Conditions of Accident Insurance (TUZ) provide for the option of purchasing full coverage, that is, 24 hours a day, or limited to: during work hours and while commuting to and from work. This is a concrete example that illustrates why it is not enough to simply check the policy’s start and end dates.
When the scope is limited, the concept takes on particular significance „during work hours”. A self-employed person does not always have fixed working hours, a single office, or a typical commute to work. You should not extend this definition on your own to include every activity related to the business. You must compare the coverage period provision with the definitions, the policy document, and any applicable clauses.
A practical inspection might proceed as follows:
In the event of an accident, note the date, time, and stage of the assignment. The description of the incident varies depending on whether it occurred during the actual work, while traveling, or after the work was completed. This does not automatically determine whether coverage applies or not—it merely allows the relevant provisions of the contract to be applied to the actual course of events.
How to Interpret Territorial Scope
The second question concerns the location. Work performed outside the company’s headquarters may take place in the same town, in a different region, or abroad. You should compare the location of the incident with the policy’s territorial coverage and then check the exceptions applicable to specific benefits or costs.
The 2026 General Terms and Conditions of Accident Insurance (OWU NNW) issued by TUZ Ubezpieczenia specify the events covered by the insurance that occur in Poland and abroad, subject to the limitations set forth in other provisions of the General Terms and Conditions or in additional clauses. The wording „Poland and Abroad” does not address the remaining concerns. The territorial scope should be read in conjunction with the rest of the document.
Another example is Wiener’s „Just in Case” product, as set forth in the 2022 General Terms and Conditions. The document specifies liability for the consequences of events occurring during the insurance period worldwide, including while performing work and engaging in Group I physical activities. At the same time, with regard to medical treatment and rehabilitation costs resulting from accidents, it provides for a limitation to costs incurred exclusively in Poland. The scope of the incident and the location where the costs were incurred may be assessed separately.
Therefore, before traveling to visit a client abroad, don’t just settle for the general term „world.” Check carefully what this provision covers and whether a specific part of the coverage has its own limitations. Also, don’t apply the rules of one insurance product (e.g., accident insurance) to another.
Why the Nature of Work and Definitions Are Important
General Terms and Conditions may assign meanings to common words that differ from their everyday usage. In Wiener’s 2022 „Just in Case” General Terms and Conditions, terms with special meanings are highlighted and explained in a glossary.
The Glossary of General Terms and Conditions is an integral part of the rules for assessing an incident, rather than an optional extra that can be skipped.
For the self-employed, it's not just the client's address that matters, but also a detailed description of the tasks performed. The statement „I was at work” alone is too general to assess how the incident relates to the scope of the contract. It is worth determining exactly what was done, for what purpose, where, and at what stage of the assignment.
However, you should not create your own list of high-risk activities or assume that a particular job is always included or always excluded. Do not add exceptions that are not included in the document being reviewed. Find the relevant provision in the current General Terms and Conditions and review its wording, along with the definitions and clauses applicable to your contract.
It's helpful to go through a short checklist before purchasing a policy:
Accident insurance covers the consequences of events specified in the contract. Workers' compensation insurance does not replace business liability insurance or other types of business insurance. If you want to separate liability for your own health from liability for harm caused to another person, read more about what the options might be Scope of the company's liability insurance.
How to Prepare to Report an Accident
After an incident, it is crucial to be able to reconstruct its sequence of events. According to the 2020 PZU Accident Insurance General Terms and Conditions, the insured is required to provide a detailed description of the causes and chronology of the accident, as well as medical documentation confirming the injury, health impairment, or the mere fact that the incident occurred during the insurance period. The description of the event should be precise and organized chronologically.
So, make a note of the location, time, activity being performed, and the exact sequence of events. Keep any documents created after the assistance was provided. Medical documentation should confirm the circumstances required by the applicable General Terms and Conditions, so don’t put off gathering it until later.
The scope of the required evidence depends on the product and the circumstances. Wiener’s 2022 „Just in Case” General Terms and Conditions provide for the possibility of requesting, among other things, documentation of medical treatment or rehabilitation, confirmation of a police report, a statement from the perpetrator, an incident report, or written witness statements. Not all of these documents will be required in every case, but It's a good idea to secure any available evidence right away.
You should also check the deadline for filing a claim. The 2026 General Terms and Conditions of Accident Insurance (TUZ) require notification to be made immediately, no later than 14 days after the accident or upon learning of the loss, unless otherwise specified in the additional clauses. Check your contract for the registration deadline., because the terms and conditions specific to a particular product should not be transferred to another policy.
The safest sequence of actions following an incident is: taking care of your health, documenting the course of events, gathering available documents, checking the procedures in the relevant General Insurance Terms and Conditions (OWU), and filing a claim in accordance with the contract’s requirements. Following these steps does not guarantee that a claim will be paid, but it significantly reduces the risk that the assessment of the incident will be hindered due to a lack of basic information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does accident insurance always cover the consequences of an accident that occurs at the customer's location?
No. The location of the incident at the customer’s premises does not, in and of itself, determine the insurer’s liability. It is essential to verify whether the incident occurred during the period and within the scope of coverage specified in the contract, how key terms are defined, and what limitations and clauses apply. Each incident is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with the terms of the specific contract.
Does "full coverage" mean protection in every case?
"Full coverage period" may refer to 24-hour coverage, as specified in the General Terms and Conditions of TUZ Insurance cited above. However, this does not supersede the other terms, definitions, and limitations of the contract. 24-hour coverage does not guarantee a payout for every incident.
Can accident insurance cover the consequences of an accident that occurs while working abroad?
Perhaps, if it falls within the territorial scope of the applicable policy. You should also check the exclusions regarding specific benefits and costs. The Wiener example shows that worldwide coverage of incidents can coexist with a restriction on the location where medical treatment and rehabilitation costs are incurred.
How do you describe the nature of on-site work?
Specify the actual task performed, its purpose, location, and the stage of the order’s execution. Avoid using the term „work” on its own. Then compare the description with the definitions and provisions of the current General Terms and Conditions, without broadening their meaning.
What documents should you keep after an accident?
Keep a record of the causes and course of the incident, as well as any medical documentation. If there are other materials related to the circumstances—such as a report, a statement from the perpetrator, or written witness statements—save them, as the applicable General Terms and Conditions of Insurance may require that they be submitted.
Is accident insurance sufficient as the sole form of coverage for the self-employed?
You shouldn't assume that. Accident insurance and business liability insurance cover different needs, and the scope of each policy must be reviewed separately. First, assess your risks; then, choose the right coverage. When working on-site at a client’s location, it is essential to have up-to-date documentation, an accurate description of the activities, and to ensure that the time and place of the incident comply with the policy terms.
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