International activities

In the age of globalization, cross-border issues are gaining importance for statutory accident insurance systems. The DGUV as the umbrella organization of German accident insurance institutions is therefore increasingly involved in international affairs. At the centre of our work are all matters relating to the temporary or long-term relocation of employees to other countries, for example employees being posted abroad or changes in residence.

However, the DGUV´s international activities extend well beyond this. Together with international social protection- and OSH-organizations and with accident insurances in numerous countries, it promotes the exchange of experience and good practices on an international level and the establishment of common standards. The objective is the improvement of social security and occupational safety and health – both in Germany and abroad.

The foreign liaison office

The European regulations governing social security for migrant workers and the bilateral social security agreements reached between Germany and other countries make provision for liaison offices and departments which assure the medical care of persons insured in partner countries during their stay within the host country.

International social law

International social law addresses issues of supranational and intergovernmental law. One example is the bi- and multilateral cooperation of countries throughout the world by means of social security agreements. Another example is the complex body of regulations concerning social security applied by member states of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA).

International co-operation

The DGUV cooperates with numerous national and international institutions and advises governments on creating and reforming their insurance systems against work-related accidents and occupational diseases.

European representation

As European integration progresses systematically, statutory accident insurance systems are taking on a wider economic, legal and strategic scope within Europe. Together with the umbrella associations of the statutory pension and health insurance sectors the DGUV maintains a European representation in Brussels.