Guidance on insurance for MAKE projects
Objective
EPFL provides general insurance policies intended to safeguard the institution, its staff, and its students in the course of their activities. These policies primarily cover civil liability and EPFL property.
The scope of MAKE projects may entail specific risks that are not necessarily covered under these general policies. If you have any doubts about your project’s insurance coverage or anticipate facing specific risks, you are advised to contact the MAKE Coordinator to verify the extent of coverage and, where necessary, arrange for supplementary insurance tailored to the project.
EPFL has two main global insurance policies:
- Civil Liability Insurance (Assurance Responsabilité Civile RC):
- protects the institution against claims for bodily injury and material damage, by third parties due to activities carried out by its staff, students.
- Deductible (Franchise): 100,000 CHF
- Property Insurance (Assurance Choses):
- Protects EPFL’s assets (listed in the EPFL inventory), equipment, and materials.
- Covers risks such as fire and natural events (fire, lightning, storm, flooding) and water damage.
- Deductible (Franchise): 500,000 CHF
Special Considerations for MAKE Projects:
- Travel Insurance:
EPFL students are not covered by any EPFL-provided travel insurance. Their protection relies solely on individually subscribed mandatory health insurance (LAMal) and complementary insurance for accident and illness coverage. Students must ensure their coverage is up to date and appropriate for the type of stay abroad. In case of accident or illness, reimbursement of medical expenses depends entirely on their private insurance policy.
Accident Insurance: Students must verify that the activity carried out is included in their accident insurance, as risky activities may be excluded from standard coverage.
- Transport Insurance for Equipment:
Check whether a specific insurance policy is needed to cover transport of equipment and goods during travel or shipment (e.g., shock, fall, overturning) of MAKE prototypes.
- Natural Hazard and Fire Insurance:
Verify insurance coverage depending on the location and storage conditions outside of EPFL campus of equipment and MAKE prototypes for certain specific risks.
Workflow:
1. AGEPoly