The insurance question always comes up when someone is about to start an internship. What happens if the student is injured? What happens if something breaks? And who pays?
During an internship in Sweden, it is normally the education provider – the school, university or YH provider – that is responsible for ensuring that the student has basic accident insurance during the internship. The company is responsible for the work environment on site, just as for its regular employees. The exact division varies depending on the type of education.
Why is insurance important during an internship?#
The intern is not employed and is therefore not automatically covered by the same insurance as regular staff. At the same time the intern performs real work at a real workplace, often with the same risks as employees. Without clarity on insurance, the student, school and company can all end up in difficult situations if something happens.
This guide reviews how responsibility is normally divided across the most common forms of internship in Sweden. It does not replace legal advice or a check against your own agreement.
Overview: Who is responsible for what?#
| Area | School / education provider | Company / workplace | Student |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accident insurance | Provides insurance for the student | Reports incidents and accidents | Follows work environment rules |
| Work environment on site | Drafts the internship agreement | Ensures a safe work environment | Speaks up about risks |
| Damage to company equipment | Rarely responsible | Own business insurance | Not responsible for normal wear |
| Travel to and from the internship | May be included in school insurance | Usually not | Check home insurance |
The table is a simplification. Always read the agreement and insurance terms yourself.
Accidents during internship#
State personal injury insurance#
For students on upper secondary vocational programs and at universities and university colleges, there is a state personal injury insurance that applies during school time and during workplace-based learning. The insurance covers accidents, and in some cases also occupational illness, during the internship.
The municipality's accident insurance#
Many municipalities take out a supplementary accident insurance that applies around the clock or during school hours for students in compulsory school and upper secondary school. It also applies during prao or APL.
YH provider's insurance#
The vocational university (YH) is required by regulation to ensure that students are insured during LIA. The provider normally takes out insurance that applies for the entire LIA period, including travel to and from the workplace if specified in the terms.
The company's responsibility#
The company is responsible for ensuring the work environment is safe, that the intern receives an introduction and protective equipment, and that incidents and accidents are reported just as for employees. The company is not the employer, but still has a work environment responsibility for those present at the workplace.
What if something breaks?#
Interns may accidentally damage equipment, vehicles or goods. In that case, the company's own business insurance or vehicle insurance normally applies. An intern acting normally and following instructions rarely becomes personally liable.
In cases of gross negligence or intent, liability can look different. That is yet another reason to write a clear internship agreement and provide a proper introduction.
Internship agreement and insurance#
An internship agreement should always include:
- Insurance company and policy number for the student's insurance.
- The contact person at the school in case of an accident.
- The supervisor and safety officer at the company.
- The work environment and risks involved.
- How incidents and accidents must be reported.
To learn more about what a good internship agreement should contain, read our guide on the internship agreement.
What should the student check?#
- Am I insured through the school for the entire internship?
- Does the insurance also cover travel to and from the workplace?
- Do I have my own accident or home insurance as a complement?
- What should I do if I am injured or witness an incident?
Knowing the answers in advance ensures you act correctly if something happens.
What should the company do before the internship starts?#
- Ask for a copy of the internship agreement and insurance certificate.
- Review work environment routines and protective equipment.
- Appoint a supervisor with time and authority.
- Ensure the intern is included in incident reporting.
What should the school do?#
- Ensure all students are insured for the entire internship period.
- Clearly inform about insurance terms.
- Collect internship agreements and documentation.
- Have a routine for handling incidents and accidents.
How Prakto can help#
A lot of internship administration is about having the right agreements and documents in the right place. With a digital internship platform like Prakto, the school can keep agreements, insurance details and supervisor information in one place, so all parties quickly see what applies if something were to happen.
Frequently asked questions about insurance during internship#
Am I insured during my LIA internship?#
Yes, normally your YH provider takes out an accident insurance that applies for the entire LIA period. Check the insurance certificate in your LIA agreement.
Who pays if I damage the company's laptop during APL?#
For normal use it is usually the company's own insurance that covers the damage. As a student you are rarely personally liable if you have followed instructions.
Do I need my own insurance as an intern?#
The school's insurance is a basic protection. A personal home and accident insurance gives broader cover, for example outside school hours.
What do I do if I'm injured during my internship?#
Tell your supervisor immediately, seek medical care if needed, and make sure the incident is reported. Also contact your school so the insurance case can be opened.
Does the trip to the internship count as work time?#
It varies between programs and insurance providers. Read the terms in your internship agreement and insurance documentation.
Conclusion#
Insurance during an internship is built on three clear roles: the school provides the basic insurance, the company is responsible for the work environment and the student follows instructions and speaks up about risks. When all three know who does what, the internship becomes safer for everyone.
Sources#
- Skolverket – information on workplace-based learning and student insurance
- Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education (MYH) – guidelines for LIA and insurance
- Kammarkollegiet – state personal injury insurance for students
