Who pays for a second opinion?

Under the Working Conditions Act, the employer is generally required to pay for the second opinion. If an employee chooses to obtain a second opinion outside the agreed-upon procedure and the employer has not given permission for this, the costs are borne by the employee.

The employee may request an independent company physician who is not included in the basic contract. By mutual agreement between the employee and employer, a different company physician or occupational health and safety service may be selected. The costs for the second opinion are then borne by the employee, unless the employer agrees to the choice of a different company physician.
If an employer requests an expert opinion or a second opinion from a company doctor, the employer will pay the costs. If an employer has insured against work disability, the employer may sometimes be able to claim all or part of the costs of this examination from the insurer. It is necessary to check with the insurer in advance.