Explanation of Korea's Industrial Accident Insurance for Foreign Workers

1. What is Industrial Accident Insurance?

Industrial Accident Insurance is a type of workers' compensation system that ensures employees who are injured or become ill due to work-related activities receive financial and medical support. It is managed by the Korea Workers’ Compensation and Welfare Service (COMWEL) and is a part of the national social insurance system.

2. Eligibility for Foreign Workers

• Coverage: Foreign workers who are legally employed in Korea, whether in manufacturing, construction, service, or other sectors, are generally covered by Industrial Accident Insurance.

• Automatic Enrollment: Employers are required to enroll their workers, including foreign employees, in this insurance program. This means that foreign workers should not need to apply separately; coverage is part of the employment contract under Korean labor law.

3. Benefits Provided

Foreign workers covered under the Industrial Accident Insurance can receive various types of support:

• Medical Expenses: Full or partial coverage for treatment related to work injuries or occupational diseases.

• Compensation for Lost Wages: If a worker cannot work due to a work-related injury or illness, the insurance provides compensation for lost income during recovery.

• Permanent Disability Benefits: Compensation for those who suffer from long-term or permanent disabilities as a result of a work-related incident.

• Survivor Benefits: If a worker dies due to a work-related incident, their family is entitled to compensation and financial support.

• Rehabilitation Support: Assistance programs for retraining and rehabilitation to help workers return to work or adapt to new roles if they are unable to return to their previous job.

4. How to Claim Benefits

• Report the Incident: The employer should report the incident to the Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service. The employee or their representative can also report if the employer fails to do so.

• Submit Documentation: The worker needs to submit relevant medical reports and accident details.

• Review and Approval: COMWEL reviews the submitted documents and decides whether to approve the claim. Once approved, the worker will start receiving benefits according to the type of claim.

5. Rights and Protections

• Equal Treatment: Foreign workers are entitled to the same benefits and protections as Korean workers under this insurance system.

• Employer Responsibility: It is the legal duty of the employer to ensure that foreign workers are covered by Industrial Accident Insurance and to handle related documentation and reports.

6. Important Considerations

• Illegal Employment: Foreign workers employed without the appropriate work visa or permit may face difficulties in receiving these benefits, as coverage typically applies to legally employed individuals.

• Language Assistance: To support foreign workers who may face language barriers, COMWEL and other organizations provide translation and assistance services to help navigate the process.

Conclusion

Korea’s Industrial Accident Insurance offers essential protection for foreign workers, ensuring they are safeguarded against work-related incidents. This insurance not only covers medical expenses but also provides financial and rehabilitative support, helping foreign employees and their families manage challenges that arise from workplace injuries or illnesses