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Starting from 2026, mandatory insurance coverage has been significantly strengthened for seasonal workers (E-8) in addition to the existing Employment Permit System (E-9, H-2).
2026 Key Guide to Foreigners' Injury Insurance
Foreigners' injury insurance is designed to cover cases where foreign workers suffer death, illness, or injury (including aftereffects disability) due to reasons 'other than work-related accidents.' This is one of the four major insurances exclusively for foreigners under the 'Act on the Employment of Foreign Workers, etc.'
1. Enrollment Targets and Mandatory Periods
As of 2026, enrollment targets include the Employment Permit System / E-9 (Non-Professional Employment), H-2 (Visit and Employment), Seasonal Workers E-8 (Seasonal Labor), C-4 (Short-term Employment)
A major update in 2026 is the full mandatory enrollment in injury insurance for foreign seasonal workers starting February 15, 2026, following the amendment to the 'Special Act on Support for Agricultural and Fishery Employment Workforce.'
(However, a one-year grace period is in operation until February 14, 2027, for on-site stabilization.)
2. Main Coverage Details (Based on Standard Type)
It covers accidents occurring during daily life unrelated to work. Coverage amounts may vary slightly depending on the insurance product subscribed, but the Ministry of Employment and Labor guidelines are as follows.
Death : In case of death due to non-work-related reasons (maximum 15 million KRW to 30 million KRW)
Aftereffects Disability : In case of disability rating due to non-work-related reasons (paid differentially according to disability rate)
Medical Expenses for Illness and Injury : For 2026 seasonal worker exclusive insurance, products covering actual medical expenses up to 10 million KRW have been launched and are in operation.
3. 2026 Administrative Precautions and Penalties for Non-Enrollment
Penalty Provisions : If Employment Permit System (E-9, H-2) workers fail to enroll within 15 days, a fine of up to 5 million KRW may be imposed.
Visa Management Linkage : Starting from the second half of 2026, an integrated management system that may impose disadvantages on visa extensions or changes in residency status for non-enrollment in injury insurance has been further strengthened.
Grace Period Utilization : For seasonal workers (E-8), until February 2027, it is a grace period focused on encouraging enrollment rather than punishment, but there is a high risk of not receiving coverage in case of accidents, so immediate enrollment is strongly recommended.
4. Required Documents for Claims (Common)
- Insurance claim form (dedicated form)
- ID (Alien Registration Card or passport)
- Medical certificate and receipt for treatment costs (death certificate in case of death)
- Copy of bank account in the name of the insured (overseas account verification required upon return home)