Impormasyon

Starting from 2026, mandatory insurance coverage has been significantly strengthened not only for the existing Employment Permit System (E-9, H-2) but also for seasonal workers (E-8).

2026 Key Guide for Foreigners' Injury Insurance

Foreigners' injury insurance is designed to cover cases where a foreign worker dies, becomes ill, or suffers injury (including aftereffects disability) due to reasons 'other than work-related accidents.' This is one of the four mandatory insurances exclusively for foreigners under the 'Act on the Employment of Foreign Workers, etc.'

1. Eligibility and Mandatory Enrollment Period

As of 2026, eligible workers include those under the Employment Permit System / E-9 (Non-Professional Employment), H-2 (Visit 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 revision of the 'Special Act on Support for Agricultural and Fishery Employment Manpower.'

(However, a one-year grace period is being implemented until February 14, 2027, to allow for on-site adjustment.)

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 enrolled, 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 those without injury insurance will be 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; however, since there is a high risk of not receiving coverage in case of accidents, 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 medical bill receipt (death certificate in case of death)
• Copy of bank account in the name of the insured (overseas account verification required upon return home)