Grand opening 2026.04.10 — Songdo, Incheon Office | Early partner & job seeker pre-registration now open
MyKoreaWork
← Back to blog

Injured at Work in Korea? — How to File Industrial Accident Insurance (산재) 2026

MyKoreaWork·
Injured at Work in Korea? — How to File Industrial Accident Insurance (산재) 2026

You Are Protected — Even as a Foreign Worker

All workers in Korea, including foreign workers, are covered by Industrial Accident Insurance (산재보험). If you get injured or sick because of your job, you have the right to free medical treatment and compensation — regardless of your visa status.


What Is Covered?

  • Medical expenses: 100% covered — hospital, surgery, rehabilitation
  • Lost wages: 70% of your average daily wage during recovery
  • Disability benefits: If you have lasting injuries after recovery
  • Death benefits: Compensation for family if a worker dies on the job

Step-by-Step: How to File a Claim

Step 1: Get Medical Treatment Immediately

Go to the hospital right away. Tell them it's a work injury (산재). You don't need to pay upfront if you file the claim.


Step 2: Report to Your Employer

Tell your employer about the injury. They are required by law to help you file the claim. If they refuse, you can file it yourself.


Step 3: Submit the Claim

File the Industrial Accident Claim Form (요양급여신청서) at the nearest COMWEL (근로복지공단) office or online at kcomwel.or.kr.


Step 4: Wait for Approval

COMWEL reviews your claim (usually 2-4 weeks). Once approved, all medical costs are covered and you receive lost wage payments.


What If Your Employer Refuses to Help?

  • You can file the claim yourself — you don't need your employer's signature
  • Call the Foreign Worker Consultation Center: 1644-0644
  • Call the Labor Rights Hotline: 1350 (multilingual support)

Important: Don't Ignore Injuries

Some workers avoid reporting injuries because they fear losing their job or visa. But hiding an injury can make it worse, and your employer cannot legally fire you for filing a claim.


Your safety matters. Find employers who follow the law at MyKoreaWork.


Practical Tips from the Field

  • Report immediately. Tell your supervisor and visit the hospital the same day. Delayed reporting makes claims harder to approve.
  • Your employer cannot refuse to file 산재. If they pressure you to use your own health insurance, call the Labor Board (☎1350).
  • 산재 covers: 100% of medical bills, 70% of your average wage during recovery (휴업급여), disability benefits if permanent injury.
  • Even undocumented workers are covered by industrial accident insurance — your visa status does not matter. See your full rights here.

Related Articles