COVID-19 and Workers’ Compensation Insurance: How Did The Virus Affect The Policy?

Because of the steady rise of COVID-19 victims all over the world, workers’ comp insurance companies have been working overtime to mitigate their policies to accommodate the need for financial aid due to COVID-19.
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As both an employer and an employee, one can ask how COVID-19 affects workers' compensation insurance in general. Are there changes to the existing policies already? Am I still covered? Read the next few paragraphs below to know the answers.

Rules Regarding Infectious Diseases and Insurance Policies
Workers’ comp insurance policies already have rules regarding infectious diseases. These are as follows:

1. This policy covers diseases that generally are caused by the nature of your job. If you get sick because of the working environment, you would be entitled to insurance payouts.
2. About viral infections, if your job puts you at a higher risk of getting infected, you will be entitled to workers' comp insurance. And
3. You are also entitled to compensation if you contract the virus while on the job. This condition applies to COVID 19 as well. Certain states already have laws that protect frontline workers in case of exposure. However, these laws may vary depending on the state.

Conditions Involving Workers’ Comp Insurance Claims
There are also some hurdles regarding getting possible workers comp insurance benefits due to COVID-19 exposure. Here they are as follows:

• Proven COVID-19 exposure from the job site. (not some preexisting conditions)
• The insurance policy will cover the claimant if he or she is rendered jobless because of the virus.
• If he or she is also a front line worker that could be in direct contact with the virus, (i.e., doctors, nurses, firefighters, food delivery personnel, etc.) The claimant is also entitled to workers' compensation.

The Conclusion
Of course, these conditions may vary depending on the specific state that you are in. It would help you to consult your local government and insurance company website to find out how the coronavirus can affect your job security directly.

This way, you will be able to get some answers much more clearly and faster down the line.

At CSIS Insurance Services, Inc., we aim to provide comprehensive insurance policies that make your life easier. We want to help you get the insurance that fits your needs. You can get more information about our products and services by calling our agency at (888) 501-2747. Get your free quote today by CLICKING HERE.