During the pandemic, many workers are concerned about their health and what, if anything, their workplace will do to compensate or protect them if they catch COVID-19. This is especially an issue for those who don’t have health insurance or other benefits.

Workers’ compensation generally covers the cost of pain and injury incurred while on the job. With the resurgence of COVID and the need for essential employees to often put their lives on the line, some wonder: Does workers’ comp cover pain and suffering and the medical costs caused by COVID?

The answer is: maybe, depending on your job. To understand this, we will dive into what workers’ comp usually covers, the situations where it does and doesn’t cover COVID, and what your other options are if you catch the virus and don’t have a legal claim to workers’ comp.