The workers’ compensation insurance system provides necessary insurance benefits for workers who suffer injuries or illnesses due to work-related causes or commuting. It also promotes the social reintegration of injured workers. While the compensation primarily targets workers, certain non-workers, who are deemed to require the same level of protection as workers based on the nature of their work and the circumstances of the accident, are allowed to join the workers’ compensation system under specific conditions.
From November 2024, the scope of this special enrollment has been expanded to include freelancers engaged in specific contracted work (referred to as “specific freelance business”). The types of business eligible for special enrollment are: 1) freelance work commissioned by businesses or other organizations, and 2) similar work commissioned by consumers. However, work that is solely commissioned by consumers or freelance work where a business has provided the commission but the work is unrelated to the business is not eligible.
To enroll in the special coverage, freelancers must apply to a special enrollment organization approved by the prefectural labor bureau. Currently, the Rengo Freelance Workers’ Compensation Insurance Center holds such approval.
Freelancers themselves may consider joining, and businesses that commission work to freelancers may also recommend that freelancers enroll for coverage, especially if compensation is a concern. Further details can be found in the reference link.
