Workers’ Compensation and Long COVID: What’s Covered?

As the pandemic continues to affect workplaces, employees and employers are still grappling with the long-term effects of COVID-19. While many people recover within weeks, others experience ongoing symptoms known as Long COVID.

Fatigue, brain fog, difficulty breathing, and heart problems can last for months, making it hard to work or even perform daily tasks. When these symptoms stem from exposure on the job, many workers wonder whether filing a workers’ compensation claim will provide support to protect their health and their financial stability.

What is Long COVID in the Workplace?

Long COVID, sometimes called post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), describes symptoms that persist or appear weeks after the initial infection. These symptoms vary widely but often include respiratory issues, cognitive difficulties, muscle pain, and chronic fatigue.

For many employees, the lingering effects disrupt their ability to concentrate, lift objects, or meet physical demands.

According to a 2025 report by the World Health Organization (WHO), as many as 6 in every 100 people who have COVID-19 develop post-COVID-19 condition.

In a workers’ compensation context, Long COVID presents a unique challenge. Unlike a sudden injury or an easily documented illness, the condition can be hard to diagnose and trace directly to workplace exposure. Proving that COVID-19 was contracted at work and that ongoing symptoms stem from that infection require careful documentation and sometimes legal assistance.

How Does Workers’ Compensation Cover Occupational Illness?

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance system that provides injured workers with medical treatment and wage replacement for those who suffer injuries or illnesses caused by their jobs.

To qualify, workers must show that the illness is work-related. For Long COVID, this means proving that the original infection occurred because of workplace exposure. During the early pandemic, many states passed laws or issued emergency rules making it easier for certain workers—such as healthcare professionals, first responders, and essential employees—to claim benefits for COVID-19.

These rules often created a presumption that the infection was work-related, shifting the burden of proof to the employer or insurer. However, the specific coverage and rules vary by state and sometimes by occupation.

Challenges of Proving Long COVID Claims

Even with supportive laws, Long COVID claims can be complex. The virus is widespread, so insurers often argue that an employee could have been infected outside of work. Long COVID symptoms can also resemble other conditions, making it difficult to link them directly to a past infection.

To strengthen a claim, workers need detailed medical records and evidence of workplace exposure.

This may include positive COVID-19 test results, records of outbreaks at the job site, or documentation of close contact with infected coworkers or patients. Without this evidence, insurers may deny or delay benefits.

Medical Benefits for Long COVID

Workers’ compensation generally covers any reasonable and required medical treatment that’s related to a workplace injury or illness. For Long COVID, which can include:

• Doctor visits and specialist consultations
• Diagnostic tests like chest X-rays or heart function studies
• Prescription medications for symptoms like fatigue or respiratory issues
• Physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other rehabilitation

These medical benefits are typically available for as long as treatment remains necessary. Because Long COVID can last for months or even years, ongoing medical care is often required. Workers should keep all medical appointments and maintain thorough records to ensure coverage continues without interruption.

Wage Replacement and Disability Benefits

Employees who cannot work because of Long COVID may qualify for temporary disability benefits, which replace a portion of lost wages during recovery. If the condition results in permanent limitations, workers may be eligible for permanent disability benefits.

The amount and duration of these benefits depend on state law and the severity of the impairment.

Some workers with Long COVID can perform lighter-duty jobs or work reduced schedules. In those cases, partial disability benefits may cover the difference between pre-injury wages and current earnings.

Return-to-Work Considerations

Employers often look for ways to bring injured or ill employees back to work in some capacity. With Long COVID, this might involve modified duties, flexible hours, or remote work arrangements. These accommodations can help employees remain employed while recovering and can reduce the financial impact on both the worker and the employer.

However, returning to work too soon can be risky. Employees who push themselves despite persistent fatigue or respiratory issues may delay recovery or worsen their condition.

Medical advice and ongoing communication with the employer are crucial to finding a safe and sustainable path back to work.

Mental Health and Long COVID

Long COVID does not only affect the body. Many people experience anxiety, depression, or cognitive problems that make working difficult. Workers’ compensation typically covers mental health conditions that arise directly from a work-related injury or illness. If psychological symptoms are linked to a job-related COVID-19 infection, treatment such as therapy or counseling may be included in the claim.

Employers and insurers sometimes challenge mental health claims, so documentation from healthcare providers is essential. Workers should seek help promptly if they notice changes in mood, memory, or concentration.

Steps to Protect Your Claim

Because Long COVID claims can be complicated, employees should act quickly and carefully after a diagnosis. Important steps include:

1. Report the initial COVID-19 infection to your employer as soon as possible.
2. Seek medical attention and follow all treatments that are recommended.
3. Keep detailed records of test results, symptoms, and medical visits.
4. Document any workplace exposure or known outbreaks.
5. Consult with an occupational illness attorney if your claim is denied or delayed.

Taking these actions early helps establish a clear link between the infection, the workplace, and ongoing symptoms, making it harder for insurers to dispute the claim.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance and process claims promptly. They can’t retaliate against employees who file claims, even if you’re absent for an extended period. Some employers also offer additional resources, such as employee assistance programs or flexible scheduling, to support workers dealing with Long COVID.

Employers benefit from encouraging prompt reporting and treatment. Early intervention can help reduce the severity of symptoms, quicken recovery time, and lower your overall costs. Supporting employees through the process fosters a healthier and more resilient workforce.

What is the Future of Long COVID Effects?

As research on Long COVID continues, medical understanding and treatment options are evolving.

States may update workers’ compensation rules to reflect new evidence about the condition’s impact and duration. For now, the key to securing benefits lies in thorough documentation and clear communication with healthcare providers and employers.

Workers who suspect their Long COVID stems from workplace exposure should not hesitate to seek help.

Timely medical care and legal guidance can make the difference between a successful claim and ongoing financial strain. By understanding their rights and responsibilities, employees can navigate the complex intersection of workers’ compensation and a still-emerging medical condition.

At Work Injury Advisor, we understand that Long COVID presents challenges for employees, employers, and insurers alike.

Fortunately, the workers’ compensation system is designed to adapt to new workplace hazards.

With careful preparation and support, employees can access the medical care and financial assistance they need to recover and return to work at their own pace.