The Ministry of Agriculture has amended and promulgated certain provisions of the Regulations for the Trial Operation of Farmers' Occupational Injury Insurance, raising the level of benefits for injuries and illnesses covered by the insurance. While farmers' insurance premiums remain unchanged, the benefits for those unable to work due to occupational injuries or illnesses sustained during agricultural work have increased. The daily payment for the first two months will rise from NT$476 to NT$680, and from the third month to the end of the second year, the daily payment will increase from NT$340 to NT$476. This new plan will take effect on September 1, 2024.
This adjustment to the level of benefits was made after reviewing actual payment cases from recent years. The analysis confirmed that the plan’s finances will remain balanced in the short term, allowing the existing premiums to remain unchanged. In other words, farmers will continue paying NT$15 per month while receiving better benefits if they are injured or fall ill on the job. Under the new plan, the daily benefit will increase to NT$680 for the first two months and NT$476 from the third month through the second year. With the average claim lasting around 40 days, farmers can expect an additional NT$8,160 per claim.
As of the end of June 2024, more than 341,000 farmers have enrolled in the Farmers' Occupational Injury Insurance, with over 20,000 claims processed and a cumulative payout exceeding NT$430 million since the plan’s inception. Among all types of benefits, claims for "injury and illness benefits and medical allowances" constitute the majority, accounting for 97% of the total approved claims. Medical allowances are issued based on the number of days eligible for injury and illness benefits. This proposed adjustment will provide more comprehensive protection for the most common occupational injury claims faced by farmers.