Wisconsin Workers’ Compensation Insurance

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Key Takeaways

Wisconsin requires workers’ compensation insurance for most businesses with three or more employees or those paying $500 or more in wages in a quarter.
WI workers’ comp can help cover medical care, lost wages and rehabilitation for work-related injuries or illnesses.
Coverage applies to most employees, including part-time workers, with some exceptions under state law.

Wisconsin Workers’ Compensation

In Wisconsin, workers’ compensation insurance is required for most businesses. Under the Wisconsin Workers’ Compensation Act, businesses with three or more employees are generally required to carry coverage.¹ This coverage is also known as workers’ comp or workman’s comp in Wisconsin.¹

Workers’ compensation insurance is designed to help provide your employees with important benefits if they experience an illness or injury at work. For example, it can help:

Cover medical expenses related to a workplace injury or illness
Replace a portion of lost wages while an employee recovers
Provide benefits to an employee's family in the event of a work-related death

Workers’ compensation may also help protect your business if an employee files a lawsuit related to a workplace injury or illness.

Wisconsin Workers’ Compensation Coverage

In Wisconsin, workers’ compensation insurance can help nearly all public and private employees, including:²

Workers who are family, except farm workers in some cases
Minors
Part-time workers
Corporate officers

Workers’ comp insurance can help cover:

Physical injuries, like cuts or sprains that happen on the job.
Mental harm, such as stress-related conditions or brain injuries caused by work-related incidents.
Occupational diseases caused by workplace conditions or exposure.
Illnesses related to the work environment, such as poor ventilation or chemical exposure.
Disabilities resulting from a work-related injury or illness, including rehabilitation or retraining benefits.

Learn more about what’s included in workers’ compensation coverage and how it can help protect your employees and your business.

How Does Workers’ Comp Work in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin workers’ compensation helps pay for medical care and partial lost wages if an employee is injured or becomes ill because of their job.

In most cases, the process works like this:

The employee reports the injury to their employer within a required timeframe (typically within 30 days).
The employer files a claim with their insurance provider, which then reviews the claim and determines eligibility for benefits.
Benefits are paid if the claim is approved.

If there’s a dispute about your workers’ compensation claim, it’s typically reviewed by the Wisconsin Division of Hearings and Appeals that evaluates each case based on its specific facts and circumstances.³

Does Wisconsin Require Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

Workers’ compensation insurance is required in Wisconsin for businesses with three or more full-time or part-time employees, or for those that pay $500 or more in wages in a quarter. However, there are some exceptions to the state law, such as:⁴

Domestic workers who typically work in households
Workers in a different trade than your business
Farm workers, unless you have six or more employees working 20 or more days in the year
Volunteers, including those for nonprofit organizations that receive money or items that equal more than $10 a week
Religious sect members if they have certification for exemption
Workers at Native American businesses, including casinos

For more details, explore workers’ compensation requirements to understand how coverage rules may apply to your business.

If you can’t get workers’ compensation insurance from a private insurer, you can get coverage through the state’s assigned risk pool. Get more information from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.

small business employee protected by wisconsin workers compensation

How Much Is Workers’ Comp in Wisconsin?

Workers’ compensation insurance in Wisconsin costs an average of about $1,052 per year, or $88 per month, for The Hartford customers.** Your actual cost may vary based on factors like your payroll, industry and claims history.

In many cases, workers’ comp costs are calculated per $100 of payroll.

Cost factors include:

Total payroll and number of employees
Industry type and level of job risk
Past claims and workplace safety history
A state’s workers’ compensation requirements

Learn more about the factors that influence workers’ compensation costs and how they may impact your business.

Wisconsin Workers’ Compensation Insurance Pool

If you can’t get workers’ compensation coverage from a private insurance company, the Wisconsin Rating Bureau can help through the state’s assigned risk pool. This option can help businesses with higher risks get the coverage they need.⁵

You can find more information at the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.

small business employee protected by workers compensation wisconsin

Get WI Workers’ Comp Insurance You Can Trust

With more than 200 years of insurance experience, The Hartford understands the unique needs of small businesses and their employees. Our workers’ compensation coverage is designed to help you manage risks and support your team.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Wisconsin Workers’ Compensation Insurance

How Much Does Workers’ Comp Insurance Cost in Wisconsin?

Workers’ compensation insurance in Wisconsin costs an average of about $1,052 per year, or $88 per month, for The Hartford’s customers.** Keep in mind that workers’ comp costs vary based on factors like your payroll, industry and claims history. Costs are often calculated per $100 of payroll, so businesses with higher payroll may pay more.

What Happens if You Don’t Have Workers’ Comp Insurance in Wisconsin?

If your business is required to have workers’ comp insurance in Wisconsin and doesn’t have it, you may face fines or stop-work orders. Having coverage can help keep your business compliant with state law.

How Do You File a Workers’ Comp Claim in Wisconsin?

To file a workers’ compensation claim in Wisconsin, an employee must report their injury to their employer. The employer then submits a claim to their insurance provider for review and to determine eligibility for benefits.

How Can You Get Workers’ Compensation Insurance in Wisconsin?

You can get workers’ compensation insurance in Wisconsin through an insurance provider like The Hartford. Some businesses may qualify for self-insurance, while others can obtain coverage through the state’s fund if needed.

How Much Does Workers’ Comp Insurance Cost?

How To Get Workers’ Comp Insurance

Workers’ Compensation FAQs

^1,2,3,4,5 Department of Workforce Development, “Questions and Answers Regarding Worker's Compensation Insurance Requirements in Wisconsin,” viewed May 2026.

** Costs, premiums, and coverages mentioned are estimates and are not guaranteed. Actual cost, premium, and coverage are determined at the time of quote or issue and are specific to an individual risk. Premiums are based on information provided to The Hartford, including, but not limited to, underwriting and rating criteria. All examples included on this website or in an advertisement are intended for informational purposes only and are not an offer or a guarantee of premium or coverage. Coverage and products described are subject to the terms and conditions found in the policy contract. Any educational information provided about available coverages does not modify the policy language or imply that any claim is covered. Products are not available in all states or for all businesses.

This page outlines in general terms the coverages that may be afforded under a policy from The Hartford. All policies must be examined carefully to determine suitability for your needs and to identify any exclusions, limitations or any other terms and conditions that may specifically affect coverage. In the event of a conflict, the terms and conditions of the policy prevail.

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