What is typically included in the coverage of workers' compensation?

Workers' compensation is a crucial insurance program designed to provide benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. The primary coverage includes medical expenses incurred as a result of workplace injuries, which is why this option is the correct answer. This coverage typically includes costs such as hospital bills, surgeries, necessary medical treatments, and rehabilitation services that an injured employee may require to recover and return to the workforce.

The essence of workers' compensation is to ensure that employees receive adequate support when they are injured while performing their job duties, without needing to prove fault, thus streamlining the process of obtaining necessary medical care and financial support during their recovery. Other benefits may also include wage loss compensation, but the critical component that is universally covered is the medical expenses.

In contrast, retirement funds, employee bonuses, and paid time off do not fall under the scope of workers' compensation. These elements are generally related to an employee's overall compensation and fringe benefits package and are not directly associated with workplace injuries or illnesses. Therefore, they are not included in the workers' compensation coverage.