ISSSTE

The Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE) administers social security for people covered by its statutory scheme in Mexico. Its occupational risk insurance addresses employment-related accidents and diseases. This is public protection with its own legal scope, separate from IMSS and commercial accident insurance.

At a glance

ISSSTE separates medical care from the classification of a suspected occupational event, using different documents and stages. The employing agency supplies event information, while the competent institutional services conduct the assessment.

Contents
  1. Coverage under a public scheme
  2. What is assessed as an occupational risk
  3. RT-02 and initial clinical information
  4. RT-01 and the assessment file
  5. Benefits and prevention
  6. Frequently asked questions
  7. Related concepts
  8. In the blog
  9. References

Organisations →

Coverage under a public scheme

The ISSSTE Law defines the people and agencies within its scope and regulates occupational risk insurance. Working for a public body does not, by itself, establish affiliation: the applicable scheme must be considered. This distinction avoids assigning to ISSSTE cases covered by IMSS or other social security arrangements.

What is assessed as an occupational risk

Institutional guidance discusses workplace events, commuting, work assignments and other legally recognised circumstances. The relationship with duties or service is central to classification. An incident is not automatically occupational because it occurs on a working day; the facts and their connection with employment need to be documented.

RT-02 and initial clinical information

The published route begins with care at a medical unit, which provides the RT-02 initial medical certificate. This document records a clinical dimension of the case. It is separate from the classification application and the employing agency’s records. Each document contributes information that should be consistent with the reported event.

RT-01 and the assessment file

The classification request uses RT-01 and is accompanied by required evidence, including RT-02 and the factual incident record. The agency completes its relevant section. Guidance allows action by the worker and, subject to accreditation, relatives or representatives. Competent institutional personnel issue the occupational risk determination.

Benefits and prevention

The scheme provides care and cash benefits according to the recognised consequence and legal requirements. Classifying an event does not, by itself, determine entitlement to every pension. Agencies must also manage safety and hygiene and prevent recurrence. Social protection and correcting the conditions that produced the event are complementary tasks, with distinct responsibilities.

Frequently asked questions

Does RT-02 replace the classification application?

No. It is the initial medical certificate. The RT-01 application and other records serve different purposes when compiling the case file.

Are ISSSTE and IMSS the same institution?

No. They are separate institutions and schemes. The appropriate route depends on affiliation and the legal framework covering the person.

Related organisations

Related concepts

In the blog

References

  1. ISSSTE: occupational risk procedure
  2. ISSSTE Law
  3. ISSSTE legal framework

Sources checked on 10 October 2026. The reference date of each registry or statistical series is stated where relevant.

Editorial information

Published and updated: 10 October 2026.

Editorial responsibility: Sabentis editorial team.

Author: Pablo RodríguezLinkedIn

Executive Vice President of Fundación Internacional ORP and Chief Financial Officer of Sabentis.

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