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What Is DBA Insurance?

Posted on Tuesday August 22, 2023
What Is DBA Insurance?

DBA insurance is an insurance policy that arose through the Defense Base Act for government contractors. Therefore, DBA insurance is a form of workers’ compensation that applies to contract employees who work at U.S. defense sites or military bases overseas.

DBA benefits allow overseas employees to receive reimbursement for medical expenses and lost wages – just like people who receive workers’ compensation in the U.S. 

You may need to contact a DBA lawyer if you don’t believe you’re receiving your entitled benefits. This is true whether your employer has or does not have DBA coverage.

DBA Insurance – Why It Has Become Increasingly Important

The Defense Base Act (DBA) has protected overseas workers under military contracts since 1942. Over the past two decades, though, the U.S. military has added to its civilian contractors in places like the Middle East. This has escalated the number of workers’ compensation claims.

Legal advisors often recommend that you seek DBA legal representation if you’re seeking benefits under the DBA. You need to be a U.S. citizen to receive the coverage.

Specific Employees Covered Under the DBA

The U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Workers’ Compensation Program (OWCP), Division of Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation administers and oversees the DBA to make sure all the proper employees receive money for on-the-job illnesses and injuries.

Employees Entitled to Receive DBA Benefits

Workers covered under DBA protection include:

  • People who work for private companies on U.S. military bases or on lands that the U.S. uses for military reasons outside the country.
  • Workers engaged in public work contracts with a U.S. government agency. These contracts may involve national defense construction and service agreements. They may also relate to war activities outside the U.S.
  • Workers who are performing work outside the U.S. that is contractually approved and financially supported by the federal government under the Foreign Assistance Act.
  • Employees who work for U.S. employers that provide welfare or morale services outside the U.S. for the benefit of the Armed Forces, such as the USO.

How to File a DBA Insurance Claim

Report your DBA insurance claim immediately to your supervisor. They should authorize medical care ASAP, when necessary.

More specifically, file your DBA workers’ comp claim within three days of your reported injury if you’re having trouble performing your job.

If you have not been able to work for one or more shifts, your employer is required to file a First Report of Injury, Form LS-202, within a 10-day time frame from the recorded illness or injury. 

Lost wages for DBA claims are typically reimbursed at around two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly pay, up to the weekly maximum. The compensation continues until the employee returns to work or a doctor states that medical improvement is reached.

Employers are required to pay a worker’s medical costs through DBA protection. However, they do not have to pay damages for pain and suffering. 

Receive Further Help from a DBA Lawyer Today

Strict time limits apply when you’re seeking compensation for medical costs and lost wages. If you have questions about filing a DBA claim, you should speak to a DBA lawyer ASAP. Contact the Mara Law Firm now to learn more about your rights. 

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  • I remember screaming at a dear friend of mine saying, “WHY WON’T THE INSURANCE COVER MY TREATMENT!” He said, “…because they know if they do it will increase your settlement.” I said, “WHAT SETTLEMENT! I JUST WANT TO GET TREATMENT! I DIDN’T ASK FOR A SETTLEMENT!” Somewhere I found out that for some insurance companies they are more concerned with protecting their money. This means you are thinking about treatment and getting better while they are thinking about money. Get someone that is on your side that will fight for you. They fought for me…and won.

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