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What Is Defense Base Act Coverage?

Posted on Thursday September 28, 2023
What Is Defense Base Act Coverage?

Have you ever considered taking an overseas contract job? Exciting opportunities await, but before you hop on board that plane, you need to make sure you understand your insurance plan. As an overseas contractor, you’re not covered under traditional workers’ compensation. Instead, you need Defense Base Act coverage from your employer. 

DBA insurance provides medical care and wage replacement in case of injury, illness, or death during contract work outside the U.S.

Without DBA coverage, you may face catastrophic costs if you’re injured or get sick on the job. And your family would not have any protection if you died while working as well.

Never go global – unprotected. To understand your rights, it’s helpful to define the Defense Base Act first or ask a DBA attorney about any related concerns.

What Is the Defense Base Act?

The Defense Base Act (DBA) is essentially workers’ comp coverage for overseas contract workers and covers medical care, disability, and death benefits.

More About DBA Benefits

The DBA applies to both U.S. citizens working abroad as well as foreign nationals working on U.S. military bases or diplomatic missions overseas. Again, it covers injuries and occupational diseases that arise out of employment. Coverage begins as soon as you start your overseas work assignment.

  • Medical care: The DBA covers all reasonable and necessary medical care for your work injury, including hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription drugs, and travel expenses.
  • Disability benefits: If your injury prevents you from working, you may receive weekly disability wage replacement benefits. The amount depends on your wages and the severity of the disability.
  • Vocational rehabilitation: The DBA may provide job retraining and placement services to help you return to work.
  • Death benefits: If a work-related injury results in death, the DBA provides burial expenses and ongoing wage replacement benefits for surviving dependents.

The DBA is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, but insurance coverage is provided through private insurance carriers. Although coverage is mandatory for most overseas government contract workers, you should check with your employer about enrollment details.

The DBA gives you and your loved ones essential safeguards and peace of mind when working far from home. If you’re not covered, you should get legal help immediately.

Who Specifically Needs DBA Insurance Coverage?

If you’re heading overseas for work, Defense Base Act (DBA) insurance coverage should be part of your benefit coverage.

Again, anyone employed overseas on a U.S. military base or under a government contract should be covered under DBA, including:

  • Civilian employees of government contractors like construction companies, security firms, and telecommunications providers.
  • Locally hired staff like interpreters, custodians, and clerical workers.
  • Third-country nationals employed by U.S. companies or host companies abroad.

Once more, without DBA coverage, you won’t have immediate access to benefits like medical care, temporary disability payments, and death benefits in the event of a work-related injury or illness. Given the potential dangers of working in some overseas locations, DBA insurance can provide essential financial and medical support.

Support for Employers

DBA coverage also protects employers by limiting their liability in the event of an employee casualty or disability. Under U.S. government contracts, DBA insurance is legally required for any work performed outside the U.S. and its territories. So, if your employer does not have this coverage, you need to start asking questions and seek legal advice.

Contact a DBA Lawyer

It’s always helpful to obtain legal recommendations and support about DBA benefits. If you’re seeking information, contact the Mara Law Firm now.

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