When is Defense Base Act Insurance Needed?

DBA Insurance is considered workers’ compensation insurance for civilian employees working outside the United States on US military bases or under a contract with the U.S. government for public works or for national defense. Must be obtained by Employers, Subcontractors, Subordinate contractors.

When Is DBA Insurance Required?

DBA insurance must be provided to employees working outside the United States on US military bases or under a contract with the U.S. government for public works or national defense. In short, whenever an overseas contract is awarded, DBA insurance must be considered. DBA insurance must be provided to civilian employees working outside the United States on US military bases or under a contract with the U.S. government for public works or for national defense.

Employment Activities DBA Insurance Applies To…

  • Work for private employers on U.S. military bases or on any lands used by the U.S. for military purposes outside of the United States, including those in U.S. Territories and possessions;
  • Work on public work contracts with any U.S. government agency, including construction and service contracts in connection with national defense or with war activities outside the United States;
  • Work on contracts approved and funded by the U.S. under the Foreign Assistance Act, which among other things provides for cash sale of military equipment, materials, and services to its allies if the contract is performed outside of the United States;
  • Work for American employers providing welfare or similar services outside the United States for the benefit of the Armed Services, e.g. the United Service Organizations (USO);
  • and Any injury or death occurring to any such employee during transportation to or from the place of employment, where the employer or the U.S. provides the transportation or the cost thereof. If any one of the above criteria is met, all employees engaged in such employment, regardless of nationality including U.S. citizens and residents, host country nationals and local hires as well as third-country nationals (individuals hired from another country to work in the host country), are covered under the Act. https://www.dol.gov/owcp/dlhwc/ExplainingDBA.htm
    Brian Smith is a commercial insurance broker with the Insurance Office of America.  He specializes in working with government contractors with both CONUS and OCONUS operations.  Learn more at www.riskreconnaissance.com or by calling direct at (404) 918-4775

brian.smith@ioausa.com