Defense Base Act Insurance
Mandatory workers' compensation coverage for employees working on U.S. government contracts performed overseas.
DBA is not optional.
The Defense Base Act extends federal workers' compensation requirements to employees working on U.S. government contracts outside the United States. It generally applies to contractors and subcontractors performing work on military bases, on public works contracts, and under certain contracts funded by the U.S. government.
Coverage is a contractual and legal requirement, not a risk-management preference. Prime contractors typically require a certificate of insurance before a subcontractor mobilizes personnel.
Two things tend to create urgency: a contract award with a mobilization date, and a prime requesting proof of coverage.
On a deadline? Call or WhatsApp directly. One conversation establishes what you need, what underwriting will require, and how fast it can move.
Have these ready.
Placement moves faster when the submission is complete. Expect to provide:
- Contract or award documentation
- Countries of performance
- Number of employees by classification
- U.S. citizens, third-country nationals, local nationals
- Estimated payroll by category
- Scope of work performed
- Contract start date and duration
- Prior loss history
Rates are driven primarily by job classification, country of performance, and payroll — a logistics role in a stable country and a security role in an active conflict zone are priced very differently.
Four issues worth checking early.
Assuming domestic workers' comp covers it
Standard state workers' compensation policies generally do not satisfy Defense Base Act obligations for overseas work. Discovering this at mobilization is a schedule problem.
Subcontractor coverage gaps
Prime contractors can carry exposure for uninsured subcontractors. Verifying that every tier of the subcontract chain is properly covered protects the prime as much as the sub.
Local and third-country nationals
Coverage obligations for locally hired and third-country national staff are frequently misunderstood and are a common source of dispute.
DBA treated as the whole solution
DBA responds to work-related injury and death. It is not kidnap & ransom, not life insurance, not disability outside its scope, and not medical evacuation for non-work events. Most deployed personnel need more than DBA alone.
Straightforward process.
1. Call or send details. Contract, countries, headcount, payroll, scope.
2. Submission. We assemble the submission and take it to carriers writing this class.
3. Terms. We review quotes for classification accuracy, exclusions, and war-hazard provisions — not just price.
4. Binding and certificates. Coverage is bound and certificates issued to satisfy your prime or contracting officer.
5. Ongoing. Payroll reporting, audits, contract changes, and new country additions handled as they come.
Need DBA coverage?
Call for the fastest answer. WhatsApp works well if you are overseas.