Federally Required Coverage

Defense Base Act (DBA) Insurance

DBA insurance is mandatory workers' compensation for US contractors and subcontractors working on US government contracts outside the United States. Don't risk contract violations, federal debarment, or personal liability — get compliant coverage in 48 hours.

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What Is DBA Insurance?

Federal Workers' Comp for Overseas Government Contracts

The Defense Base Act (42 U.S.C. § 1651 et seq.) was enacted in 1941 to provide workers' compensation protection to civilian employees working outside the continental United States on US government contracts.

Unlike state workers' compensation, DBA is a federal law administered by the Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP). It is required on every contract — not optional, not negotiable. The obligation extends to all subcontractors, not just the prime contractor.

DBA benefits parallel US workers' compensation: medical treatment, disability payments, vocational rehabilitation, and death benefits. The key difference is that DBA applies anywhere in the world, including active conflict zones.

Contractors without DBA insurance may be personally liable for all injured worker claims — which can reach millions of dollars in combat-zone injuries.

Defense Base Act DBA insurance for overseas government contractors

What DBA Insurance Covers

DBA provides comprehensive workers' compensation benefits to covered employees injured or killed while working on US government overseas contracts.

Medical treatment and hospitalization
Disability compensation (temporary and permanent)
Vocational rehabilitation
Death benefits to surviving dependents
Costs of transporting remains home
Coverage in war zones and high-risk regions

Who Is Required to Carry DBA?

The DBA obligation applies to the prime contractor AND flows down to all subcontractors and sub-subcontractors.

Prime contractors on US government overseas contracts
Subcontractors supporting US federal projects abroad
US DoD, USAID, DoS, and other federal agency contracts
Contractors on military bases outside the US
Civilian contractors supporting military operations
Security contractors on overseas government projects

Key DBA Coverage Features

Employee Coverage

Covers all employees, including US citizens, local nationals, and third-country nationals (TCNs) working on US government contracts.

Unlimited Medical

DBA provides unlimited medical coverage — no cap on treatment costs, regardless of how severe the injury or illness.

DOL Claims Management

We manage the claims process with the Department of Labor's OWCP on your behalf, ensuring proper reporting and benefit delivery.

DBA Insurance FAQ

Which agencies require DBA insurance?
Any US government agency contracting for work outside the US — including the Department of Defense, USAID, Department of State, Army Corps of Engineers, and other federal agencies. The DBA obligation passes through to all subcontractors as well.
What happens if I don't carry DBA insurance?
Failure to maintain DBA insurance violates your contract and federal law. Consequences include contract termination, federal debarment (prohibited from future federal contracts), and personal liability for all claims that would have been covered under DBA.
Does DBA cover employees in all overseas countries?
Yes — DBA applies to all US government contract locations outside the US, including active conflict zones. Some regions require additional war risk endorsements to ensure claims are processed without exclusions.
How is DBA different from standard workers' compensation?
DBA is a federal law administered by the Department of Labor, not state-based like standard workers' comp. It provides similar benefits but applies overseas and is underwritten by specialized international carriers. State workers' comp policies stop at the US border.

Get DBA Coverage in 48 Hours

Don't let DBA compliance hold up your contract. Our specialists handle the paperwork so you can focus on the work.

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