Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) will receive expanded insurance coverage, which will serve as their protection amid the threats of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said on Sunday, March 13.
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said the insurance policy assures death, disability, repatriation, medical emergency, and litigation coverage.
"The pandemic has left our migrant workers vulnerable to various risks and perils. By expanding the compulsory insurance coverage, we aim to extend the protection to all OFWs, at no cost to our workers," Bello said in a statement.
For accidental death, at least $15,000 (almost P800,000) will be given as survivor’s benefit and $10,000 (over P500,000) for natural death. On the other hand, $7,500 (almost P400,000) will be given for disability benefits, DOLE said.
The insurance policy also covers the repatriation of terminated workers and the transport of deceased workers' remains. Moreover, OFWs involved in a case or litigation will be qualified for subsistence allowance benefit of $100 (over P5,000).
In addition to this, medical evacuation, medical repatriation, and a compassionate visit of a family member—if a migrant worker gets hospitalized for seven consecutive days—will also be provided.
Manning agencies should secure the insurance of OFWs while foreign employers pay for the coverage.