OFW Insurance Requirements Philippines 2025

OFW insurance requirements philippines 2025 — what every deployer and OFW must know

Planning to work overseas this year? If you’re preparing documents or helping a family member deploy, understanding OFW insurance requirements philippines 2025 is one of the single most important compliance steps before departure. It affects contract signing, OEC processing, and — critically — who pays for what if something goes wrong.

This guide breaks the rules, coverage, who pays, how to verify your policy, and step-by-step claim basics so you (or the worker you help) are ready at the airport and on the job. Use this as a practical checklist tied to current DMW and law provisions about OFW insurance requirements philippines 2025. Department of Migrant Workers

Short version: agency-hired OFWs must be covered by a compulsory insurance at no cost to the worker; direct-hires/rehired workers can opt in or have the employer shoulder the cost. Read on for amounts, filing tips, and the quick checklist. This summary answers the core OFW insurance requirements philippines 2025 questions most OFWs ask. Lawphil+1

Legal basis & who the rule applies to

Republic Act No. 10022 (amending the Migrant Workers Act) added Section 37-A, which requires agency-hired OFWs to be covered by a compulsory insurance policy secured at no cost to the worker; the policy must be in effect for the duration of the employment contract. Lawphil

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) advisory of 2025 re-affirmed this requirement and clarified that recruitment/manning agencies are responsible for securing and paying the insurance premium for agency-hired workers. For rehires and direct hires, the DMW says those workers may request their foreign employer to pay or may pay themselves (with right to reimbursement when applicable). Department of Migrant Workers

What the compulsory insurance typically covers (minimums)

The DMW/POEA framework and the published FAQs list the standard minimum benefits for the Agency-Hired OFW compulsory insurance:

Accidental death — USD 15,000 (minimum).
Natural death — USD 10,000 (minimum).
Permanent total disablement — USD 7,500 (minimum).
Repatriation of remains or worker (actual cost).
Subsistence allowance, money-claims benefit, compassionate visit, medical evacuation and repatriation (amounts vary). Department of Migrant Workers

(Exact sums and additional riders may vary by insurer; always check the policy schedule.)

Who pays and when

Agency-hired OFWs: recruitment/manning agency must secure the compulsory insurance and pay the premium — the worker should not be charged. Department of Migrant Workers
Direct-hire / name-hire / rehire: these workers are not automatically covered. They may request employer payment or opt to enroll and pay themselves (or request reimbursement). alburolaw.com+1

How to verify your insurance before deployment

Ask the agency for a Certificate of Insurance (policy/reference number, insurer name, coverage period, benefits).
Confirm the insurer is registered with the Insurance Commission (DMW advisories require reputable IC-registered firms). Department of Migrant Workers
Keep digital and printed copies of the certificate, employment contract, OEC, and agency receipt.
If uncertain, contact your nearest Migrant Workers’ Office (MWO), the DMW hotline, or the Insurance Commission for verification. Department of Migrant Workers

Filing a claim — practical steps

Collect: policy certificate, medical reports, police reports (if applicable), employer statement, death certificate, proof of relationship for beneficiaries.
Notify: the insurer immediately and the agency; follow insurer’s claim checklist.
Seek local assistance: file through the Migrant Workers’ Office (MWO) or contact DMW/POLO if problems arise. The DMW/POEA FAQs provide claim procedures and timelines. Department of Migrant Workers+1

Buying extra / optional coverage (and buying while abroad)

Government rules set minimum compulsory coverage, but many OFWs choose additional travel, health, or group plans for wider protection (accident riders, COVID/illness exclusions, higher repatriation caps). The Insurance Commission has been working on rules to make it easier for OFWs to buy protection plans while abroad; expect further regulatory movement to facilitate purchase/portability of policies. Business Inquirer+1