Zika Virus: Workers’ Compensation Considerations

Although the full effects of the Zika outbreak remain to be seen, you should be aware of the potential workers’ compensation risks you face.

If one of your employees were to contract Zika during the course of employment, workers’ compensation insurance would likely provide coverage for costs related to the treatment of the illness, lost wages, and, in a worst-case scenario, death benefits. Employees who contract Zika while on assignment outside of the US would also likely be covered. Many states extend workers’ compensation benefits to those injured outside of the state, provided that the contract of hire was made in the state or the principal location of employment is in the state.

“Zika Virus: Workers’ Compensation Considerations,” produced by our Workers’ Compensation Center of Excellence, covers several insurance issues related to the Zika outbreak, including:

• Advantages of using a foreign voluntary workers’ compensation (FVWC) benefits endorsement or a separate standalone policy.
• Considerations if you have pregnant employees who are traveling overseas.
• Prevention and risk mitigation strategies to help protect your people and business.

The report also includes links to government resources that can help you understand and manage Zika-related risks.