A new Defense Base Act (DBA) insurance program has been launched by K2 OCONUS, a division of K2 Insurance Services, to provide Workers’ Compensation coverage for U.S. government contractors working overseas. This program, underwritten by Nationwide’s excess & surplus/specialty business, aims to offer additional protection to contractors supporting the United States Armed Forces at bases overseas, particularly in high-risk areas.

The program, now open to U.S. government contractors working abroad in various industries, such as construction, engineering, logistics, security, and humanitarian aid, seeks to address the needs of these contractors who face unique challenges while working in foreign environments.

Dale Hoppe, Nationwide’s Vice President leading the company’s E&S/Specialty WC programs, expressed his satisfaction with the launch of the partnership with K2 OCONUS, stating, “New players continue to emerge and present opportunities for Nationwide to expand our Workers’ Compensation offerings. We are pleased to launch this new partnership with K2 OCONUS–the expertise and knowledge they bring towards DBA will help us tap a new market.”

K2 OCONUS, founded by Chris Leo, a veteran in the Defense Base Act insurance industry, boasts a team of former military and Defense Base Act professionals with extensive experience and expertise in the field. The K2 OCONUS staff also possesses in-depth knowledge of aviation, security operations, and risk assessment. This allows them to tailor the coverage provided by the program to the specific needs of each client.

Chris Leo, CEO and Founder of K2 OCONUS, emphasized the significance of their entrance into the Defense Base Act insurance market, stating, “Our entrance into the Defense Base Act insurance market signals a revolutionary approach to a market in need of a contemporary perspective on how our industry can better serve the mission of the customers. Equally, I am honored to be partnered with Nationwide, a leading specialty insurance company that shares our commitment to excellence and client-centric values.”

The Defense Base Act (DBA) is an extension of the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA) and provides disability compensation, medical benefits, and death benefits to eligible employees and their survivors. This act serves as a means of recovery for insurance carriers that pay claims due to an act of war on offshore workers' compensation coverage.

With the launch of this new DBA insurance program, U.S. defense base contractors working overseas can now benefit from an additional level of protection and support. The partnership between K2 OCONUS and Nationwide brings together industry expertise and a commitment to serving the unique needs of these contractors.