WIBA Insurance in Kenya: Everything You Need to Know
Introduction
In Kenya, the Workmen Injury Benefit Act (WIBA) insurance is key. It protects employees hurt or sick due to work. This insurance covers medical care and lost wages. Compensation is based on injury severity. Employers in Kenya must have WIBA insurance. This is a legal mandate. It ensures employee financial protection and safety. Also, it meets employers’ legal duties.
WIBA insurance offers broad benefits. It Covers medical costs, lost income, and can also compensate for permanent injuries or death. Both employees and employers gain peace of mind from this safety net. WIBA insurance is key for both employers and employees. For employees, it offers financial support and peace. This protects them from work-related injuries or illnesses. Employers benefit by meeting legal obligations. They also avoid the financial burden of injured workers’ costs.
What is WIBA Insurance?
In Kenya, WIBA insurance is a must. It covers workers hurt or sick from work. It also shields employers from legal trouble due to work incidents. Additionally, it pays for medical bills, lost wages, and permanent disabilities or deaths. This applies to work-related accidents. The goal is to improve safety in workplaces.
Why is Work Injury Benefits Act useful?
The WIBA policy is insurance for employees injured or sick at work. It covers medical bills and lost wages. Besides, it includes rehab and death benefits.
Benefits of WIBA Insurance
A. For Employers
1. Financial Protection
It provides employers with a financial safety net. It covers costs from workplace injuries and illnesses. These include medical expenses and claims for compensation. This helps businesses avoid significant out-of-pocket expenses that could impact their financial stability.
2. Reduced Legal Risks
Employers in Kenya need WIBA insurance. It cuts the risk of costly lawsuits from workplace accidents. Also, it protects their business and reputation.
3. Improved employee morale.
Offering WIBA insurance shows an employer values its workers’ well-being. It also boosts morale and loyalty. Knowing they’re covered for work injuries or illnesses makes employees feel secure. This leads to a more motivated and productive team.
B. For Employees
1. Medical Coverage
WIBA insurance covers the medical expenses from work injuries or illnesses. It ensures that employees get treatment without worrying about the costs.
2. Income Replacement
If an employee gets hurt or sick at work, WIBA insurance pays for lost wages. This helps the employee to stay financially stable during recovery.
3. It provides financial security if you’ve become disabled or die.
WIBA insurance pays employees or their dependents. It pays if they’ve got permanent disability or die from a work accident. This ensures financial security.
Who Provides WIBA Insurance in Kenya?
In Kenya, various insurance companies offer WIBA insurance. They are licensed and regulated by the IRA. These companies provide policies that meet WIBA standards. This ensures legal compliance and peace of mind.
Some of the well-known providers of WIBA insurance in Kenya include :
- Jubilee Insurance
- Britam Insurance
- CIC Insurance
- UAP Old Mutual Insurance
- APA Insurance
- AAR Insurance
- PACIS Insurance
- Cannon Insurance
- First Insurance
- Kenindia Assurance
- Madison Insurance
- Heritage-Liberty Insurance
These insurance companies offer WIBA policies. They cover medical expenses, lost wages, and disability and death benefits. This is for employees who are hurt or made ill by work. Employers can compare options to find the best policy. It ensures their employees’ safety and well-being.
Types of WIBA Plans Offered
Insurance providers offer a range of WIBA plans for employers and employees. These plans typically include:
1. Basic WIBA Plans
Cover essential medical expenses, income replacement, and disability benefits.
2. Comprehensive WIBA Plans
It also has other benefits. These include higher coverage limits, rehab costs, and funeral expenses.
3. Customized WIBA Plans
It’s customized for specific industries or businesses. Also, it offers unique coverage options.
WIBA Claim Procedure in Kenya
1. Reporting the Accident
- The employer must report the accident details to the director.
- For fatal incidents, this report must be made within two days.
- For non-fatal incidents, the report should be made within seven days.
2. Filing the claim
- A claim for compensation must be lodged within 12 months from the date of the accident.
- The Director has 90 days to settle a claim against an employer or it’s insurance company.
3. Payment to an employee
- The Director shall pay the compensation to the employee or their dependents. They must do this within 30 days of getting the money from the employer or insurance company.
4. Special Consideration for Overseas Employees
- An employee from Kenya, working abroad, qualifies for compensation if injured. The rules treat the injury as if it happened in Kenya.
- But this rule doesn’t apply if the employee has been sent outside Kenya for more than twelve months.
Conclusion
WIBA insurance is key for workplace safety in Kenya. It aids both employers and employees in case of accidents or job-related illnesses. Employers must report incidents promptly and follow safety regulations. Meanwhile, employees receive medical care and financial support for work injuries. This ensures everyone feels secure at work. So, it’s crucial for employers and employees to find the right WIBA plan. It should suit their needs.