WICA

As per required by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), it is mandatory for employers to purchase WICA for all their workers, whether they are doing manual or non-manual work.
Work Injury Compensation Insurance only covers work-related injuries and occupational diseases.

What is WICA?

WICA stand for Work Injury Compensation Act. The Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA) covers any local or foreign employee who is under a contract of service or contract of apprenticeship, regardless of salary, age or nationality. The Work Injury Compensation Act lets you claim for injuries and occupational diseases that happen at work or as a result of work.
When you can Claim?
If you are an eligible employee, you can make a claim under the Work Injury Compensation Act if you have:
  • Been injured by an accident arising out of and in the course of employment.
  • Been injured while on an overseas assignment.
  • Contracted an Occupational Disease.
  • Contracted a disease from exposure to biological or chemical agents at work.
What You can Claim?
WICA lets employees claim for medical leave wages, medical expenses and lump sum compensation for permanent incapacity, if any, or death. However, there are limits to each type of compensation.
Who can Claim?
You can claim for compensation if you have been injured or contracted a disease as a result of work. You remain eligible to claim for compensation even if:
  • You no longer work for the employer or your work pass is cancelled.
  • The accident happened while you were on an overseas assignment.
  • The accident happened while on a flexi-work arrangement that you agreed with your employer.
Fines and Penalties
With effect from 1 September 2020, fines and penalties will be imposed by MOM for employer breaches of the legislative requirements:
  • Failure by employers to maintain compulsory WIC Insurance – S$10,000 fine and/or 12 months’ jail
  • Illegal deduction of salary by employers to defray insurance costs – S$5,000 fine and/or 6 months’ jail
Who benefits from the coverage?
WICA covers two parties:
  • a. Employers
  • b. Employees
Coverage for employers:
1. Legally required compensation to employees injured while working, as required by WICA regulations
Coverage for employees:
  • 1. Medical expenses
  • 2. Lost wages while on medical leave (includes salary, bonus, overtime pay, food and housing allowances, but excludes CPF payment)
  • 3. Lump-sum compensation for death, or total permanent disability

Do I need Work Injury Compensation Insurance?

If your business or your employees are involved in the following, then this type of insurance is particularly critical for you:

  • Labour-intensive industries: construction firms, renovation & interior designers, manufacturing firms, warehouse/storage firms, food & beverage establishments, retail stores, etc.
  • Frequent exposure to outdoor environments: on-site engineers, technicians, goods delivery, road works, building painters, vehicle towing, car-washing, etc.
  • High-hazard industries: scaffolding, shipyards, any business doing offshore work, fishing, working with aeroplanes, etc.

How is the premium determined?

The premium payable depends on the following factors:

  • Business type, nature of business
  • The employees’ job scope
  • Estimated annual earnings of employees
  • Claims history
  • Place(s) of employment

To check on detailed wording for WICA, claim amount and limitation, click here to be redirected to MOM website.