text: As contractors prepare for work overseas, there are a number of things that should be considered before deployment of employees to ensure a streamlined process for both the Human Resources department and the employees.
  Employer Preparation Checklist
  - Perform thorough pre-deployment physicals to establish a baseline of the employees’ health, making note of any pre-existing physical conditions. The mental health of employees should also be evaluated. A post-deployment physical and mental health examination should also be performed upon the employee’s return to the U.S. in order to detect any changes in the employee’s well-being.
  - Verify U.S. family emergency contact information for employees to use as a resource in the event of a medical emergency. Beneficiary designations for each employee should also be notated.
  - Establish detailed procedures regarding how to handle medical emergencies. Procedures should include:
  Contact information for the HR department and the overseas Project Manager. Both the employer and the employee should have hands-on access to this information for quick reporting of any medical situations that may occur.
  The name of the HR associate responsible for notifying the next of kin should a medical emergency arise.
  Claim filing procedures and the DBA Insurance carrier or agent’s information. Both the HR department and the overseas Project Manager should have this information readily available should a medical situation occur.
  - Establish proper notification procedures for the next of kin in the event of an employee’s death. Detailed procedures for returning the deceased employee to the U.S. should also be in place. The insurance carrier responsible for medical emergency claims would also be responsible for coordinating the repatriation of the deceased employee’s remains to his or her country and city of residence.
  Employee Preparation Checklist
  - Compile all appropriate insurance claim reporting information, including DBA claim reporting instructions and personal health insurance coverage, and keep it in an easily accessible place. This information will be invaluable when looking to obtain the medical treatment should an injury occur.
  - Undergo a pre-deployment physical to determine “fit-for-duty” status.
  - Refill maintenance prescriptions taken on a routine basis and have a dental exam prior to deployment. Overseas pharmacies and dental practitioners are often either hard to come by or are not up to par by western standards.
  - Pack appropriate attire for the climate in the country of deployment. It is advisable to pack an extra set of all necessity-type items.
  Following these pre-deployment procedures will be beneficial to both employees and employers alike, and will make for a more efficient claims processing if the need arises.
  As the DBA Insurance broker for Allied World Assurance, the LATITUDE DBA Insurance team has a deep understanding of the complexities of Defense Base Act coverage, including claims management and assisting contractors in pre-deployment protocol. Contact LATITUDE for a DBA Insurance needs assessment today.