WICA Insurance in Singapore

In Singapore, protecting your employees is a legal mandate under the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). WICA Insurance (formerly known as Workmen Compensation Insurance) protects employers against liability for work-related injuries and occupational diseases.

Whether you refer to it as Workers Compensation Insurance or WICA, this policy is critical for compliance. At David Ho, we provide comprehensive work injury compensation insurance solutions that safeguard both your workforce and your company from financial liability.

What is Work Injury Compensation Insurance (WICA)?

Work Injury Compensation Insurance (WICA insurance) is a mandatory policy under the Work Injury Compensation Act. It ensures businesses provide financial protection to employees in the event of workplace accidents or occupational diseases.

Unlike general health insurance, WICA is a “”No-Fault”” policy—meaning compensation is payable regardless of who caused the accident.

At David Ho, we design tailored WICA insurance plans in Singapore that go beyond compliance. Our coverage ensures employees receive prompt medical care and financial support while protecting businesses from unexpected liabilities.

Wage replacement

Wage replacement for temporary absence from work

Medical expenses

Medical expenses for treatment and hospitalization

Disability or death payout

Lump-sum compensation for permanent disability or death

Who Is Required to Have WICA Insurance in Singapore?

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) mandates work injury compensation insurance for two employee categories to protect them against workplace accidents and occupational diseases, including:

All manual workers regardless of salary or monthly earnings
Non-manual workers earning S$2,600 or less per month in basic salary

MOM regulations apply across various industries. Construction workers, delivery riders, cleaners, and warehouse staff all fall under the mandatory manual worker category. Foreign workers holding a Work Permit or S-Pass who perform manual labor are also fully covered under WICA.

Review the eligibility criteria for work injury compensation insurance below:

Covered Under WICA	Not Covered Under WICA
All manual workers (any salary)	Independent contractors and self-employed persons
Non-manual workers earning S$2,600 or less per month	Domestic workers (covered separately under MOM’s FDW insurance requirements)
Foreign workers (Work Permit and S-Pass holders) doing manual work	Uniformed personnel (e.g., Singapore Armed Forces, Police Force)

WICA Insurance vs. Group Personal Accident Insurance: What's the Difference?

WICA is the legal floor for work injury protection in Singapore. Group Personal Accident (GPA) insurance sits on top of it, providing broader coverage that extends beyond the workplace and beyond the salary threshold WICA applies to.

Feature	WICA Insurance	Group Personal Accident (GPA)
Mandatory vs Optional	Mandatory for specific employee categories	Voluntary employer initiative
Who is Covered	Manual workers and non-manual staff earning ≤S$2,600/month	Any employee designated by the employer
Types of Injury	Work-related accidents and occupational diseases	Any accident, at work or outside of work
Scope	Work-related duties only	24/7 worldwide protection
Payout Structure	Based on MOM-prescribed compensation tables	Fixed sum-insured agreed at policy inception
Administered By	Ministry of Manpower (MOM) guidelines	Commercial insurance policy terms

Compare the differences between statutory work injury coverage and voluntary personal accident policies:

Many Singapore employers use both in tandem, particularly for higher-earning staff above the S$2,600 non-manual threshold. WICA handles the statutory obligation; GPA fills the protection gap for off-duty accidents and roles that fall outside WICA’s scope.

Explore our Group Personal Accident Insurance page for a full breakdown of GPA coverage and costs.

What Affects Your WICA Insurance Premium?

Your WICA insurance premium is not a flat rate. Insurers calculate it based on how your business operates, which is why two companies with a similar headcount can end up paying very different amounts. If you are comparing WICA insurance cost across providers, here is what actually drives the number you get quoted.

Factor	How It Affects Your Premium
Payroll size	Premiums are calculated as a percentage of your total annual payroll, so a larger workforce means a higher base premium.
Occupational risk class	Physically demanding trades like construction and logistics pay more than office roles, since the chance of a workplace accident is greater.
Claims history	A pattern of frequent or costly claims can raise your premium at renewal, while a clean claims record tends to keep costs steady.
Insurer selection	Premiums for the same coverage can vary between MOM-designated insurers, which is why it is worth comparing quotes before you renew.

Getting an accurate quote starts with declaring your headcount, occupations, and payroll correctly. Providing inaccurate details can void your policy or lead to legal penalties, so it is worth reviewing this information whenever your headcount changes. David Ho compares rates across MOM-designated insurers, so you are not limited to a single provider’s pricing, and reviews your policy at each renewal to check whether your risk class still matches your business.

What WICA Insurance Covers for Your Workers

Our WICA insurance policies offer extensive coverage to address various aspects of work-related injuries:

Medical Expenses Coverage for Work-Related Injuries

WICA insurance covers all necessary medical expenses incurred due to a work-related injury, ensuring that your employees receive the best possible care without financial strain.

Medical Leave Wages (Lost Income)

If an employee is unable to work due to an injury, our WICA insurance provides compensation for lost wages, helping them maintain their livelihood during recovery.

Lump Sum for Permanent Incapacity or Death

In the unfortunate event of permanent disability or death, WICA insurance offers substantial benefits to support the affected employee or their family, providing financial stability during challenging times.

Why Choose David Ho as Your Business WICA Insurance Broker

David Ho’s team of professional brokers and licensed insurance advisors is registered with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). We understand that MOM compliance and employee safety are top priorities for HR and business leaders. Our workers compensation insurance solutions in Singapore are designed to provide full coverage, competitive premiums, and ongoing support.

Workers Compensation Insurance Plans for Every Business

Every company has its own story, and so does every workforce. That is why we don’t hand you a standard WICA insurance plan — we listen first. By understanding your operations, the risks your employees face, and the culture you want to build, we design coverage that feels like it was made for your business.

Our flexibility means you are never locked into coverage that doesn’t fit. Whether you are protecting a lean team of skilled staff or a large workforce with diverse needs, your policy evolves as you grow. And because we know budgets are always a concern, we use our insurer partnerships to secure fair and competitive premiums, giving you protection that is both meaningful and sustainable.

Specialist in WICA Coverage & MOM Compliance

When an accident happens, the last thing you want is confusion, delays, or legal complications. We see our role as more than securing a policy — we stand with you when it matters most. Our team takes care of compliance, paperwork, and insurer negotiations, so your employees get the care and compensation they deserve without unnecessary stress.

We stay involved from start to finish: guiding you through claims, answering questions, and making sure processes are as smooth as possible. For us, it’s not about ticking the compliance box — it’s about making sure your people are supported and your business is protected, every single day.

A step-by-step overview

Our WICA Insurance Process for Businesses in Singapore

At David Ho, we specialize in creating customized WICA insurance coverage programs. Our process ensures you get the right occupational risk classification so you don’t overpay on premiums.

Consultation

We start with an in-depth conversation to understand your unique needs and goals.

Do you want to… ?

Change a broker or provider?
Lower costs of insurance?
Improve service level?

Source & Compare

Find value for money insurance providers. Uncover more out of your existing policies for free
Benchmarks, policy review, comparison & renewal analysis – all done for you!
One stop shop for all of your insurance needs

Implementation

We will assist to implement the decision made for your insurance policies:

For HR: Employee communication & walkthrough sessions with providers
For Finance: Stakeholder insurance policy updates & risk management

FAQs About Work Injury Compensation Insurance in Singapore

Your questions answered about our insurance services and how we can assist you.

How does WICA insurance differ from filing a work injury claim under common law in Singapore?

WICA insurance and a common law claim are two separate ways an employee in Singapore can seek compensation for a work injury.

WICA is a no-fault scheme, so a claim can be made regardless of who caused the accident, with payouts set by Ministry of Manpower compensation tables rather than a court.

A common law claim requires proving employer negligence, which takes longer but can pay more if successful.

An employee must choose one route, not both, for the same injury, which is why WICA insurance is treated as a baseline protection rather than an optional policy.

Is WICA insurance the same as workmen’s compensation insurance?

Yes. WICA insurance and workmen’s compensation insurance are the same product. WICA is the current name used under the Work Injury Compensation Act, while workmen’s compensation is the older term many employers still use out of habit.

Is WICA Insurance mandatory for all employees in Singapore?

Yes. WICA insurance is mandatory for all employees doing manual work, regardless of salary, and for non-manual employees earning S$2,600 or less per month. For non-manual employees earning above S$2,600, it is optional, but uninsured employers remain exposed to common law claims. Employers without a valid WICA policy for qualifying staff face MOM fines of up to S$10,000. For more information, please refer to https://www.mom.gov.sg/workplace-safety-and-health/work-injury-compensation/work-injury-compensation-insurance

How much does WICA insurance cost in Singapore?

There is no fixed price. WICA insurance premiums are based mainly on your total annual payroll and your occupational risk class, with higher-risk trades such as construction paying more than office-based businesses. Claims history can also affect the price at renewal.

Does WICA insurance cover accidents outside the workplace?

Yes. WICA covers accidents arising out of and in the course of employment, which includes incidents off-site such as delivery runs and official business travel. Coverage for commuting injuries, such as travelling to and from work, depends on the transport arrangement and the specific policy terms. Speak to your broker to confirm what scenarios your policy covers.

Can I buy WICA insurance for contract or part-time staff?

Yes. WICA insurance, also known as work injury insurance, applies to all employees under a contract of service, including part-time, temporary, and foreign workers. At David Ho, we can structure the policy to cover your entire headcount.

What support do you provide during claims?

David Ho handles the full claims process on your behalf, from completing documentation and filing MOM notifications to liaising with the insurer and tracking payout status. You do not need to manage insurer correspondence directly. Claims support is included as part of the brokerage service at no additional charge.

What are the current payout limits for workers compensation insurance claims?

Effective November 1, 2025, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) increased the maximum claim limits to:

Medical Expenses: Up to $53,000 or 1 year from the accident (whichever comes first).
Medical Leave Wages: 100% of Average Monthly Earnings (AME) for up to 14 days (outpatient) or 60 days (hospitalization), followed by 2/3 AME for up to one year.
Permanent Incapacity: Lump sum payout up to $346,000 (increased from $289,000).
Death: Lump sum payout up to $269,000 (increased from $225,000).

Our Trusted Partners