BRAC introduces Health Insurance Scheme for staff nationwide

Bangladesh’s largest development organisation is now offering health insurance to its large workforce as part of efforts to improve workers’ benefits.

Regular and contractual employees from head and field offices, Aarong and other social enterprises will be able to claim up to BDT 1,00,000 (around £850) a year for hospital expenses for themselves, their spouses and unmarried dependants up to the age of 25. The new initiative by the world’s largest and top ranked anti-poverty group began this month and will cost employees nothing. BRAC will pay the monthly premium of BDT 150 (£1.25) on behalf of its staff.

BRAC decided this move was necessary to ensure staff were not overwhelmed with the emotional and financial pressures that comes from hospital treatment. Ten per cent of cost must be borne by the employee and any costs above BDT 1,00,000. To qualify for the scheme, applicants must be current BRAC employees under the age of 65.