New work-from-home insurance launched in Singapore

Companies in Singapore can now insure their employees for stress and ergonomic injuries while they work from home.

Insurance company Chubb has launched a new Work from Home Insurance policy, which covers risks ranging from mental health issues to even tripping over toys.

“Although employees have adjusted well to being digitally connected from home via videoconferencing and other applications, there are emerging risks as a result of this new work arrangement,” Mr Ben Howell, deputy head for regional accident and health at Chubb in Asia-Pacific said.

Chubb’s latest policy is believed to be the first to cover work-from-home specifically, although other insurers often cover working from home under existing group plans, such as those for personal accidents.

The annual premium per employee is S$38 and provides S$2,000 for surgery for postural injuries or strains resulting from poor workstation set-ups, as well as S$250 for on-site consultation and another S$250 for new furniture recommended by an occupational therapist to improve the ergonomics of the home office.

A S$500 mental health payment per employee is available if psychological counselling is needed for someone diagnosed with stress disorders due to working from home.