Insurance in Haiti

Haiti's formal insurance system is fragmented. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour (MAST) oversees the social-insurance framework, including OFATMA and ONA. The Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) is linked to insurance supervision and insurance taxation, while the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI) handles licensing functions identified in the BRH financial review. Confirm the current authorization of every insurer through the latest BRH insurer information before paying a premium. OFATMA provides compulsory work-accident, sickness and maternity insurance for public and state-administration employees, private agricultural, industrial and commercial employees, private teachers, domestic workers and free-zone workers. The employer pays the contribution exclusively. The contribution is calculated on total wages at 2% for commercial businesses, 3% for agricultural, industrial, construction, shipping and export businesses, and 6% for mining. Employers register with E1 and E2 forms, a patente, and an employee list showing each worker's NIF, salary and function. The E1 filing is due within eight days after receipt. Payroll and insured-person registers must be kept for at least five years. OFATMA services can include emergency treatment, medical, surgical and dental care, hospital treatment, medicines, laboratory and radiology services, physiotherapy and 24-hour ambulance support. A worker who is unable to work may receive a cash benefit equal to two-thirds of salary, together with compensation, funeral support and survivors' pensions where the conditions are met. After a work accident, arrange immediate medical care and ensure that the employer reports the accident. The exact evidence and deadlines should be confirmed with OFATMA for the case. ONA provides compulsory old-age insurance for private-sector employees. The employee contributes 6% of wages and the employer contributes another 6%, giving a combined rate of 12%. A person who contributes voluntarily pays 12%. Employers generally remit contributions between the first and tenth working day of each month. Identification uses a Livret or card. The standard old-age pension requires age 55, 240 contributions and the end of paid employment. The stated pension formula is one-half of the average wage during the last ten years. ONA also provides proportional pensions, survivors' or widows' pensions and contribution refunds in applicable situations. An application may require an eligibility review by the social service, an application form, birth, marriage and children's certificates, proof that employment ended and two photographs. OAVCT is the state public insurer with the monopoly for assurance véhicule contre tiers, meaning third-party vehicle insurance. Each motor vehicle must have a policy covering bodily and property damage caused to other people in traffic accidents. OAVCT operates a main office and regional offices and offers online renewal and payment. For a claim, contact a branch quickly. Outside Port-au-Prince, a juge de paix or a procès-verbal may be involved. Give the location and date, explain how the vehicle was being used, and identify the damage and other parties. Keep the claim form, driving licence, vehicle documents and policy. The usual sequence is a constat, expertise and compensation. Compulsory third-party cover does not by itself prove cover for damage to the insured vehicle or protection for its driver; those protections require separate contractual wording. The private market is formal but limited and fragmented. The BRH insurer information lists companies including PROFASA, Assurance Léger, Compagnie d'Assurance d'Haïti, Groupement Français d'Assurance and Alternative Insurance Company. A BRH financial review recorded eight companies and approximately USD 45 million in annual turnover, with health insurance as the main area. Private health, property, liability and personal policies differ by insurer and contract. Life insurance appears strongly limited, and some foreign guarantors have withdrawn. Do not assume that a common standard policy, broad geographic network or automatic life benefit exists. A policy should state the insured amount, exclusions, deductible, waiting period, territorial scope, provider network, claim-notification period, renewal and cancellation rules, recourse rights and any reinsurance arrangements. Premiums and payment schedules depend on the product. A MEF tax document lists a 12.5% tax on life premiums and 17.5% on other premiums, but the current application should be confirmed before signing. Keep the policy, receipt, identification and all event, medical, employment or vehicle evidence. Report a claim in writing to the relevant OFATMA, ONA, OAVCT or private-insurer channel. Haiti has no single officially documented central insurance ombudsman or unified complaint process; if a dispute remains, complain in writing to the insurer or office and check whether MEF, MAST or OAVCT has jurisdiction for that matter.