Maintaining regulatory compliance is a critical requirement for every Sendirian Berhad (Sdn Bhd) company in Brunei Darussalam. For business owners and corporate leaders, keeping track of changing government requirements can be a challenge.Here is a comprehensive overview of the essential corporate compliance obligations that keep a Brunei business running legally.
The Ministry of Health and the Department of Labour introduced this change to address rising healthcare costs. The previous $10,000 coverage was often insufficient for serious surgeries or long-term hospitalization, leaving employers with massive out-of-pocket expenses and public hospitals with unpaid debts.
The new $100,000 limit provides a financial safety net for both the worker and the employer.
With Brunei Darussalam introducing a new mandatory medical insurance policy for foreign workers, businesses must act quickly to ensure compliance. The policy, discussed in depth on the Biz Brunei Takeaways podcast, marks a significant shift from the previous $10,000 coverage limit to a more robust **$100,000 minimum**.
Here is everything you need to know to prepare your business for January 1, 2026.
Q: What is the new minimum coverage?
A: For most workers, it is now $100,000.
Q: When is the deadline for the private sector?
A: January 1, 2026. (Domestic workers and PRs started July 1, 2025).
Q: Who pays for the insurance?
A: The Employer is legally responsible.
Q: Can I deduct the premium from my worker’s salary?
A: No. It is illegal to deduct these premiums from a worker’s wages.
Q: Does every pass need $100k?
A: No. Dependent Passes require $10,000 and Student Passes require $5,000.
Q: Does it cover clinic visits?
A: No, the mandate only requires coverage for hospitalization and surgery (Inpatient).
Q: Can I use foreign insurance?
A: Only if it specifically mentions “Brunei Darussalam” and meets the $100,000 limit.
Q: What if a worker’s policy is used up?
A: The employer must “top up” the insurance back to $100,000 to remain compliant.
Direct Billing: Most local insurance providers now offer direct billing with hospitals, meaning employers don’t have to pay huge cash sums upfront.
Financial Protection: A single major operation can easily exceed $30,000. This insurance protects your business from sudden, large medical bills.
Welfare Compliance: Ensuring your staff is covered is not just a legal requirement; it’s a key part of maintaining a healthy and productive workforce.
Non-compliance is serious. If you fail to provide the required insurance or attempt to deduct the cost from your worker’s salary, you could face:
Fines of up to $3,000.
Imprisonment for up to one year.
A ban on hiring any future foreign workers.
Written by: Faisal Kv
Corporate Compliance Specialist | Mercium Sdn Bhd, Brunei Darussalam
📞 Need to set up your company in Brunei? The Mercium team is here to help you every step of the way—from company incorporation to full compliance. We offer reliable, hassle-free solutions tailored to businesses in Brunei.
Contact us at : +673 8243820 | +673 8306820
6738243820
2701277
Email: info@merciumbn.com
Visit Our Website: www.merciumbn.com
Follow us on IG: mercium.corporate
Visit us: G4 FirstT Floor, Seaview Building, Simpang 6, Kg Pengkalan Gadong BE3919, Negara Brunei Darussalam.