**NICOSIA, CYPRUS** – In a significant move to bolster support for its national defence forces, the House plenum in Cyprus has formally legislated comprehensive insurance coverage for members of the armed forces. This pivotal legislation guarantees a substantial financial benefit of €115,000 to personnel who suffer either death or permanent total disability directly attributable to their service duties. The new law aims to provide a critical financial safety net for service members and their families during times of profound adversity.
The legislative act, approved by the Parliament on Thursday, codifies a provision that was previously determined by a cabinet decision. This ensures a more permanent and robust framework for compensation, removing it from the realm of executive decree and embedding it within statute. The decision to establish this specific insurance payout, set at €115,000, was formally ratified by the cabinet in June 2025, laying the groundwork for the parliamentary approval that has now cemented it into law.
Under the terms of the new legislation, the insurance benefit is contingent upon a rigorous assessment process. The determination of either death or permanent total disability must be officially confirmed by a designated medical board. This ensures that the payouts are exclusively linked to incidents that occur during the discharge of official duties and result in a confirmed, irreversible loss of function or life. In instances where a service member tragically loses their life, the stipulated €115,000 will be distributed equally amongst their legal heirs, providing direct financial relief to their bereaved family.
Furthermore, the legislation addresses the complex interplay between this insurance coverage and potential legal recourse. Should an individual or their family pursue compensation through the courts for damages or losses sustained, any insurance payout received under this new law will be deducted from the total amount awarded by the court. This provision is designed to prevent double compensation and ensure a streamlined, equitable distribution of financial support, integrating the insurance benefit into the broader framework of legal redress.
The impetus behind this legislation is rooted in the fundamental principle of acknowledging and supporting the inherent risks undertaken by those who serve in the armed forces. By establishing this guaranteed insurance coverage, Cyprus is demonstrating its commitment to the welfare of its military personnel, ensuring that their dedication and sacrifice are met with a tangible measure of financial security. This initiative is expected to have a considerable impact, offering peace of mind to service members and their dependants, knowing that a significant financial provision is in place should the worst-case scenarios occur during their service. The parliamentary approval signifies a mature and responsible approach to military welfare, aligning national policy with the indispensable contributions of the armed forces.