- Learn about the importance of adequate health insurance coverage for your domestic helper.
- Understand and compare the different maid insurance plans available in Singapore.
- Discover additional medical and financial services that offer help to foreign domestic workers.
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Foreign domestic workers (FDWs), also known as helpers or maids in Singapore, play an essential role in our households. They are responsible for a myriad of things such as taking care of our children, household chores, and even caring for our elderly. So, it is only right as an employer, to ensure their well-being – both physical and mental. This includes providing them with adequate health insurance.
However, understanding the different types of health insurance policies for helpers and what they cover can be confusing for some. This guide will break down the essentials of maid/helper health insurance in Singapore, compare available plans, and provide options for seeking medical help if coverage is insufficient.
Understanding FDW Health Insurance in Singapore
In Singapore, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) mandates that employers purchase adequate medical insurance for their FDWs. As of 1 July 2023, the requirements for helper insurance have been enhanced to better protect both employers and workers:
Coverage Type | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
Medical Insurance (MI) | At least $60,000 annual coverage for inpatient care and day surgery (up from $15,000). The insurer must cover at least 75% of the amount above $15,000, while the employer co-pays 25%. |
Personal Accident Insurance | At least $60,000 coverage for accidental death or permanent disability. |
Medical care for our FDWs can be expensive considering they are not Singaporeans or Permanent Residents, hence they are not eligible for government subsidies in our hospitals. Hence, bearing these in mind, MOM introduced these to ensure that all FDWs can receive necessary medical treatment without any excessive financial strain on their employers.
Types of Health Insurance for Helpers in Singapore
Several insurance providers in Singapore offer comprehensive maid insurance packages that fulfill MOM’s requirements and offer additional benefits. Below is a comparison of key insurance providers and their offerings:
Insurance Provider | Medical Expenses | Hospitalisation & Surgery | Personal Accident | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
AIA Domestic Help Cover (II) | Covers medical bills for accidents | Up to $60,000 | $60,000 | 24-hour worldwide accident coverage |
AIG Domestic Helper Insurance | Covers TCM & dental | Up to $60,000 | $1000,000 (global) | Post-hospitalisation expenses covered |
Etiqa Maid Insurance | Up to $3,000 (for outpatient treatment due to injury) | Covers surgery (including day surgery) up to $15,000 annually | $60,000 (global) | Covers repatriation expenses |
FWD Maid Insurance | Up to $1,000 for outpatient due to sickness | Up to $60,000 | $60,000 | Option to reduce co-payment for hospitalisation |
Great Eastern Maid Protect | Up to $3,000 outpatient expenses | Covers up to $90,000 | $60,000 | Includes wage compensation & liability protection |
HSBC MaidPlus | Up to $3,000 (including dental) | Up to $120,000 (includes pre- & post-hospitalisation) | $60,000 | Covers daily wages & levy reimbursement |
Income Domestic Helper Insurance | Up to $3,000 (for outpatient treatment due to injury) | Covers local & overseas hospitalisation, including COVID-19 | $80,000 | Covers pre-existing conditions (if helper is employed >12 months) |
Before you select a plan that is suitable for your helper and your financial situation, check the plan’s coverage limits, hospitalisation benefits, and additional features. Different plans come with different “bonus” features, so pick the plan that will work best if you truly need to utilise it.
Where Can Helpers Seek Medical Help if Insurance Is Insufficient?
- Non-profit organisations
- HealthServe: Provides low-cost medical and dental care, counselling, and social assistance to migrant workers.
- Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC): Offers support services, including healthcare access.
- Criticare Fund For Migrant Workers: Provides a financial safety net for migrant workers who are diagnosed with critical illnesses.
- Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2): Assists migrant workers with healthcare issues and financial aid for medical treatments.
- Subsidised clinics for migrant workers: Certain community clinics offer lower-cost consultations and treatment for FDWs. Checking with local NGOs can help identify these clinics. Subsidised clinics in Singapore for FDWs include:
How to Choose the Right Maid Insurance Plan in Singapore
When selecting the best maid insurance for your helper, consider the following:
- Hospitalisation and surgical coverage: Ensure the coverage meets your helper’s needs.
- Outpatient treatment: Some policies offer better coverage for GP, dental, and specialist visits.
- Personal accident protection: Choose plans with adequate compensation for accidents.
- Pre-existing condition coverage: Some plans cover conditions after 12 months of employment.
- Ease of claims: Opt for insurers with hassle-free claims processes.
Ensuring the Well-Being of Your Foreign Domestic Worker
Providing adequate health insurance for FDWs is more than just fulfilling a legal requirement—it is about ensuring their well-being. While Singapore has robust insurance policies in place, there are still gaps that may leave helpers and you vulnerable in medical emergencies. Take the time to compare policies, ensure coverage is adequate, and be aware of additional resources available to your helpers in times of need.
By choosing the right insurance plan and staying informed, you can provide your FDW with the medical security they deserve, creating a safer and healthier working environment for all. Let’s take care of them, like they take care of us.