(Updated on December 12, 2025)
2025 World Health Day, observed on April 7th, will have the theme “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures”. According to the World Health Organisation, this theme will urge governments and the health community to ramp up efforts to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths, and to prioritize women’s longer-term health and well-being.
This World Health Day, HelperChoice stands in solidarity with the global call to ensure that every woman and baby survives and thrives. The reality is urgent—every 7 seconds, a preventable death occurs due to complications during pregnancy or childbirth. Each year, 260,000 women lose their lives due to pregnancy-related causes, and more than 4 million babies die before or just after birth.
These numbers aren’t just statistics—they’re personal stories, many of which reflect the silent struggles of domestic workers who leave their own families behind to care for others.
Domestic Workers Are Often Mothers, Too
In Hong Kong, thousands of foreign domestic workers, especially from the Philippines and Indonesia, are also mothers. Many are the primary caregivers and breadwinners for their families back home. They understand firsthand the importance of safe childbirth, proper maternal care, and mental health support for new mothers.
Yet, many of these women face emotional stress, long working hours, and limited access to healthcare and family planning while working abroad.
What Can Be Done?
This year, the World Health Organization emphasizes listening to women and strengthening support systems before, during, and after childbirth. At HelperChoice, we believe this starts with:
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Raising awareness about maternal and newborn health among domestic workers.
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Encouraging employers to be supportive of helpers who are mothers, especially during times of family emergencies or emotional hardship.
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Promoting ethical recruitment, which protects domestic workers’ health rights and ensures that they are matched with fair and respectful employers.
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Partnering with health organizations to provide wellness education and mental health support to our helper community in Hong Kong.
Can Foreign Migrant Domestic Workers Access Healthcare Services Easily In Hong Kong?
According to the local labour law, foreign migrant domestic workers (FDWs) in Hong Kong are entitled to free medical treatment provided by their employers, including the cost of medical care, hospitalisation, and emergency dental treatment. However, there are several challenges for foreign domestic workers to access local healthcare services, including awareness and language barriers, work conditions and financial constraints.
- Awareness and Language Barriers: FDWs may not always be aware of their rights to healthcare services or how to access them. Language barriers can also make it difficult to seek medical help or navigate the healthcare system.
- Work Conditions: The nature of domestic work, which often requires long hours, can make it challenging for FDWs to find time to visit a doctor or seek medical care, especially for non-emergency issues.
- Financial Constraints: While employers are legally required to cover medical expenses, in practice, some FDWs may face challenges in accessing funds or insurance coverage promptly for their medical needs.
See also: Domestic Helper Insurance
Accessibility
- Public Healthcare: Hong Kong has a public healthcare system that provides services at a low cost to all residents, including FDWs. However, accessing these services often involves long waiting times, and the aforementioned barriers can complicate access.
- Private Healthcare: Some may opt for private healthcare to avoid long waits, but this can be costly, and not all employers may be willing to cover such expenses unless it’s an emergency or a serious health issue.
Domestic helper insurance is mandatory
Taking out insurance for employees is a legal requirement under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance, which grants foreign domestic helpers the same benefits as other workers in Hong Kong. Among these benefits are mandatory coverage of medical expenses, compensation for loss of earning capacity, and compensation for deaths and funerals. Accidents can happen in any line of work, so make sure that your helper is covered. Failure to comply can result in serious penalties – with a maximum fine of HK$100,000 and 2 years in prison for the employer.
Basic helper insurance plans, which only cover what is required by the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance, usually cost as little as $300 per year, depending on the provider and coverage. These plans cover bodily injuries (including death) due to accidents and diseases contracted during the course of employment.
More comprehensive helper insurance schemes, which include full medical coverage and protect employers from paying steep bills, usually cost around $750 a year (your helper’s employment contract will likely span 2 years). These packages include benefits such as health insurance, personal accident insurance, repatriation expenses, loan protection, and so on. It is good for an employer to arrange for the helper insurance about 2 weeks before the employment contract is due to start.
A Thoughtful Way Forward
As we reflect on the importance of health, care, and dignity for domestic workers and working mothers, small responsible choices can make a meaningful difference. Ensuring proper visa processing, insurance coverage, and legal protection helps create a safer and more supportive environment for everyone at home.
HelperChoice supports employers with ethical hiring, visa processing, and mandatory insurance arrangements—making it easier to care for those who care for your family. By choosing transparent and compliant services, you help build healthier futures for your household and your helper alike.
If you’re still for a helper, register now at HelperChoice to be connected with verified profiles in Hong Kong!