Updated 02 February 2026
Is maid insurance necessary?
Foreign domestic workers are not covered by the Work Injury Compensation Act since they live and work at the same house as their employing family.
Employers must buy medical insurance and personal accident insurance for their maid. The insurances should have the coverage of at least S$15,000 and S$60,000 per year respectively.
If your maid falls very ill, the costs of medical treatment could be higher than the insured amount, especially in the case of prolonged hospitalisation or extended outpatient treatment. Consider buying a more comprehensive policy to make sure you don’t end up with steep medical bills.
In Singapore, employers cannot deduct any costs related to medical care from their maid’s salary, even if she agrees. Also, a domestic helper cannot co-pay for any medical treatment. In addition, employers must send their helpers for a medical examination every six months, as per employment conditions. These costs should be fully covered by the employer.
Where to buy maid insurance?
If you are hiring for the first time, buying a maid insurance through your agency is probably the easiest way. Yet, the plan that your agency picks may not suit your needs well.
An alternative way to purchase an insurance plan is to go online and search for one. One of the great advantages is most companies allow you to buy insurance online. Another advantage is that there is more information available online so that you can compare different companies and their plans. This way, you will be saving money as you are paying your agency a commission and middleman fee.
Insurance companies that sell maid insurance in Singapore include FWD, Etiqa, Great Eastern, MSIG, etc. You may check out their website to see which of their insurance plans suit you.
How much does the average insurance cost?
Most maid insurance comes in 2 durations – 14 or 26 months. If you are unclear what to get, go for one with a 14-month duration first. Yet, a 26-month scheme may be cheaper per month.
Based on price and coverage, most maid insurance plans usually come in 3 levels – basic, intermediate, and advanced level. In general, the more advance the insurance is, the more it covers.
Basic: If you are very concerned about the cost and have a tight budget, you should get a basic. Most basic plans cost around S$260 for a 26-month plan, which is about $10 per month. The downside is that basic plans may not have comprehensive coverage.
Intermediate: Mid-tier plans often offer the best value for money because they offer wider coverage at an affordable rate. Insurance of intermediate level often comes with the best value as it has a wider coverage but its price is still affordable. The cost of an intermediate plan averages at about S$320 for a 26-month scheme, about $12.30 per month.
Advanced: Advanced insurance plans cover the most and higher payouts, in general. A 26-month policy usually costs S$360, that is about $14.40 per month. If you also concern about coverage for theft, you may want to have an insurance plan with a large payout.
Discussing medical health with your helper
The best approach to health and safety is to be proactive. Discuss the various safety situations in Singapore and make sure that your helper is able to eat and live healthily. Ensure safe working conditions, which includes not requiring your maid to clean the exteriors of windows in certain instances, while reminding her about safety around the house (such as the need to always turn off the gas).
When it comes to medical care, early detection is important. Let your maid know that you do not mind if she goes see a doctor if she feels unwell. An illness that is ignored repeatedly can lead to more complicated and expensive treatments.
In addition, give your domestic helper enough rest. Everyone needs their sleep to be productive and to stay healthy. Ensure that she sleeps at least 8 hours a day and has sufficient rest time at night, and allow her to take her weekly day off.
What happens if a helper fails the medical exam
The Ministry of Manpower requires foreign domestic workers to undergo a medical checkup every 6 months. Helpers are screened for pregnancy, HIV, venereal diseases and tuberculosis. A maid must take the first exam within 2 weeks of her employment in Singapore.
If she was transferred, her previous employer should have sent her to have a checkup prior to the transfer. If you have forgotten when her next checkup is due, you can easily check online, but you should receive a notification letter when your maid is due for her next medical exam.
If your maid tests positive for one or more components of the medical checkup, her work permit will be revoked and employment ceased. The maid needs to be repatriated from Singapore and the employer will be responsible for any related costs.
Failure to cover medical costs
If an employer in Singapore does not pay for the medical costs of their hired worker, the relevant embassy may step in. They can liaise directly with the MOM in order to secure legal and medical aid. Employers can be prosecuted and will be liable to a fine of $10,000, and imprisonment of up to 12 months, besides having to settle the medical fees.
Depending on the severity of the illness, a helper may prefer to be with her own family as she recovers, rather than staying in Singapore. However, an employer should never send her worker on home leave to avoid having to pay for medical costs.
In addition, hiring a new helper for your family can cost a lot in agency fees. And the government of Singapore may blacklist you as well for unethical practices, meaning you will no longer be able to hire maids.
What This Means For You
Making sure your domestic helper is properly insured isn’t just about compliance — it’s about care, stability, and peace of mind for everyone in your home. Whether you’re in Hong Kong or Singapore, understanding the different types of insurance, what they cover, and how they protect both helpers and employers helps you build a safer, more respectful working relationship.
Good insurance safeguards your helper’s health, dignity, and future. It also protects your family from unexpected costs and legal issues should accidents, injuries, or emergencies occur. Taking the time to choose the right coverage reflects your commitment to your helper’s well-being — and helps create a more trusting, long-lasting partnership.
If you need help comparing different insurance options or deciding what coverage makes sense for your household, we’re here to support you. A well-informed decision today means greater peace of mind tomorrow.
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