Updated on 18 March 2026
Hiring a domestic helper in Singapore comes with important responsibilities—one of the most critical being healthcare and medical support.
Under current Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations, employers are legally required to ensure that their foreign domestic worker (FDW) receives proper medical care, insurance coverage, and regular health monitoring.
This guide explains your medical obligations as an employer, including insurance requirements, medical exams, and what to do if health issues arise.
Employer Responsibilities for FDW Healthcare
In Singapore, employers are responsible for all medical expenses of their domestic helper.
This includes:
-
Doctor consultations
-
Hospitalization
-
Medication
-
Follow-up treatments
❗ Important:
Employers cannot deduct any medical costs from the helper’s salary, even with consent.
Insurance Requirements (2026 Update)
To reduce financial risk, MOM requires employers to purchase:
1. Medical Insurance
-
Minimum coverage: SGD 60,000 per year (updated from older SGD 15,000)
-
Covers:
-
Inpatient care
-
Day surgery
-
Some outpatient treatments (depending on policy)
-
2. Personal Accident Insurance
-
Minimum coverage: SGD 60,000
3. Security Bond (for non-Malaysian FDWs)
-
Amount: SGD 5,000
Important Notes
-
Employers must pay all premiums
-
Helpers are not allowed to co-pay
-
Consider higher coverage plans to avoid unexpected high bills
Discussing Health and Safety with Your Helper
The best approach to healthcare is proactive communication.
What Employers Should Do
-
Encourage your helper to:
-
Report symptoms early
-
Seek medical care when needed
-
-
Reassure her that:
-
Medical visits are supported
-
She will not be penalised for being unwell
-
Promote a Healthy Environment
Employers should ensure:
-
Safe working conditions
-
Proper nutrition
-
Adequate rest (including at least 1 rest day per week)
👉 Learn more in:
6-Monthly Medical Examination (6ME)
MOM requires all domestic helpers to undergo mandatory medical check-ups every 6 months.
What the 6ME Covers
Screening includes:
-
Pregnancy
-
Infectious diseases (e.g. tuberculosis, syphilis)
Key Requirements
-
First exam: Within 2 weeks of arrival
-
Follow-up: Every 6 months
-
Employer will receive notifications from MOM
✔ Employers must ensure:
-
The exam is completed on time
-
All costs are covered
What Happens if a Helper Fails the Medical Exam
If a helper is diagnosed with certain medical conditions:
-
MOM may revoke the Work Permit
-
Employment may be terminated
-
Helper may need to be repatriated
Employer Responsibilities
Even in this situation, employers must:
-
Cover medical costs
-
Arrange repatriation
-
Handle the process responsibly and ethically
Consequences of Not Covering Medical Costs
Failing to meet healthcare obligations is a serious offence in Singapore.
Possible Consequences:
-
Fine of up to SGD 10,000
-
Imprisonment (up to 12 months)
-
Ban from hiring FDWs
-
Legal enforcement by MOM
In some cases, embassies or authorities may intervene to ensure the helper receives proper care.
Important Reminder: Ethical Responsibility
Employers should never:
-
Send a helper home to avoid medical expenses
-
Delay treatment due to cost concerns
Doing so may result in:
-
Legal penalties
-
Blacklisting
-
Higher long-term costs
Best Practices for Employers
To ensure compliance and build trust:
-
Maintain valid insurance at all times
-
Encourage early medical consultation
-
Keep track of 6ME schedule
-
Provide a safe and healthy living environment
-
Communicate openly about health concerns
Final Thoughts
Healthcare is one of the most important responsibilities when employing a domestic helper.
By following MOM regulations and taking a proactive approach, employers can:
-
Protect their helper’s well-being
-
Avoid legal risks
-
Build a stronger, more trusting working relationship
At HelperChoice, we believe that ethical employment includes proper care, safety, and respect for every domestic worker.