(Updated on October 08, 2025)
In Hong Kong, it is mandatory for employers to provide domestic helper insurance, also known as Employee’s Compensation Insurance (EC Insurance), for their foreign domestic helpers during the 2-year employment period. This insurance is designed to protect both the employer and the domestic helper in case of work-related injuries or accidents.
The Importance Of Domestic Helper Insurance
- Coverage: Domestic helper insurance provides coverage for medical expenses, disability compensation, and death benefits in the event of a work-related injury or illness. It ensures that domestic helpers are insured and receive proper medical treatment and financial support in case of an accident or occupational diseases arising from their employment.
- Legal Requirement: Under the Hong Kong Employees’ Compensation Ordinance, employers are legally obligated to provide EC Insurance for their foreign domestic helper. Failing to comply with this requirement can result in penalties and legal consequences for the employer.
- Financial Protection: Domestic helper insurance provides financial protection for both the employer and the domestic helper. In case of an accident or injury, the insurance policy helps to mitigate the financial burden of medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and potential compensation claims incurred from the local surgical and hospital expenses.
See also: Domestic Helper’s Medical Expenses in Hong Kong
- Peace of Mind: Having domestic helper insurance offers peace of mind for both employers and domestic helpers. It ensures that the domestic helper is taken care of in case of an unfortunate event, and the employer is fulfilling their legal and moral responsibilities towards their employee during 2-year employment period.
- Legal Liability: Domestic helper insurance protects employers from potential legal liability. If a domestic helper suffers an injury or illness while on duty, the insurance policy helps to cover the employer’s legal liabilities and any potential compensation claim, including surgical and hospital expenses or clinical service.
- Ethical Responsibility: Providing domestic helper insurance reflects the employer’s ethical responsibility towards their employee’s well-being and safety. It demonstrates a commitment to fair and responsible employment practices, ensuring that domestic helpers are adequately protected with medical care while performing their duties.
It’s important for employers to obtain the appropriate domestic helper insurance plan from reputable insurance providers in Hong Kong. The insurance policy coverage should meet the legal requirements and provide adequate protection and benefits for the domestic helper. Employers should review the policy terms and conditions, including cover limit, exclusions, and claim procedures, to ensure they understand the extent of coverage and how to make a claim if necessary.
By providing domestic helper insurance, employers fulfill their legal obligations, protect their domestic helpers, and contribute to a fair and safe working environment for all parties involved.
What To Consider When Choosing Helper Insurance Policy?
When choosing a domestic helper insurance plan in Hong Kong, there are several important factors to consider to ensure you select the right policy plan for your needs. Here are some key considerations:
- Legal Compliance: Ensure that the insurance policy complies with the requirements set by the Hong Kong Employees’ Compensation Ordinance. The insurance policy should provide the mandatory coverage for work-related injuries and illnesses, including medical expenses, disability compensation, and death benefit.
- Coverage Limit: Review the coverage limit provided by the insurance policy. Ensure that the limit is sufficient to cover potential medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and compensation claims in case of accidents or injuries. Consider the potential risks and liabilities involved in the domestic helper’s duties when assessing coverage limit. In general, basic helper insurance plans, which only cover the general and minimum requirement by the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance, will usually cost as little as HKD300 per year, depending on the provider and coverage. These plans cover bodily injuiry (including death) in the event of accidents and diseases contracted during the period of employment. More comprehensive helper insurance schemes, which include full medical coverage and protect employers from paying steep bills, will usually cost around HKD750 a year.
- Exclusions and Limitations: Carefully review the policy’s terms, exclusions, limitations and other details. Understand what situations or circumstances may not be covered by the insurance. Insurance policy may have specific exclusions or limited maximum claim for certain activities or high-risk tasks, so it’s important to be aware of any limitations that may apply to avoid any dispute in the future.
- Premium and Cost: Compare the premium and cost associated with different insurance providers. Consider the policy coverage provided and the reputation of the insurance company. Remember that while cost is a factor, it shouldn’t be the sole determining factor in selecting insurance. Quality coverage and reliable customer service are also important considerations.
- Claim Process: Understand the claim process and procedures for making a claim. Check if the insurance provider has a streamlined and efficient claims process. Look for transparent and easy-to-understand documentation requirements, claim submission details, and the expected time frame for claim settlements.
- Additional Benefits: Some insurance policies may offer additional benefits or services that can be valuable. For example, some policies may include coverage for accidental loss of personal belongings or provide access to emergency assistance services. Consider if these additional benefits align with your needs and provide added value and protection for your helper and you.
- Insurance Provider’s Reputation: Research the reputation and reliability of the insurance provider. Look for reviews, ratings, and feedback from other employers. Choose an insurance provider with a solid track record and a reputation for prompt and fair claim settlements.
- Customer Support: Consider the level of customer support provided by the insurance company. Check if they have a dedicated customer service team that can assist with inquiries, dispute, policy changes, or claims-related matters in time. Prompt and reliable customer support will make a significant difference in case you need assistance.
- Policy Terms and Conditions: Read and understand the policy’s terms and conditions before making a decision. Pay attention to any special clauses or provisions that may impact or limit coverage or claim eligibility. Seek clarification from the insurance provider if there are any unclear points to avoid any dispute in the future.
By considering these factors, you will make an informed decision when choosing domestic helper insurance in Hong Kong. It’s advisable to compare multiple insurance providers and policies to ensure you select the coverage that best meets your specific requirements and provides maximum protection for your domestic helper.
Domestic Helper Insurance Recommended By HelperChoice
For employers who registered to HelperChoice’s online platform service, they can enjoy a 25% discount for MAIDSURE (domestic helper insurance plan) provided by Dah Sing Insurance.
This plan has a worldwide cover for employer’s statutory liability, zero excess for all coverage and also extends the protection to your family members residing with you. Click here to learn more.
Avail of the promo until March 31, 2026 through this link.
Another insurance option that employers can select is the Peaceful Insurance, underwritten by Generali Hong Kong which offers comprehensive Overseas Domestic Helper Insurance designed to protect both employers and their helpers. Peaceful insurance provides three tiers of coverage – Plans A, B, and C with premiums starting as low as HK$750 per year and includes comprehensive benefits such as medical and hospital expenses, personal accident protection, repatriation costs, and reimbursement for re-hiring if a helper becomes unfit to work. It also covers employer’s liability under Hong Kong’s Employees’ Compensation Ordinance, with up to HK$100 million per event, ensuring peace of mind for households.
For maximum coverage, higher-tier plans add extra benefits like major disease coverage and greater limits for outpatient, dental, and personal liability expenses.
For those hiring overseas domestic helpers in Hong Kong, having an active policy like this isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s an act of responsibility and care that reflects respect and protection for the people who help care for our homes and families. Contact us via Whatsapp to know more about Peaceful insurance’ plans.
See also: Leaflets
About HelperChoice
HelperChoice is an ethical maid agency based in Hong Kong and Singapore. It is licensed by the Hong Kong Labour Department. Founded in 2012, HelperChoice has more than 10-year experience in domestic helper matching. It works closely with NGOs in Hong Kong and it appeared in media such as South China Morning Post, The Standard, HK01 and Bloomberg etc.