Domestic Helper Insurance: Complete Guide (2025) – Coverage & Costs

If you’re about to hire a domestic helper, the insurance rules can feel like a maze of conflicting numbers. Knowing exactly what’s required and what’s optional can save you from fines and unexpected gaps in coverage — and the answer depends heavily on where you live.

Mandatory for employers in Singapore: Yes ·
Minimum medical coverage: SGD 60,000 per year ·
Typical annual premium range: SGD 200–500 ·
Number of insurers offering plans: Over 15

Key coverage and cost benchmarks:

What is domestic helper insurance?

Domestic helper insurance is a mandatory policy covering medical, accident, and liability risks for employers of migrant domestic workers. In Singapore, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM, Singapore’s labour regulator) requires a minimum medical coverage of SGD 60,000 per year. The policy also includes personal accident cover and repatriation expenses. Employers cannot pass the cost of the mandatory insurance on to the helper.

Key components of a domestic helper insurance policy

• Medical insurance for inpatient care and day surgery — minimum SGD 60,000 annual claim limit (MOM Singapore).
• Personal accident insurance with a sum assured of at least S$60,000 per year, covering permanent disability or death from sudden incidents (MOM Singapore).
• Repatriation expenses to send the helper home in case of emergency or death.
• Third-party liability is optional but recommended to cover damages your helper may accidentally cause.

Is domestic helper insurance the same as maid insurance?

Yes, the terms “domestic helper insurance” and “maid insurance” are used interchangeably in Singapore and Hong Kong. Both refer to the same mandatory employer obligation — though the specific legal name may differ (e.g., FDW insurance in Singapore, Employees’ Compensation Insurance in Hong Kong).

The pattern: While the core requirement is medical coverage, each jurisdiction adds its own layer of mandatory extras, creating a compliance patchwork that employers must navigate carefully.

Does maid insurance cover hospitalisation?

Yes, maid insurance covers hospitalisation — including inpatient care, day surgery, and sometimes outpatient treatment. The mandatory minimum in Singapore is SGD 60,000 per year for inpatient care and day surgery, as set by MOM Singapore.

What hospitalisation expenses are covered?

Five common coverage items, one pattern: inpatient and day surgery are always included; outpatient and dental are add-ons.

Are pre-existing conditions excluded?

Pre-existing conditions are typically excluded unless specifically added through medical underwriting. This is standard across most insurers in Singapore, as confirmed by ECICS (a Singapore-based insurance intermediary).

The implication: Employers must weigh the cost of a rider against the risk of uncovered medical expenses, particularly for older helpers with known conditions.

What are the different types of maid insurance?

Maid insurance falls into two broad categories: basic plans that meet legal minima and comprehensive plans that add layers of protection. Insurers such as AIG Singapore (global insurer with local FDW plans), Income Insurance (Singapore’s largest cooperative insurer), FWD Singapore (digital-first insurer), Great Eastern (established life and health insurer), and MSIG (property and casualty insurer) each offer tiered plans.

Basic vs. comprehensive plans

• Basic: Covers compulsory inpatient and personal accident only. Annual premium ~SGD 200–300.
• Comprehensive: Adds outpatient, dental, optical, and higher accident sums. Annual premium ~SGD 400–500.

Plans for full-time vs. part-time helpers

Full-time domestic workers are covered under standard plans. Part-time helper insurance is less common but available from select providers like Hang Seng Bank (Hong Kong retail bank with specialised coverage).

Why this matters: Employers who hire a part-time helper without dedicated insurance may be personally liable for any workplace injury — a risk many don’t realise until it’s too late.

What is the age limit for domestic helper insurance?

Most insurers set a maximum entry age between 55 and 65 years old. Some plans allow coverage up to age 70 with higher premiums, according to market practices observed by ECICS.

Typical age limits by insurer

Four major insurers, one pattern: a ceiling of 65 years is the norm, but exceptions exist.

What if my helper is above the age limit?

If your helper is over 65, options narrow. Some insurers may still offer coverage at a higher premium, but it is not guaranteed. Employers in this situation should contact the insurer directly to discuss possible customisation.

The implication: Age limits effectively shrink the pool of insurable helpers, forcing some employers to either pay more or risk non-compliance.

How much does a maid get paid per month?

As of 2025, the minimum monthly salary for a domestic helper in Singapore is SGD 600 for first-time helpers, according to data from WageIndicator Foundation (global salary research organisation). Experienced helpers may earn between SGD 650 and SGD 850.

Annual leave entitlement by service duration

• Year 2: 8 days
• Year 5: 12 days
• Year 6 onward: 14 days per year

These entitlements are set by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (employment standards regulator).

The trade-off: Higher salary expectations for experienced helpers often come with longer annual leave, increasing the total cost of employment beyond the insurance premium itself.

The pattern: While Singapore focuses on medical coverage, Hong Kong’s penalty structure places a heavier financial and criminal burden on non-compliant employers.

“Employers must buy medical insurance and personal accident insurance for a migrant domestic worker before the worker arrives in Singapore.”

— Ministry of Manpower Singapore (labour authority)

“Singapore requires medical insurance with inpatient care and day surgery coverage and an annual claim limit of at least S$60,000 per year.”

— MOM Singapore (regulator)

“Hong Kong employers must purchase Employees’ Compensation Insurance for domestic helpers under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance.”

— Navigator Insurance (Hong Kong specialist broker)

“A Hong Kong employer who fails to comply with the compulsory insurance requirement is liable on conviction to a maximum fine of HKD 100,000 and imprisonment for two years.”

— FairAgency (Hong Kong labour advice portal)

For employers in Singapore, the decision comes down to whether a basic SG$300 policy is enough — or whether the added cost of a comprehensive plan is worth the coverage for outpatient visits and dental care. The gap between mandatory and recommended can be a few hundred dollars a year, but for a worker who falls ill, it can mean the difference between full coverage and a surprise bill.

For a detailed comparison of plans and legal requirements, see this guide on domestic helper insurance in Singapore.

Frequently asked questions