By Jermaine Koh
If you’ve only got a minute:
Migrant domestic workers (MDWs) or domestic helpers play a vital role in many Singaporean homes, supporting families with childcare, eldercare and daily routines. As of December 2024, the number of helpers reached a record high of 301,600 in Singapore.
However, hiring a helper comes with significant responsibilities, especially when it comes to providing the right insurance coverage. It is a crucial part of managing household risk and meeting legal obligations.
Domestic helpers are living far from their home countries and can face unexpected health issues or accidents. To ensure they have access to necessary medical care and to protect you from large, unforeseen expenses, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) requires every employer to purchase medical and personal accident insurance for their helper.
As an employer, you must provide:
Increased coverage limits
Since July 2023, the minimum annual medical insurance coverage for MDWs has increased from S$15,000 to S$60,000. This change ensures better protection against rising healthcare costs and reduces your out-of-pocket expenses in the event of illness or injury to your domestic helper.
Co-payment structure
For eligible claims below S$15,000, the insurers cover the full amount. For eligible claims above S$15,000, the insurers now cover 75% of the amount, while employers are responsible for the remaining 25%, up to the new S$60,000 annual claim limit.
Direct billing and standardised exclusions (effective July 2025)
From July 2025, insurers will pay to hospitals directly, so you will not need to pay upfront and be reimbursed later. This will help to streamline the claims process and frees up cashflow for employers.
The government has also established standardised exclusion clauses from insurance policies (eg. cosmetic surgery).
Age-differentiated premiums (effective July 2025)
Insurance premiums will differ based on your helper’s age, with separate rates for those aged 50 and below and those above 50. This approach aligns the premiums more closely with the risks borne by the insurers, as older MDWs may face more frequent medical treatments, keeping premium costs affordable for most employers.
Beyond MOM’s minimum requirements, many insurers offer extra benefits for more comprehensive protection. These can include:
An example of a domestic helper insurance policy is “Domestic Helper Protect” underwritten by Chubb Insurance Singapore and distributed by DBS, which provides comprehensive coverage and protection in the event of unexpected incidents.
There are 2 plans: Classic and Premier, which differ in their benefit limits. Here’s a simplified comparison:
Feature | Classic | Premier |
|---|---|---|
Coverage Limits | Meets MOM’s requirement | Higher limits and with additional benefits beyond MOM’s requirements |
Hospital & Surgical Expenses | S$60,000 per policy year (25% co-payment) | S$60,000 per policy year (10% co-payment) |
Wage & Levy Compensation | S$30/day (max S$900) | S$60/day (max S$3,600) |
Repatriation Expenses | Up to S$10,000 | Up to S$10,000 |
Replacement Expenses | Up to S$500 | Up to S$1,000 |
Accidental Medical Expenses (including Outpatient) | Up to S$1,000 | Up to S$1,000 |
From S$560 | From S$800 |
Below is a series of possible scenarios (Classic Plan) to help you better understand how the payout works in the event your maid incurs Hospitalisation and Surgical (H&S) bills.
| Payment by Insurer | Payment by employer | Remaining Benefit Limit Per Policy Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payment by Insurer | Payment by employer | Remaining Benefit Limit Per Policy Year |
Scenario 1 (H&S bill: S$20,000) | First S$15,000 + 75% of the remaining i.e. S$15,000 + S$3,750 = S$18,750 | 25% of S$5,000 = S$1,250 | S$60,000 – S$18,750 = S$41,250 |
Scenario 2 (H&S bill: S$70,000) | First S$15,000 + 75% of the remaining amount (75% of S$55,000): | 25% of S$55,000 = S$13,750 | S$60,000 - S$56,250 = S$3,750 |
Scenario 3 (H&S bill: S$100,000) | Full S$60,000 | Remaining S$40,000 | S$60,000 - S$60,000 = S$0 *You will cover any H&S bill incurred by your FDW until it resets in the following year |
Scenario 4 (H&S expense of S$15,000 (Bill 1) and a S$20,000 from a subsequent follow-up procedure (Bill 2) in the same Policy Year) | Bill 1 - Full S$15,000 Bill 2 - 75% of S$20,000 = S$15,000 | Bill 1 – NIL
| S$60,000 - S$30,000 = S$30,000 |
Scenario 5 (H&S expense of S$15,000 (Bill 1) and a S$20,000 from a subsequent follow-up procedure (Bill 2) in the next Policy Year*) | Bill 1 - Full S$15,000 Bill 2 - 75% of S$20,000 = S$15,000 | Bill 1 - NIL | S$60,000 - S$30,000 = S$30,000 |
Insurance premiums typically range from S$400 to over S$600 per year, depending on the benefits and level of coverage. The most suitable plan is one that balances your household’s needs while meeting all legal obligations.
Comparing features such as liability coverage and claims support can help you make an informed decision.
For example, the premium for the Domestic Helper Protect Classic Plan starts from S$497.90 per year, with optional add-ons such as Waiver of Counter Indemnity and Employer’s Liability available at an extra fee.
Submitting a claim under the Domestic Helper Protect policy is straightforward: you can do it online through the Chubb’s e-Services portal or contact their customer service for assistance. You can also track the status of your claim online for added convenience.
Selecting the right maid insurance is crucial for safeguarding both you and your helper against unexpected events. By understanding the differences between basic and enhanced plans and choosing coverage that matches your needs, you can ensure your helper receives the support she deserves.
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Disclaimers and Important Notice
This article is meant for information only and should not be relied upon as financial advice. Before making any decision to buy, sell or hold any investment or insurance product, you should seek advice from a financial adviser regarding its suitability.
