Maid Insurance in Singapore: Mandatory Coverage for Employers
Domestic helper insurance also known as maid insurance, is an essential protection for Singapore employers who hire foreign domestic workers. This specialized insurance coverage safeguards both employers and their domestic helpers against unexpected medical expenses, accidents and liability claims that may arise during employment.
Maid insurance is mandatory and a legal requirement in Singapore under the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations. Every employer is required to secure adequate domestic helper insurance before their helper arrives in Singapore.
Type of Domestic Helper (Maid) Insurance Coverages
Hospitalisation & Surgical
Covers your helper's hospital stays, surgeries and related medical bills during their employment in Singapore.
Personal Accident
Provides a lump sum payout if your helper suffers permanent disability or death due to an accident.
Outpatient Medical Expenses
Reimburses GP visits, clinic consultations, and minor treatments that don't require hospital admissions.
Third Party Liability
Protects you against legal costs and damages if your helper accidentally injures someone or damages their property.
Understanding the 25% Co-Payment Rule (MOM July 2023)
Since July 2023, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) requires employers to share part of their helper's hospital bills above a set threshold. Here's how it works:
The rule in simple terms
- Claims up to S$15,000 are fully covered by your maid insurance, with no co-payment from you.
- Claims above S$15,000 require you to pay 25% of the amount exceeding the threshold.
Worked example
If your helper's hospital bill comes to $40,000:
- The first $15,000 is covered 100% by insurance.
- Of the remaining $25,000, you pay 25% = $6,250.
- Insurance covers the other $18,750.
The $5,000 MOM Security Bond
Every employer hiring a non-Malaysian migrant domestic worker must lodge a S$5,000 Security Bond with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), guaranteeing compliance with the helper's Work Permit conditions. MOM can forfeit the bond if your helper breaches her permit (e.g. going missing or illegal employment), or if you fail to pay her salary or cover repatriation costs. Most maid insurance plans in Singapore include the S$5,000 bond, so the insurer fronts the amount if MOM calls on it. Adding a Waiver of Counter Indemnity further caps your personal liability, protecting you from being chased for the full S$5,000 in most scenarios, except in cases of fraud or wilful breach.
When to Buy Maid Insurance: The Hiring Timeline
You’ll need to purchase maid insurance before your helper arrives in Singapore as per the mandatory requirement by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The domestic helper insurance must be in place before MOM will issue your helper’s work permit.
Step-by-Step Process for Domestic Helper Insurance
- 01
Search & Choose Domestic Helper
To find via licensed maid agencies or hire directly.
- 02
Apply for Work Permit
Employers or employment agents can apply for the work permit online through MOM, and in most cases, the outcome is released within a week.
- 03
Before Arrival: Buy Domestic Helper Insurance
Let ANDA Insurance take the hassle out of the process! We assist clients in finding the right maid insurance plan that complies with MOM's requirements, and we'll submit all necessary details to MOM to ensure your helper's work permit gets approved without delay.
- 04
Arrange Travel & Arrival
To coordinate the helper’s travel arrangements and accommodation in designated cities for training purposes or stopovers en route to Singapore.
- 05
Medical Examination Singapore
As per MOM requirements, your domestic helper must undergo medical examination within 14 days of arrival.
- 06
Work Permit Issuance
Upon successful completion of the medical examination, your helper’s work permit will be officially issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). This permit legally authorizes your domestic helper to work in Singapore.
Real-World Scenarios: What Your Maid Insurance Actually Covers
Insurance jargon can feel overwhelming, so here are two everyday situations to show you how your coverage works in practice.
Scenario 1: A Slip in the Kitchen
Your helper slips on a wet kitchen floor and fractures her wrist. She's hospitalised for 3 days, and the total hospital bill comes up to $8,000.
What's covered?
The full $8,000 is covered under the $60,000 hospitalisation limit. Since the bill falls below the $15,000 co-payment threshold, you won't need to pay a single cent out of pocket. ANDA Insurance ensures the claim process is smooth so you can focus on your helper's recovery.
Scenario 2: Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD)
Your helper is diagnosed with HFMD and needs to be hospitalised for 10 days. While she recovers, you hire temporary help for 2 weeks to manage household duties and childcare.
What's covered?
Both the hospital bill and the cost of replacement help are covered under your policy. Depending on your plan, you may also be eligible for levy reimbursement during the period your helper is unable to work — easing the financial strain of unexpected illness.
Frequently Asked Questions
about Maid Insurance
Is maid insurance compulsory in Singapore?
Yes. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) requires all employers to purchase maid insurance before a work permit can be approved.
When should I buy maid Insurance?
It is mandatory to purchase maid insurance prior to helper’s arrival or before any existing policy lapses for current or transfer domestic helpers. The Ministry of Manpower will only issue or renew Work Permits when valid insurance coverage is confirmed.
How long does maid insurance coverage last?
Most domestic helper insurance plans offer coverage for either 14 or 26 months. The extra 2 months beyond the Work Permit duration provide protection during the renewal or repatriation period.
Do I need to submit the insurance documents to MOM?
No, if you purchase domestic helper insurance through ANDA Insurance (or any licensed providers), we will submit the insurance details to MOM on your behalf.
Can I transfer the insurance if I hire a new helper?
No, the insurance is tied to a specific helper and cannot be transferred. A new domestic helper insurance policy must be purchased for every new hire.
Can I hire a replacement maid while my helper is hospitalised?
Yes, you can hire temporary help while your helper is hospitalised. Many comprehensive maid insurance policies cover replacement helper costs, usually when your helper is hospitalised for 3 or more consecutive days. Some plans also include levy reimbursement to offset the monthly foreign domestic worker levy during her recovery. At ANDA Insurance, we can help you find a plan that includes this coverage. Speak to our team to learn more.
How much does maid insurance cost?
Maid insurance in Singapore typically costs between $200 and $700 per year, depending on coverage limits, policy duration (14 or 26 months), and optional add-ons like outpatient or dental coverage. While cheaper plans meet MOM's basic requirements, a slightly higher premium often provides better protection against unexpected hospital bills or replacement costs.
Contact us for policy quotation, comparison and unbiased advice now!