If you employ a domestic helper through an agency, the insurance cost is likely to be covered inside the fees paid to the agency. However, if you are self-employing a domestic helper, you will need to provide insurance coverage for her. This could range up to $225 to $330, for 26 months’ coverage (equivalent to a domestic helper’s usual two year contract).
It is critical for you to choose a good coverage. Why?
The Ministry of Manpower makes compulsory that each foreign domestic helper must have: S$60,000 per year in personal accident insurance coverage. Hospitalisation coverage of at least S$15,000 per year (covers inpatient care and day surgery expenses) A security bond of S$5,000 for your foreign domestic helper.
Is the compulsory coverage enough?
As it is compulsory to fulfil the basic requirements as mandated by the MOM, most employers assume this coverage is sufficient. However, this may not always be the case.
Did you know that regardless of the severity of your FDW's illness, it is your responsibility as an employer to pay for her medical care, that's why it is very important for you to choose a good insurance coverage and maybe not the minimum.
As such, If you consider the following add-ons, which do not cost significantly more, you can save more of your own money, in the long run, should an accident befall your domestic helper.
We strongly encourage you to increase the hospital coverage in case of disease or accident to keep the peace of mind.
Last but not least, you should consider a repatriation cover If your domestic helper is permanently disabled or if she dies, she or her family will be provided with a repatriation payout which covers the trip back to her home country. The process can be costly if uninsured.
Most of the time you will need to choose an insurance that fits the terms of her contract and employment pass plus 2 months. Why?
Because MOM requires all insurance and bond to have an additional 2 months of cover so that in any event or reason the maid overstays in Singapore after her work permit has expired, she is still covered under the insurance.