50 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Maid Insurance in Singapore
Have frequently asked questions about maid insurance in Singapore? Learn everything you need to know from coverage to choosing the best domestic helper insurance plan for your household.
Key takeaways
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) requires all employers of foreign domestic workers to have medical insurance of S$60,000 per year and personal accident insurance of S$60,000 per year throughout their work permit period.
The full cost of insurance falls on the employer. Passing any part of the premium to your helper is prohibited under MOM conditions.
Policies are sold as 14 or 26 months, not 12 or 24, because MOM requires two additional months of cover beyond the work permit duration.
From 1 July 2025, insurers pay hospitals directly upon an admissible claim, removing the need for employers to pay a cash deposit upfront.
Maid insurance, also known as Domestic Helper Insurance, comes with a lot of moving parts. Between MOM requirements, plan tiers, claims processes, and renewal timelines, it can feel like a lot to take in, especially if you are a first-time employer.
This guide brings together 50 commonly asked questions to help you understand what is required and what is covered for your domestic helper in Singapore.
Basic need-to-knows about maid insurance
1. What insurance must employers provide for foreign domestic workers?
Domestic helper insurance is mandatory in Singapore for all employers Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW).
Employers are required by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to purchase medical and personal accident insurance before the helper arrives in Singapore.
2. What is the minimum medical insurance coverage under MOM?
Medical insurance cover at least S$60,000 per year 1 for hospitalisation and surgical expenses, including day surgery. It does not include outpatient treatment or regular, routine check-ups.
3. What personal accident coverage does MOM require?
Personal accident insurance must provide a minimum payout of $60,000 (per year) in case of sudden, unforeseen and unexpected incidents resulting in accidental death or accident permanent disability1.
4. Does insurance have to cover the entire work permit duration?
Yes, the policy must be active throughout the full work permit period. When a permit is renewed, the insurance policy must be renewed too.
5. What happens if I don't maintain proper maid insurance in Singapore?
Failure to maintain valid insurance is a breach of MOM requirements. Consequences may include work permit revocation and restrictions on hiring foreign domestic workers in future.
6. Can employers choose any maid insurance provider in Singapore?
Yes, MOM there is no specific insurer specified by MOM. Employers may choose from any provider offering domestic helper insurance that meets MOM's regulations, provided the plan meets minimum coverage thresholds, as explained above.
7. Should I purchase insurance before the helper arrives in Singapore?
Yes, the domestic helper policy must be active before your helper arrives in Singapore. This is required by MOM as part of the pre-arrival process (together with the security bond).
Valid insurance must be in place before the Work Permit can be issued. Otherwise, MOM will not approve or issue the Work Permit.
8. Do I need to inform MOM of which insurer I have chosen?
MOM does not require employers to declare the specific insurer, but the policy must be active and meet minimum requirements before your helper arrives in Singapore.
Maid insurance coverage in Singapore
9. What does a standard maid insurance plan cover?
Medical insurance must cover at least S$60,000 per year 1 for hospitalisation and surgical expenses, including day surgery.
Meanwhile, personal accident insurance must provide a minimum payout of $60,000 (per year) in case of sudden, unforeseen and unexpected incidents resulting in accidental death or accident permanent disability1.
Enhanced plans from different insurers may extend to MOM security bond protector, additional hospital and surgical expenses coverage, and waiver of co-payment.
10. Is outpatient treatment covered?
No, basic plans are only limited to inpatient hospitalisation and surgical expenses, including day surgery that meets MOM's requirements.
Under the Enhanced plan, Income's Domestic Helper Insurance covers up to S$3,000 per policy for outpatient medical expenses due to injury if there is no hospitalisation is required.
If hospitalisation is required, we will pay S$35 per day (under Enhanced plan) for the period your helper is hospitalised or on hospitalisation leave and you have not had domestic services carried out by her because she is in hospital. We will pay this benefit up to a period of 30 days.
In addition, with MediPass3 app, enjoy preferential rates for medical consultations.
11. Is dental treatment covered?
No, dental treatment is not covered under MOM's compulsory insurance requirements.
However, some insurers may offer preferential rates for dental treatment through partner healthcare programmes as part of their policyholder benefits.
12. Are accidents outside the home covered?
Personal accident coverage applies at all times, including during rest days away from the home. The policy covers accidental death and permanent disability regardless of where the incident occurs, unless specific exclusions apply.
13. Are pre-existing conditions covered?
Under Income's Domestic Helper Insurance, the Basic plan includes coverage for pre-existing medical conditions4 for helpers employed in Singapore for more than 12 months.
14. What is repatriation coverage?
Repatriation coverage pays for the cost of returning a helper to her home country in the event of serious illness, death, or other covered circumstances. This is a standard inclusion in plans that meet MOM's requirements.
Under Income's Domestic Helper Insurance, if your domestic helper suffers permanent disability, serious sickness or serious injury which prevents her from carrying out her duties as a foreign domestic worker, we will pay for the reasonable economy-class transport expenses (air, sea or land travel) needed to send your domestic helper back to her home country.
In addition to the benefits mentioned above, Income’s Standard or Enhanced Plan also provides the following:
Expenses if you have to stop employing your domestic helper
If you terminate your domestic helper’s employment because she is suffering from a serious sickness or serious injury, we will pay up to the maximum amount shown in your policy schedule to the maximum amount as shown in the relevant section of the schedule for:
a) the expenses charged by the employment agency for termination of your domestic helper’s employment; and
b) the costs of engaging a temporary helper or cleaning service within 30 days of the termination of your domestic helper’s employment.
15. What is wage reimbursement?
Wage reimbursement compensates the employer for the helper's salary during a period of hospitalisation caused by a covered event.
Under Income's Domestic Helper Insurance (Standard or Enhanced Plan), wages compensation is available for up to 30 days for the period your helper is hospitalised or on hospitalisation leave and you have not had domestic services carried out by her because she is in hospital.
16. Does personal accident coverage include permanent disability?
Yes. Personal accident coverage pays out when an accident results in permanent total disability that prevents the helper from continuing to work. The payout amount varies by plan tier.
17. Is third-party liability included?
Income's Domestic Helper Insurance does, during the period of insurance, cover your domestic helper if she is legally responsible for accidentally:
a) injuring someone; or
b) damaging or causing loss to someone else's property while performing her duties as a foreign domestic helper in Singapore.
We will pay:
a) the legal costs and expenses for representing or defending your domestic helper; or
b) the amount awarded against your domestic helper by the court in Singapore, up to the maximum amount as shown in the relevant section of the your policy schedule.
18. Are ambulance fees covered?
Ambulance fees linked to a covered hospitalisation event are typically included. Review your specific policy terms to confirm whether emergency transport is part of the coverage.
How to buy & apply for domestic helper insurance in Singapore
19. What information is needed to apply for a maid insurance plan?
You will need your helper's personal details, work permit number or in-principle approval (IPA) letter, employment start date, and details of any known health conditions. Declaring everything accurately helps ensure your claims go through.
20. Can I purchase my maid insurance before my helper arrives in Singapore?
Yes. Most insurers allow employers to arrange coverage ahead of the helper's arrival. This is to ensure the policy is active from the first day of employment.
21. Is there a waiting period after purchasing a maid insurance plan?
Standard inpatient and personal accident coverage generally takes effect on the policy start date. Confirm the effective date with your insurer at the point of purchase.
22. What happens when the work permit is renewed?
Insurance must be renewed to coincide with the work permit renewal. Ensure the new policy has been activated before the existing one expires to maintain continuous, uninterrupted coverage.
23. Can I upgrade my domestic helper plan during the policy year?
This depends on the insurer's terms. Some add-ons, such as the Security Bond Protector, must be added within the first 30 days of the policy start date. Contact your insurer directly to enquire about mid-term plan changes.
24. What if I change helpers during the policy period?
Each helper must have her own insurance policy. If a helper leaves and a replacement is hired, a fresh policy must be activated for the new worker. Inform the insurer promptly when employment arrangements change.
25. Can I insure more than one helper?
Yes. Each foreign domestic worker requires a separate, valid policy meeting MOM's requirements. If you employ two helpers, each must be individually covered under her own policy.
26. Why is the policy 14 or 26 months when the work permit is only 12 or 24 months?
MOM requires all insurance and security bonds to carry an additional two months of cover1. This ensures the helper remains protected if she overstays in Singapore after her Work Permit expires.
27. Can I purchase domestic helper insurance online in Singapore?
Yes. Most insurers offer digital purchasing. Policies can typically be purchased and activated on the same day, which is useful when you need documentation for work permit applications.
How to file a claim under your maid insurance policy
28. How do I file a claim for my helper's medical expenses?
Submit the claim through your insurer's digital portal or app with supporting information, such as reports, original invoices and receipts, proof of ownership, evidence, medical certificates, and documents (such as a translation of a foreign language document into English).
29. What documents are needed for a medical claim?
Standard requirements include the medical bill, itemised receipts, the doctor's diagnosis or report, the helper's work permit details, and the policy number.
30. Can claims be submitted digitally?
Yes, most insurers accept submissions online or via an app. Policyholders can upload supporting documents and track claim status without visiting a branch.
31. Does the insurer pay the hospital directly?
From 1 July 2025, MOM requires insurers to pay hospitals directly upon admissibility of a claim1. Some insurers also provide a Letter of Guarantee for admissions at Singapore public hospitals, meaning employers do not need to pay a cash deposit upfront.
32. What if a claim is rejected?
The insurer will provide grounds for rejection. Common reasons include non-disclosure of material information, treatment for excluded conditions, or claims falling outside the policy period. Employers may appeal if they have valid grounds to dispute the decision.
33. Are follow-up outpatient visits after hospitalisation covered?
Enhanced plans with outpatient benefits may cover post-hospitalisation follow-up visits. This is not universally included across all tiers, so review your specific plan terms carefully.
34. How quickly are claims processed?
Processing times vary by insurer and how complex the claim is. Digital submissions with complete documentation typically result in faster processing. Check your insurer's service standards for specific timelines.
How to renew & manage your domestic helper insurance in Singapore
35. When should I renew my maid insurance policy in Singapore?
Renew at least two to four weeks before the current policy expires, particularly if the work permit is also due for renewal at a similar time. Coordinating both renewals together avoids gaps in coverage.
36. What happens if my maid insurance policy lapses?
A lapsed policy means the helper is uninsured, which is a breach of MOM conditions. The employer bears all medical and accident costs during the lapse period and may face regulatory consequences.
37. Can I switch insurers at renewal?
Yes, employers are free to switch insurers when the existing policy expires. Most insurers, including Income Insurance, accept both new and switching policyholders.
38. Will the premium change at renewal?
Premiums may be reviewed at renewal based on the helper's age band, claims history, plan adjustments, or regulatory changes. Your insurer will notify you of any changes before the renewal date.
39. How do I access my policy documents?
Most insurers provide digital access to policy documents through an app or online portal, so clients do not need to contact the insurer directly.
40. Is there a refund if I cancel the policy early?
Refund entitlements depend on the insurer's cancellation and refund clause. For Income's Domestic Helper Insurance, refund amounts are specified under the cancellation clause in the policy contract, subject to conditions and the timing of cancellation.
How to handle unexpected situations during your helper’s employment
41. What if a health condition develops during the employment period?
Conditions that arise during employment and were not pre-existing at the point of application are generally covered under the policy, subject to plan terms and exclusions. Contact your insurer directly for clarification on specific conditions.
42. What if my helper requires surgery?
Surgical expenses incurred during a covered hospitalisation event are included under plans that meet MOM's requirements. Coverage amounts vary by plan tier, with enhanced plans carrying higher limits.
43. Is the helper covered during her rest days?
Yes. Personal accident coverage applies during rest days. Review your policy terms for any activity-specific exclusions that may apply.
44. What if my helper goes missing during employment?
Report the situation to MOM immediately and file a police report. This is also a potential security bond forfeiture scenario. Your insurer can advise on the steps required under your specific policy.
45. Is the helper covered if she travels overseas?
Some plans include emergency overseas hospitalisation coverage. Income’s Domestic Helper Insurance includes local and emergency overseas hospitalisation benefits. Review your policy terms for the applicable pro-ration factor and coverage limits.
How to choose the right maid insurance plan according to your budget
46. How do I choose the right domestic helper insurance plan in Singapore?
Consider the helper's health history, her daily responsibilities, and your household's budget. A helper caring for young children or elderly family members in a physically demanding role may benefit from higher accident limits and wages compensation.
47. Is a 26-month policy better than a 14-month policy?
In terms of cost, yes. A 26-month policy generally works out cheaper on a per-month basis. It also reduces the administrative burden of more frequent renewals.
However, a 14-month policy may make more sense if your helper's contract is shorter, if you are a first-time employer who wants more flexibility, or if your helper is nearing the end of her employment with you.
48. What optional add-ons are worth considering?
The most commonly added riders include the Security Bond Protector, which limits your liability on the S$5,000 MOM security bond to S$250 in cases where the breach was not caused by your fault, a Waiver of Co-payment rider to reduce out-of-pocket hospitalisation costs, and additional hospital and surgical expense coverage to top up the base policy limit.
Get covered with Income's Domestic Helper Insurance
49. What plan tiers does Income Insurance offer?
Income’s Domestic Helper Insurance comes in three tiers: Basic, Standard, and Enhanced. All three meet MOM's minimum requirements.
Our Standard and Enhanced plans offer coverage for expenses5 if you have to stop employing your domestic helper and wages compensation (up to 30 days).
50. What are some key benefits of Income's Domestic Helper Insurance?
The Letter of Guarantee removes the need for an upfront hospital cash deposit at Singapore public hospitals. MediPass gives policyholders preferential rates for GP visits, specialist consultations, dental treatments, vaccinations, and the compulsory 6ME.
Pre-existing conditions are covered for helpers employed in Singapore for more than 12 consecutive months. Premiums start from S$0.60 a day, and the policy can be purchased and managed fully online through the My Income app.
1 Ministry of Manpower Singapore. (2025). Insurance requirements for migrant domestic workers. Retrieved from https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/eligibility-and-requirements/insurance-requirements
2 Ministry of Manpower Singapore. (2026). Security bond for migrant domestic workers. Retrieved from https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/eligibility-and-requirements/security-bond
3The application (“App”) is owned, hosted and managed by MY-INSURER PTE LTD, a service provider of Income Insurance Limited (“Income”). Income may from time to time change the service provider or terminate this service without prior notice. Income is not responsible for the contents of the App, the consequences of accessing the App, any transaction in the App and the services provided in the App. The App, the service and the benefits therein are not part of any insurance policy.
4 Covers pre-existing medical condition provided your domestic helper has been working in Singapore as a foreign domestic helper for more than 12 months in a row.
5 If you terminate your domestic helper’s employment because she is suffering from a serious sickness or serious injury, we will pay up to the maximum amount as shown in the relevant section of the your policy schedule up for:
a) the expenses charged by the employment agency for termination of your domestic helper’s employment; and
b) the costs of engaging a temporary helper or cleaning service within 30 days of the termination of your domestic helper
This article is meant purely for informational purposes and does not constitute an offer, recommendation, solicitation or advice to buy or sell any product(s). It should not be relied upon as financial advice. The precise terms, conditions and exclusions of any Income Insurance products mentioned are specified in their respective policy contracts. Please seek independent financial advice before making any decision.
These policies are protected under the Policy Owners’ Protection Scheme which is administered by the Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation (SDIC). Coverage for your policy is automatic and no further action is required from you. For more information on the types of benefits that are covered under the scheme as well as the limits of coverage, where applicable, please contact Income Insurance or visit the GIA/LIA or SDIC websites (www.gia.org.sg or www.lia.org.sg or www.sdic.org.sg).
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