Maid Diagnosed with a Serious Illness (Dread Disease)
Hearing that your maid has been diagnosed with a serious illness (sometimes called a dread disease) can be overwhelming. This guide helps Singapore employers understand what to do next — from medical care and insurance to employment decisions, repatriation and replacement planning.
At a glance
As an FDW employer, you are responsible for your helper’s medical care and well-being during her employment, according to Work Permit conditions and MOM guidelines. At the same time, you also have to ensure that your household continues to receive the support it needs.
This guide will walk you through:
- Key things to understand about serious illness and your obligations
- Practical steps when a diagnosis is first confirmed
- How to work with your maid agency and insurance provider
- Options around treatment, repatriation and replacement
Understanding serious illness & your responsibilities
“Dread disease” is a common term for major illnesses such as cancer, stroke, heart disease or organ failure. Exact definitions and coverage will depend on the insurance policy you purchased for your helper.
As an employer in Singapore, you should note that:
- You are responsible for her medical care required in Singapore during employment.
- You must maintain valid maid insurance that meets MOM’s minimum requirements.
- You are expected to ensure she receives timely medical attention when unwell.
At the same time, serious illness raises difficult questions:
- Is she medically fit to continue working?
- Where is the best place for her to receive long-term treatment — Singapore or her home country?
- What costs are covered by insurance and what might you need to pay out-of-pocket?
Immediate steps after a serious illness diagnosis
When a serious illness is suspected or diagnosed, you can follow this structured approach.
Ensure medical assessment and stabilisation
If your helper is unwell:
- Bring her to a registered doctor or hospital for proper evaluation.
- Follow the doctor’s advice on tests, treatment and any need for hospitalisation.
- Keep copies of medical reports, test results and bills.
Your first priority is her health and safety — even if you are already thinking about future arrangements.
Obtain a clear medical report, if possible
Ask the doctor or hospital for:
- A brief medical report or memo summarising the diagnosis and condition.
- Comments on whether she is currently fit to work, and any restrictions on duties.
- Estimated treatment plan (e.g. surgery, chemotherapy, long-term medication).
This information is useful for insurance claims, MOM queries and discussions with your maid agency.
Review your maid insurance policy
Look for:
- Hospitalisation and surgical coverage limits.
- Any specific coverage or exclusions related to serious or pre-existing conditions.
- Steps for making a claim and documents required.
If you are unsure, contact the insurer or your agent to clarify how the policy responds in your helper’s situation.
Inform your maid agency as early as possible
Share with your agency:
- The diagnosis and medical report (where appropriate and with sensitivity).
- Doctor’s advice on fitness for work.
- Your concerns about treatment, costs and care for your family.
A responsible agency will help you understand employment options, replacement possibilities and repatriation arrangements in line with MOM rules and your package.
Talk with your helper in a supportive, honest way
She may be frightened and worried about her family back home. When emotions allow:
- Explain what the doctor shared, in simple terms she can understand.
- Ask about her wishes — treatment in Singapore or home country, family involvement, etc.
- Assure her that you are trying to handle the situation responsibly and within the rules.
Working with your maid agency & insurance provider
Serious illness cases can be complex. You do not have to handle everything alone — your maid agency and insurance provider are important partners.
1. How your maid agency can help
A responsible agency like Honest Recruiter can:
- Review your service agreement and explain what support is included.
- Advise on employment options — whether she can continue working, needs lighter duties, or should stop.
- Coordinate with her family, where appropriate, on treatment and repatriation discussions.
- Assist with replacement planning if your family still requires help at home.
2. Making an insurance claim
When contacting the insurer:
- Provide policy details, medical reports and itemised bills.
- Ask about coverage limits, deductibles and co-payments.
- Clarify which expenses can be claimed and which cannot.
Every policy is different, so it is important not to assume — get clear answers in writing where possible.
3. Clarifying MOM requirements
Depending on the severity of the illness and doctor’s opinion, it may become a question of whether your helper is medically fit to continue working as an FDW. In such cases:
- Refer to the latest MOM Work Permit guidelines.
- Seek clarification from MOM if you are unsure about the correct procedure.
- Keep your agency informed of any instructions given by MOM.
Planning care, replacement & repatriation
Once the initial shock settles, you will need a medium-term plan that balances your helper’s health and your household’s needs.
1. Deciding where treatment should take place
Factors to consider:
- Doctor’s recommendation on urgency and complexity of treatment.
- Insurance coverage and expected out-of-pocket costs in Singapore.
- Whether she has family support in Singapore or mainly back home.
In some cases, repatriation for treatment in her home country may be more realistic; in others, initial treatment in Singapore is necessary first.
2. Replacement and interim help for your household
If your helper cannot continue working:
- Discuss replacement options with your agency, according to your package.
- Consider temporary solutions such as HSS part-time cleaners or short-term arrangements.
- Plan the timing of any replacement so that your family is minimally disrupted.
3. Handling salary, leave and final payments
Serious illness cases may involve:
- Salary up to the last day of work.
- Reimbursement of approved medical expenses not covered by insurance.
- Any agreed ex-gratia or compassionate support, if you choose to provide it (optional).
Your agency and, where needed, professional advice can help ensure payments are handled fairly and clearly.
4. Emotional support and dignity
Remember that your helper is a person facing a life-changing diagnosis. Where possible:
- Treat her with kindness and respect, even if you must end employment.
- Avoid blame or harsh words — illness is rarely anyone’s “fault”.
- Give her space to speak with her family and process the news.
Frequently asked questions
- Review your case details and service agreement.
- Guide you on practical next steps in line with MOM rules.
- Coordinate with the helper, her family and, where appropriate, the insurer.
- Assist with replacement and transition planning so your household remains supported.
