Maid Insurance in Singapore Explained (2025)
A clear, practical guide to maid insurance in Singapore — what it is, MOM’s minimum requirements, what it should cover, how much it typically costs, and how to choose the right plan to protect both your helper and your family.
At a glance
In Singapore, maids are officially known as Migrant Domestic Workers (MDWs) or Foreign Domestic Workers (FDWs). Before MOM approves a Work Permit, you must buy maid insurance that meets MOM’s minimum requirements.
This guide explains:
- What maid insurance is and why it is compulsory
- MOM’s minimum insurance requirements for FDW employers
- The key components of a typical maid insurance policy
- Typical costs and what affects the premium
- How to choose the right plan for your family
- Common mistakes to avoid and answers to FAQs
MOM’s minimum maid insurance requirements
MOM sets the minimum coverage that all maid insurance plans must provide. Exact numbers can change, so you should always refer to MOM’s website for the latest figures, but in general employers must ensure:
- Personal accident cover with at least a minimum sum assured if your helper suffers accidental death or permanent disability.
- Hospitalisation and surgical coverage for inpatient treatment and surgery in Singapore, up to at least a minimum limit.
- A S$5,000 security bond furnished to MOM (for non-Malaysian helpers), usually arranged by the insurer on your behalf.
Most insurers clearly state that their plan is MOM-compliant for FDW insurance. Always check this before you purchase.
If the bond is forfeited because MOM rules are not followed, the insurer may recover the amount from you. Having insurance does not remove your duty to comply with all FDW regulations.
How maid insurance works in practice
For most families, maid insurance is arranged together with Work Permit processing. Here’s how it typically works, especially when you engage a licensed agency like Honest Recruiter:
Understanding your obligations as an employer
MOM requires you to be responsible for your helper’s medical care and well-being. This includes:
- Paying for necessary medical treatment in Singapore
- Sending her for 6-monthly medical examinations (6ME)
- Providing safe accommodation, adequate rest and proper supervision
Maid insurance is there to help you meet these responsibilities without bearing the full financial burden alone.
Selecting a suitable insurance plan
You or your agency will compare different insurers and plans. Common considerations include:
- Hospitalisation and surgical coverage limits
- Personal accident sum assured
- Whether outpatient or day-surgery benefits are included
- Repatriation and wage compensation benefits
At Honest Recruiter, we help employers understand these differences in simple language so you are not choosing blindly based on price alone.
Issuing the policy and Work Permit
Once a plan is chosen and paid for:
- The maid insurance policy is issued in your name as the employer.
- The insurer provides the security bond to MOM (if required).
- MOM processes and issues the Work Permit, provided all other conditions are met.
Your policy documents will include the coverage details, exclusions and emergency contact numbers.
Using the coverage if your helper needs treatment
If your helper falls ill or is injured, you bring her to a clinic or hospital as needed. Depending on the policy:
- You may need to pay first and claim later, or
- The hospital may bill the insurer directly for eligible amounts
In emergencies, it is important to notify the insurer as soon as possible and follow their claims procedure.
Renewing or cancelling the policy
Maid insurance is usually purchased for 14, 24 or 26 months, aligned to the Work Permit duration. When the policy nears expiry, you will:
- Renew the plan or choose a new insurer, if you are continuing with the same helper
- Cancel the plan if the employment ends and your helper leaves Singapore
Some insurers may offer pro-rated refunds upon early cancellation, but this depends on the policy terms.
How to choose the right maid insurance plan
Not all maid insurance plans are the same. Beyond the premium, you should consider how much protection you actually get if your helper needs serious medical care.
1. Look at hospitalisation and surgical limits
- Check the annual and per-disability limits for inpatient treatment.
- Consider the type of hospital and ward you prefer (e.g. private vs restructured).
- Higher limits usually mean better protection, but also a slightly higher premium.
2. Consider personal accident coverage
Personal accident coverage pays a lump sum to your helper’s family if she suffers accidental death or permanent disability. Plans with higher sums assured offer better financial protection.
3. Check outpatient and day-surgery benefits
Some plans provide limited coverage for outpatient treatments or day-surgery. These can help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, but you should read the sub-limits and conditions carefully.
4. Review repatriation and wage benefits
Good plans include:
- Repatriation expenses if your helper can no longer work
- Wage compensation during hospitalisation
- Additional support if she passes away while employed
5. Understand exclusions and claim process
Always review:
- What is not covered (pre-existing conditions, certain activities, etc.)
- How to make a claim and what documents are needed
- Whether there is any excess or co-payment you must bear
Common mistakes employers make with maid insurance
Over the years, we’ve seen some common pitfalls that can be avoided with proper guidance:
- Choosing purely based on the lowest premium, without checking medical limits and exclusions.
- Assuming all medical bills are fully covered – every policy has limits and conditions.
- Not reading the policy wording, especially sections on exclusions and claim procedures.
- Forgetting to renew on time, which can affect Work Permit renewal.
- Not keeping policy documents and emergency numbers accessible in case of urgent situations.
