Maid insurance plays a crucial role in safeguarding the well-being and welfare of domestic helpers employed in Singapore. In mid 2023, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) enhanced its regulations with regard to medical insurance for foreign employees. These changes were implemented to protect the well-being of both employers and employees while keeping up with the rising costs of medical treatments due to inflation.
Here are some of the changes to expect.
Enhanced Medical Insurance Coverage
The biggest change to medical insurance regulations for all migrant workers, maids included, was the increase in medical coverage. The annual claim limit increased to a minimum of S$60,000, up from the previous S$15,000. This was implemented due to medical inflation and the rising costs of hospitalisation and medical expenses.
Employers are now also responsible for co-paying 25% of the amount above the first S$15,000. You would not have to pay out-of-pocket for any medical expenses that are less than S$15,000. This means that if your helper has a medical bill of $60,000, you will have to pay $$11,250 (25% of S$45,000). The remaining S$48,750 (75% of S$45,000) will be directly billed to your insurer.
This is in contrast to the previous system where employers had to pay the full medical bill upfront and then claim the covered amount (previously a minimum of only S$15,000 per year) from the insurer thereafter.
This change in regulation means that employers are better protected from large lump-sum payments for medical expenses. In 2021, a Filipino domestic helper fell critically ill due to severe blood poisoning, which resulted in over S$165,000 of medical costs. MOM’s goal with this regulation change is to prevent such unexpected medical emergencies from putting employers into financial duress or even forcing employers to take out expensive loans just to cover the necessary medical costs.
About 1,000 employers in 2022 faced medical bills outside of the old coverage limits. The new annual claim limit of S$60,000 covers 99% of all medical claims made for migrant domestic workers
2. Age-Differentiated Premiums
As of 1 July 2025, insurers will be required to offer lower premiums for maid insurance plans for maids who are below the age of 50. The majority of maids in Singapore are below the age of 50 years old and are hence less prone to injuries and illnesses. On the other hand, premiums are much higher for maids who are above the age of 50 as they are more likely to incur expensive medical expenses.
Considerations for Employers
Employers should explore insurance options offered by various providers to find the most suitable coverage for their specific requirements.
Here are some good maid insurance options to consider if you are looking to review your coverage.
Examples of Comprehensive Maid Insurance Plans
MSIG MaidPlus Standard
Consider this maid insurance plan if you want generous medical coverage and above average benefits for employment/termination.
Pros
- Benefits have above average limits
- High employer liability coverage
- Standard plan premiums cost below average
Cons
- Doesn't offer 14-month plans
- Classic and Premier plans don't stand out in cost
- Doesn't offer high 3rd party liability coverage
Tiq Maid Insurance
Consider this maid insurance plan if you have a healthy maid that doesn't require copious amounts of medical coverage
Pros
- Comprehensive benefits for wages compensation, levy reimbursement as well as termination and rehiring expenses
- Medical expense reimbursement in case abuse by maid
Cons
- No outpatient benefits
FWD Maid Insurance
Consider this maid insurance plan if you have a flexible budget and want a customisable policy
Pros
- Only insurer that directly pays MOM the S$5,000 security bond with no additional payment from the employer required
- 100% refund if plan is cancelled within 3 months of purchase
Cons
- Costs quickly stack up if add-on benefits are necessary
Conclusion
The changes to medical insurance requirements for migrant workers, as implemented by the Ministry of Manpower, are a significant step towards better protection and support for both employers and domestic helpers.
The enhanced medical insurance scheme, increased coverage limits, and direct billing to hospitals provide greater medical protection for maids in Singapore, as well as greater financial protection for employers who have to bear the cost of any medical treatments. Ultimately, these changes create a more equitable and caring environment for all parties involved.
If you are interested in exploring more maid insurance options, check out our results page of the best maid insurance plans in Singapore for more information.
Compare Maid Insurance PlansFind Out More
Read More:
- Average Cost of Hiring Domestic Help in Singapore 2024
- How to Find the Best Maid Insurance Plan
- Maid Insurance: Basic Plans vs. Premium Plans
- Maid Insurance: Is Purchasing the Waiver of Counter Indemnity Add-On Worth the Extra Cost?
- 4 Important Maid Insurance Exclusions You May Not Have Known About
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