Is maid insurance compulsory?
Yes. The Ministry of Manpower requires employers to buy insurance for any foreign domestic helper they hire, to cover work-related accidents and medical costs. You must buy this when hiring a new maid or renewing her permit. As the employer, you must also bear the full costs.
And with effect from 1 January 2021, it is required by the Ministry of Manpower that all Long Term Pass Holders (Including Foreign Domestic Workers) returning to or entering Singapore are responsible for their inpatient medical bills if they develop COVID-19 symptoms or tested positive within 14 days upon their arrival in or return to Singapore
Why is maid insurance important?
Apart from being a legal requirement, maid insurance is important as your helper’s job scope does include some occupational hazards. Should she meet with an unfortunate accident, the insurance payout would help support her family back home. Some maid insurance plans also cover additional outpatient medical costs and third-party liabilities (which you would otherwise be obliged to bear).
What is third party liability?
Third party liability coverage helps employers to cover any expenses incurred as a result of your maid causing accidental injury or death to any third party. This also includes accidental damage to any third parties’ properties, as committed by your domestic helper.
Find out what to look out for in a maid insurance policy here.
How long do maid insurance plans last?
Most maid insurance plans last either 14 or 26 months, to correspond with either a one-year or two-year term of service, plus two months. The extra two months’ coverage is a MOM requirement to protect your maid after her work permit expires. A 14-month plan is lower-commitment while a 26-month plan usually works out to be cheaper.
More promotions to help you save on maid insurance premiums here.