Hiring a maid in Singapore is no longer just a luxury – it has become a lifeline for many families. Whether it’s taking care of young children, looking after elderly parents, or simply managing the house when both husband and wife are working, a Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) makes a big difference.
Hiring a domestic helper in Singapore is more than just “extra hands” at home – it’s about making family life manageable, especially when there are young children, elderly parents, or when both husband and wife are working long hours.
But here’s one thing many first-time employers don’t realize: before your maid can even start work, you must buy Maid Insurance Singapore. And no, it’s not just another box to tick off. It’s a must-have for both legal and practical reasons. Before your new helper from an Indonesian Maid Agency Singapore or Myanmar Maid Agency Singapore can even start work, there’s one non-negotiable requirement: Maid Insurance Singapore.
This article will walk you through what maid insurance really means, why it’s important, what it covers, and even share some real-life examples so you’ll know why it matters more than you think.
And here’s the truth: maid insurance isn’t just another “extra cost”. It’s protection – for your helper, and for you.
What Exactly is Maid Insurance in Singapore?
Hiring a maid is not just about convenience—it comes with responsibilities. Think of it as a safety net. If your helper gets sick, injured, or needs hospitalization, maid insurance helps to pay for the bills so you don’t have to shoulder everything yourself.
By law, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) requires all employers to buy a maid insurance plan before the helper’s work permit is approved. This is not optional.
Typical maid insurance covers three main areas:
👉Medical Coverage: Hospital bills, surgery costs, specialist visits (depending on the plan).
👉Personal Accident Insurance: Compensation if your helper suffers serious injury or death.
👉Security Bond : A financial guarantee to MOM (unless your helper is Malaysian).
Why is Maid Insurance So Important?
Here’s the “down-to-earth” reason: Singapore’s medical costs are not cheap. A single hospital stay for dengue, appendicitis, or even a bad fall can easily run into thousands of dollars.
Without maid insurance, that money comes straight from your pocket.
With insurance:
‼️Your helper gets proper treatment without delay.
‼️You, as an employer, won’t be caught off guard by a sudden five-figure medical bill.
‼️Both sides feel more secure, knowing there’s financial support if something happens.
In other words, maid insurance is peace of mind.
Here’s why Maid Insurance Singapore is so important:
1. Compliance with MOM Regulations
Employers are legally required to purchase maid insurance before the helper’s work permit is issued. Without it, you cannot employ a domestic helper.
2. Protects Employers from High Medical Bills
Medical treatments and hospitalization in Singapore can be costly. Maid insurance helps cover these expenses so employers are not burdened with unexpected financial strain.
3. Protects the Helper’s Well-Being
With medical and accident coverage, the maid has peace of mind knowing she is protected while working in Singapore. This also improves job satisfaction and loyalty.
4. Reduces Employer’s Risk
In case of accidents, injuries, or unforeseen events, employers are financially safeguarded.
Sure, everyone knows it covers hospitalization. But many don’t realize there are other hidden benefits:
✅ Hospitalization & Surgery Coverage – Covers medical expenses in government and private hospitals.
✅ Daily Wages Compensation – If your helper is hospitalized and can’t work, some policies reimburse her salary during that period.
✅ Repatriation Costs – Covers the cost of sending the helper back to her home country if medically unfit or in the event of death.
✅ Third-Party Liability – Protects employers if the helper accidentally causes damage or injury to others. If your maid accidentally damages someone else’s property or causes an accident, you’re protected.
✅ Outpatient Coverage (optional add-on) – Doctor visits, X-rays, and specialist consultations. Some policies include specialist visits and follow-ups.
✅ COVID-19 & Communicable Disease Coverage (in newer policies) – Especially important after the pandemic.👉 Here’s a scenario: Imagine your helper gets admitted for dengue fever. Hospital bill: $7,500. With a proper insurance plan, most (if not all) of it will be covered. Without insurance, you’d be the one footing the bill.
What to Consider When Choosing Maid Insurance
Not all insurance plans are equal. Here’s what’s worth considering:
🔹 Coverage Amount – Ensure it meets MOM’s requirements. MOM requires at least $60,000 for hospitalization, but some plans go up to $80,000 or even $100,000. The difference in premium is usually small, but the peace of mind is huge.
🔹 Add-On Coverage – Some employers may opt for higher-tier insurance plans for more comprehensive coverage. Outpatient, dental, and special riders are worth looking at if you want full coverage.
🔹 Length of Plan – You can choose 14 or 26 months. If you plan to keep your helper long-term, the 26-month option usually saves you more.
🔹 Premiums & Affordability – Balance between affordable premiums and adequate protection.
🔹 Ease of Claims – Cheap insurance isn’t always the best. Look for a provider with smooth, fast claims – you don’t want to fight with paperwork when your helper is in the hospital. Reputation of the Insurance Provider is crucial– Choose a reliable provider with good customer service and fast claims processing.
Role of Maid Agencies in Insurance
- 1️⃣Recommend the right insurance plan based on your needs.
- 2️⃣Handling the paperwork and insurance submissions to MOM.
- 3️⃣Ensuring compliance with government requirements. Advise you on add-ons (especially if your helper has a medical history).
- 4️⃣Ensure you don’t miss out on important coverage. Advising on additional protections based on the maid’s medical history
How Maid Agencies Help With Insurance:
A reliable Maid Agency Singapore doesn’t just help match you with a suitable maid. They also play an important role in guiding employers through the insurance process.
Whether you are hiring from an Indonesian Maid Agency Singapore or a Myanmar Maid Agency Singapore, agencies can help with::
🔹Recommend the right insurance plan based on your needs.
🔹Handling the paperwork and insurance submissions to MOM.
🔹Ensuring compliance with government requirements. Advise you on add-ons (especially if your helper has a medical history).
🔹Ensure you don’t miss out on important coverage. Advising on additional protections based on the maid’s medical history.
For example, whether you hire through an Indonesian Maid Agency Singapore or a Myanmar Maid Agency Singapore, the agency will guide you through the insurance requirements so you don’t have to stress about compliance.
FAQs on Maid Insurance Singapore
1. Is maid insurance compulsory in Singapore?
Yes, by MOM law. No insurance = no work permit approval. All employers must purchase maid insurance before hiring a helper.
2. How much does maid insurance cost in Singapore?
The cost varies depending on the coverage and provider, typically ranging from $200 to $400 for 14 months, depending on coverage.
3. Is basic coverage enough?
It meets MOM’s requirements, but if you want true peace of mind, go for higher-tier coverage (hospitalization bills can easily exceed $60,000).
4. Can I transfer maid insurance to a new maid if I change my helper / my current one leaves?
Yes, some insurers allow the transfer, but it depends on the provider’s policy. Please always check the terms before buying.
5. What happens if my maid falls seriously ill?
The insurance will cover hospitalization and treatment costs up to the policy limit. If repatriation is required, the insurance also covers related expenses.
6. What if my maid gets pregnant or has a pre-existing condition?
Most insurance policies won’t cover these, so employers should be aware and consult the agency before hiring.
💫Top 6 Questions to Ask Before Buying Maid Insurance in Singapore
1. Top 5 Questions to Ask Before Buying Maid Insurance in Singapore?
MOM requires a minimum of $60,000 for inpatient and surgical coverage. But is that really enough?
❇️ A serious accident or illness (like stroke, pneumonia, or appendicitis) can easily exceed $60,000.
❇️ Premium plans often cover up to $80,000 or even $100,000, giving you more breathing room.
👉 Tip: Always compare the coverage limit, not just the price. A $50–$80 difference in premium can save you thousands later.
2. Does It Cover Outpatient and Specialist Visits?
Many basic policies only cover hospitalization. But what if your helper needs regular follow-ups, X-rays, or specialist consultations?
❇️Basic Plan: Hospitalization only.
❇️Premium Plan: May include outpatient care and follow-ups.
👉 Tip: If your helper is caring for young kids or elderly parents (high exposure to illness), outpatient coverage is worth considering.
3. What Happens if My Helper is Unable to Work?
If your maid is hospitalized for weeks, two big questions come up:
❇️ Who pays her salary during that period?
❇️ Do I still need to pay the maid levy?
Some insurance policies cover:
❇️ Wage reimbursement – pays her salary while she recovers.
❇️ Levy reimbursement – refunds your maid levy during hospitalization.
👉 Tip: This is a feature many employers overlook, but it can save you hundreds.
4. Is Third-Party Liability Included?
Accidents happen. What if your helper:
❇️ Breaks a neighbour’s window by mistake?
❇️ Causes an accident while running errands?
Third-party liability insurance protects you from being financially responsible in such cases.
👉 Tip: Look for at least $5,000–$10,000 in third-party liability coverage.
5. Can the Policy Be Transferred to a New Helper?
Life is unpredictable. Sometimes, a helper doesn’t work out, and you need to hire another one through your Maid Agency Singapore.
👉 Before buying insurance, ask:
❇️ Can I transfer the policy to my new maid?
❇️ Will there be any penalties or admin charges?
This flexibility can save you from buying a brand-new policy mid-way.
6. Does It Cover Communicable Diseases Like COVID-19?
After the pandemic, more insurers started including coverage for communicable diseases. This can be very important, especially for helpers working with elderly family members.
At the end of the day, maid insurance is not just another “MOM requirement”. It’s a safety net – for you, your helper, and your family.
Maid insurance is not just another piece of paperwork. It’s a promise – that you’ll look after your helper if something unexpected happens. At the same time, it’s also your protection against huge medical bills.
If you think about it: a few hundred dollars for maid insurance can protect you from tens of thousands in unexpected medical bills. More importantly, it shows your helper that you care about her well-being, which often results in better trust and loyalty.
So whether you’re engaging an Indonesian Maid Agency Singapore or a Myanmar Maid Agency Singapore, don’t just ask about placement fees. Ask about insurance too – because that’s where the real protection lies. Make sure you speak to your agency about the right insurance plan for your situation.
At the end of the day, when your helper feels secure and cared for, she’ll be more motivated to do her job well – and that’s a win-win for both employer and maid.
👉 Pro tip for employers:
Treat maid insurance as an investment, not an expense. It gives you peace of mind, and it protects the person who helps take care of your home and loved ones.
📲 Contact us Now‼️ for regular updates and expert advice.
Hiring a foreign domestic helper comes with legal rules. At Ready Employment, we make sure all our hires follow the Ministry of Manpower’s guidelines. We also focus on fair hiring, treating each maid with respect and upholding their rights.
A clear employment contract outlining the terms and conditions is established to protect both parties.
- Rules for hiring foreign domestic helpers
- Follow the Ministry of Manpower’s rules
- Focus on fair hiring practices
- Treat maids with respect and fairness
- Create a clear job contract
When we think of hiring a domestic helper, most people focus on finding the “perfect maid.” But the truth is, even the most skilled helper needs guidance, support, and the right environment to truly thrive. In fact, many experienced maid agencies in Singapore agree: a successful employer is key to creating the best maid.
Here’s why the employer-helper relationship matters so much — and how your approach as an employer can make all the difference.
When we think of hiring a domestic helper, most people focus on finding the “perfect maid.” But the truth is, even the most skilled helper needs guidance, support, and the right environment to truly thrive. In fact, many experienced maid agencies in Singapore agree: a successful employer is key to creating the best maid.
Here’s why the employer-helper relationship matters so much — and how your approach as an employer can make all the difference.
Why the Employer’s Role is Crucial
Hiring a maid is not just about delegating tasks. It’s about building a working relationship based on mutual respect, communication, and trust. Even if your helper has prior experience, she will still need time to adapt to your household’s specific routines, preferences, and expectations.
The best maid agency can provide you with a well-trained helper, but it is your daily interaction, feedback, and guidance that shapes how successful and long-lasting the placement will be.
A good relationship between employers and maids is based on respect and understanding. Our agency provides training to help maids adjust to Singaporean culture. This helps create a happy home.
Talking openly is important. Regular talks about chores can stop confusion.
- Mutual respect and understanding are important for good employer-maid relationships.
- The agency trains maids to help them fit into Singaporean culture.
- We aim to create harmony in homes.
- Open communication is essential.
Ready Employment – Your Best Maid Agency in Singapore makes hiring a foreign helper much easier.
Our team is trained and dedicated to helping you. You can trust us to find the right maid who will make everyone in your family smile.