Maid insurance in Singapore is mandatory when you hire a migrant domestic worker. The policy protects you and your domestic helper in Singapore from high medical costs, accidents, and liability claims. The Ministry of Manpower requires valid coverage before issuing or renewing a maid work permit. If you want approval without delay, you must secure a compliant plan from the start.

What Is Maid Insurance

Maid insurance Singapore is a compulsory policy regulated by the Ministry of Manpower. Every MOM maid must be covered before she starts work. The insurance pays for hospitalization, surgery, personal accidents, and repatriation costs. Without this policy, MOM will not approve the maid's work permit.

This coverage protects you from sudden financial strain. Even a short hospital stay or a surgery would often cost thousands of dollars. If complications arise, the bill shoots up quickly. Insurance helps mitigate this risk away from your household budget.

MOM Mandatory Maid Insurance Requirements

The Ministry of Manpower sets clear conditions for every maid insurance Singapore policy. These rules apply before approval of a maid work permit and during renewal. Insurers structure their plans around these requirements. You must confirm compliance before making payment.

As of now (March 2026), medical insurance must provide at least S$60000 per year for inpatient care and surgery. Personal accident insurance must provide at least S$60000 for accidental death or permanent disability. Employers must also purchase a S$5000 security bond for each migrant  domestic worker. The security bond is often packaged by the insurer in the form of a letter of guarantee to MOM, so that the employer doesn’t have to park S$5000 cash with MOM as bond. Most insurers bundle these three components into one policy. For official requirements, visit MOM’s Maid Insurance Guide.

Types of Maid Insurance Plans

Insurers usually offer a few plans for employer’s selection, from basic plan to premium plan, catering to different needs. While a basic plan is sufficient to meet MOM requirements, a premium plan provides better coverage and a higher insured amount for the employer's peace of mind. Most 2-year insurance plans cost between $400-800 (one time).  

Key Areas to Consider When Selecting Insurance Plan

1. Hospitalization and Surgery Coverage

This is the most important coverage in a maid insurance plan. Medical costs in Singapore continue to rise, and complex treatment increases total bills quickly. While minimum MOM requirement for the coverage is S$60000/ annum, higher insured amounts and limits  reduce the risk of co-payment from your own funds during major medical events. Strong hospitalization coverage protects your savings and ensures your foreign domestic worker receives proper treatment without delay. Most basic plans require employers to co-pay a certain % of hospitalization & surgery cost if it exceeds a certain claim amount. So it’s recommended to opt for a plan without this co-payment requirement.

Some plans also provide daily wage and levy compensation if your helper is hospitalized as an inpatient. This can be helpful to alleviate the costs to employers.

2. Personal Accident Coverage

The personal accident insurance purchased for your helper must meet all of these requirements: (a) Have a sum assured of at least $60,000 per year. (b) Cover sudden, unforeseen and unexpected incidents resulting in permanent disability or death. This is to protect your helper and her family by providing a lump sum compensation if she suffers from permanent disability or passes away due to an accident. The compensation must be made payable to your helper or her beneficiaries. A premium plan will provide higher coverage, and some will also cover treatment by TCM. A good insurance plan should provide worldwide coverage for personal accidents, as some employers bring their helpers along for overseas trips.

3. Repatriation coverage

Ensure the policy covers airfare and related transport costs if your migrant  domestic worker cannot continue employment due to death, permanent disablement, or other critical condition as set out in the insurance policy. . Without this coverage, you must pay travel expenses from your own pocket. It can cost close to or even more than  S$10000. Repatriation benefits reduce unexpected financial strain during difficult situations.

4. Third-party and employer liability coverage

Third party liability protects you if your domestic helper Singapore accidentally causes injury to someone or damages property. Employer liability coverage supports legal expenses if disputes arise during employment. These protections address real risks faced by households and reduce financial exposure from unforeseen incidents. Including liability coverage strengthens your overall risk management strategy.

How to Choose the Right Maid Insurance

1. You should follow a structured process when selecting maid insurance in Singapore. 1) Verify MOM compliance. Confirm that the plan meets medical, personal accident, and security bond requirements for a MOM maid.
2. Compare premiums and coverage limits side by side. A small premium difference often leads to a large coverage difference.
3.  Understand the claim process. Choose an insurer which  allows online submission.
4. Read the exclusions carefully. Check for limits on preexisting conditions, pregnancy-related claims, & etc.
5. Consult a maid agency. They have handled many cases, and will be able to share the plan that provides better coverage, and also the more popular plan based on the employer’s selection.

Common Mistakes Employers Make

Many employers focus only on the cheapest price and ignore coverage limits or exclusions. This often leads to higher out-of-pocket costs when medical issues happen. Some forget renewal dates, which can affect the maid work permit status. You can avoid these mistakes by using a simple comparison checklist and reviewing medical limits, accident coverage, bond inclusion, outpatient benefits, etc before choosing an insurance plan. Read the policy wordings carefully to make sure you understand the policy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: When should I buy maid insurance?
A: Before your helper arrives or renews her work permit.

Q2: Can I transfer the insurance to a new helper?
A: No. Each helper needs a separate policy.

Q3: What if I failed to buy an insurance/ security bond?
A:  Helpers will be denied entry if they are coming from overseas. For local helpers, their work permit cannot be issued/ renewed without a valid insurance plan.

Q4: How do I file a claim?
Contact your insurer’s claims department, submit medical invoices, and include your helper’s work permit details. (refer to the insurer's claim process).

 

Protect Your Household with the Right Coverage

Maid insurance Singapore is a legal requirement for every employer who hires a migrant domestic worker, and you must secure compliant coverage before the maid work permit is approved. Minimum plans cover basic risks, while comprehensive plans provide stronger financial protection against high medical costs. To protect your household, compare coverage limits, exclusions, and claim processes carefully. Even small premium differences can mean large differences in benefits, so base your decision on real medical costs and claim efficiency rather than price alone.

Protect your helper and yourself today. You may contact our agency, Green Employment Pte. Ltd. (MOM EA Licence No: 21C0720) to get a free quote and consultation here.

[Disclaimer by Green Employment: Above information and figures are for reference only. For most updated and accurate information, please refer to the MOM website/ Insurance policy wording/ other relevant sources, or consult our recruitment consultants.]