Medical Insurance for Your Helper: A Legal Obligation in Singapore
In Singapore, it is a legal requirement for employers to purchase medical and personal accident insurance for their helpers, whether they are newly hired or transfer employees. This maid insurance must be in effect before the helper’s arrival or deployment to the employer’s residence.
What Are The Requirements For Purchase Of Medical Insurance For My Helper?
The policy must provide coverage for inpatient care and day surgery, with a minimum coverage amount of $60,000 per year, effective from July 1, 2023.
Employers must bear the cost of purchasing the insurance and should not pass this expense onto the helper. Compliance with these regulations ensures the well-being and safety of domestic helpers and fulfills employers’ legal obligations in Singapore.
Should I Get A Higher Insurance Plan For My Helper?
The Ministry of Manpower in Singapore strongly advises employers to consider purchasing additional insurance coverage for their helpers to offer increased protection against medical expenses. However, the decision to opt for a higher insurance plan ultimately depends on the employer’s budget and risk tolerance.
Employers should weigh the benefits of additional coverage against the associated costs to ensure alignment with their financial capabilities and preferences. Ultimately, employers are encouraged to make an informed decision based on their individual circumstances and priorities.
As An Employer, Am I Fully Responsible For My Maid’s Inpatient And Outpatient Costs?
Yes.
As an employer, you are indeed fully responsible for covering both the inpatient and outpatient treatment costs for your maid. This responsibility is outlined in the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, and it underscores your obligation to ensure that your maid receives necessary medical care, whether it’s for inpatient or outpatient treatment.
What Are The Requirements For Purchase Of Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) For My Helper?
The requirements for purchasing Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) for your helper are outlined by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to ensure adequate coverage and protection. Here’s a summary:
Minimum Sum Assured
The PAI policy must have a sum assured of at least $60,000 per year. This ensures sufficient coverage for potential accidents or injuries sustained by your helper during her employment.
Coverage Scope
The PAI should cover sudden, unforeseen, and unexpected incidents resulting in permanent disability or death. This coverage is crucial to provide financial assistance in the event of such unfortunate circumstances.
Exclusion Clauses
The PAI policy must not contain additional exclusion clauses beyond those outlined in the Employment of Foreign Manpower Regulations. This ensures that your helper receives the necessary coverage without unnecessary limitations or restrictions.
Compensation Payment
In the event of permanent disability or death, the compensation provided by the PAI must be payable to your maid or her beneficiaries. This ensures that the financial assistance reaches the intended recipients promptly.
Overall, purchasing Personal Accident Insurance for your helper is essential to fulfill your obligations as an employer, protect your helper’s well-being, and provide financial security for both parties in the event of unforeseen accidents or incidents.
How Much Does The New Enhanced Maid Insurance Cost?
The new enhanced Maid Insurance policy comes with a higher Medical Insurance Coverage for Hospital & Surgical Expenses, now at $60,000 per year compared to the previous coverage of $15,000 per year for policies effective before 1 July 2023. Consequently, the premiums for Maid Insurance policies have understandably increased.
Currently, the basic Maid Insurance policy costs are:
- $367.20 (including GST) for a 14-month period
- $550.80 for a 26-month period
Key Benefit Highlights of the enhanced Maid Insurance policy include:
- Worldwide coverage, including during home leave with a valid work permit
- Treatment by Licensed Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners registered with the Ministry of Health (MOH)
- Coverage for Day Surgery hospital expenses
- Coverage for communicable diseases or illnesses requiring hospitalization for quarantine or isolation, such as Covid-19, SARS, Tuberculosis, H1N1, Dengue Fever, and MERS
- Direct settlement with hospitals upon the admissibility of a claim, with a 25% co-payment if applicable
- Coverage for the first occurrence of mental conditions, including self-inflicted injuries arising from attempted suicide
- Personal Accident Medical Expenses limit applies on a per-accident basis, with no maximum annual or policy limit
These enhancements provide comprehensive coverage for employers, ensuring that their maid’s medical needs are adequately addressed in various situations.
