Hiring a foreign domestic worker (FDW) in Singapore comes with important responsibilities, one of the most crucial being maid insurance. Whether you’re a first-time employer or renewing a contract, it’s essential to understand what’s required by law, what coverage to look for, and how to avoid common pitfalls. This guide breaks it all down to help you make informed, compliant decisions with confidence.
Is Maid Insurance Mandatory in Singapore?
Yes, maid insurance is mandatory in Singapore if you’re hiring a foreign domestic worker (FDW). According to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), employers are legally required to purchase both medical insurance and personal accident insurance before the FDW can begin work. This requirement is directly tied to the issuance of the Work Permit, and without valid insurance in place, your helper cannot legally begin their employment.
The insurance must include medical coverage for inpatient care and day surgery. For policies that started before 1 July 2023, the minimum annual coverage is $5,000. For those starting on or after that date, the minimum is $60,000 per year, as part of the Ministry of Manpower’s ongoing efforts to improve medical insurance for foreign workers.
This enhancement of maid insurance requirements is being implemented in stages. From 1 July 2025, new policies must also include standardised exclusions, age-based premiums, and direct hospital reimbursement to further strengthen employer protection and simplify claims.
In addition to medical insurance, employers must also purchase personal accident insurance with a minimum coverage of $60,000 to protect against accidental death or permanent disability.
Importantly, the insurance must be active before your helper arrives in Singapore and should cover the full duration of their Work Permit.
Employers are also not allowed to pass the cost of this insurance on to the FDW.
In short, maid insurance isn’t just a formality; it’s a legal requirement that protects both you and your maid, making MOM’s guidelines essential to follow from the very start of the hiring process.
What’s Changing in 2025?
Starting 1 July 2025, all maid insurance policies (and other Work Permit or S Pass insurance plans) must meet new MOM requirements aimed at improving protection and simplifying claims.
These include:
- Standardised exclusion clauses across insurers for more transparency.
- Age-based premiums (different rates for helpers above or below age 50).
- Direct hospital reimbursement, so employers don’t have to pay upfront and claim later.
These Stage 2 enhancements build on the current S$60,000 minimum coverage and co-payment structure introduced in 2023. If your helper’s insurance policy starts on or after 1 July 2025, make sure it complies with the latest guidelines.
What Does Maid Insurance Typically Cover?
Maid insurance is designed to protect both the employer and the foreign domestic worker (FDW) from unexpected medical and personal incidents during the employment period. While coverage can vary slightly depending on the insurer and the plan you choose, most policies in Singapore include a few key components as required by MOM.
At the core of every policy is medical insurance, which covers hospitalisation expenses such as inpatient care and day surgery. This allows your helper to access necessary treatment without leaving you to carry the full financial burden of a serious illness or injury.
Another key component is personal accident insurance, which provides a lump sum payout in the event of accidental death or permanent disability. This benefit offers a layer of financial security for the helper or their family, should the worst happen.
Beyond the basics, many insurance providers offer additional features such as:
- Outpatient medical coverage for common illnesses or injuries
- Repatriation expenses, covering the cost of sending the helper home due to illness, injury, or death
- Wage compensation, which helps cover salary payments if your helper is hospitalised and unable to work
- Third-party liability, which protects you in case your helper accidentally causes damage to property or injury to someone else
While a basic plan will meet MOM’s minimum requirements, a more comprehensive policy can offer greater protection and often comes with only a tolerable increase in premium. Reviewing what’s included in each plan helps ensure you’re getting the right level of coverage for your household’s needs.
Key Policy Features to Look For
With numerous maid insurance plans available in Singapore, we know that choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. While all policies must meet MOM’s minimum requirements, the level of coverage and added benefits can vary significantly between insurers. Knowing what to look for helps you make a more informed decision, not just for legal compliance, but for real peace of mind.
Coverage Duration and Flexibility
Start by checking the coverage amount and duration. Most insurers offer either 14- or 26-month plans. A 26-month plan may cost slightly more upfront, but often includes a pro-rated refund if you cancel early due to contract termination or transfer.
Claim Limits and Exclusions
Next, review the claim limits and exclusions. Some policies apply sub-limits to different types of medical treatment or only cover certain conditions. Be sure the plan offers sufficient inpatient coverage and a straightforward claim process. It’s also worth checking if the insurer provides direct billing to hospitals, which can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses during emergencies.
Wage Compensation and Repatriation
Consider whether the plan includes wage compensation, which helps cover your helper’s salary if they are hospitalised and unable to work. Repatriation coverage is another important feature, especially if your helper needs to return home due to a serious illness or accident.
Optional Add-ons
Lastly, look at optional add-ons such as outpatient medical coverage or third-party liability. While not mandatory, these extras can offer valuable protection and help avoid unexpected costs.
Choosing a plan with the right mix of mandatory and optional benefits ensures you’re not just meeting MOM’s requirements but also protecting your home, your maid, and yourself in the process.
Cost of Maid Insurance in Singapore
The cost of maid insurance in Singapore typically ranges from S$250 to S$500 for a 26-month policy (before GST), depending on the coverage level and insurer. These plans are designed to cover the full duration of your maid’s two-year Work Permit, plus an additional two-month buffer as required by MOM.
While 14-month policies are available, 26-month plans often offer better value; not only do they provide longer coverage, but they’re also more cost-effective in the long run, working out to be around 20-30% cheaper on an annual basis. If you’re planning to employ your helper for the full contract term, a 26-month policy is usually the better choice.
When and How to Buy Maid Insurance
If you’re hiring a foreign domestic worker (FDW) in Singapore, timing your maid insurance purchase is crucial. The Ministry of Manpower requires insurance to be in place before your helper arrives and before the Work Permit can be issued. This means you should start exploring your options as soon as you’ve received in-principle approval (IPA) from MOM.
Most employers purchase a 26-month plan to align with the standard 2-year employment contract and the additional 2-month buffer required by MOM. Once you’ve selected a plan, you’ll need to submit the insurance details online through MOM’s Work Permit portal.
The process can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time employers, but that’s where we come in.
At IPG, we help employers find the right maid insurance plan to meet MOM’s requirements and match your household’s specific needs. Whether you’re looking for essential coverage or a plan with added protection like wage compensation and outpatient care, our team makes the process fast, compliant, and hassle-free.
Need to secure maid insurance now? Get started here or speak with our team for a free consultation.
Buying maid insurance isn’t just about ticking a box—it’s about giving both you and your helper the peace of mind to start this working relationship on the right foot.
Quick checklist on buying Maid Insurance:
- Receive In-Principle Approval (IPA) from MOM.
- Compare and choose a policy–consider coverage duration, benefits, and exclusions.
👉Need help? Talk to IPG for advice tailored to your needs.
- If hiring a transfer helper:
- Confirm the transfer date agreed with the current employer.
- Ensure insurance is bought before the new Work Permit is issued.
- Provide updated insurance details to MOM via the WP Online portal. Buy the insurance before your helper enters Singapore.
- If hiring a new helper from overseas:
- Buy the insurance before your helper enters Singapore.
- Submit the insurance details to MOM via the WP Online portal.
- Submit the insurance details to MOM via the WP Online portal.
- Keep a copy of your policy for future reference and claims.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While maid insurance is a requirement in Singapore, it’s easy for employers (especially first-timers) to overlook a few important details that could lead to gaps in coverage, added costs, or even delays in processing a Work Permit. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid when buying maid insurance:
1. Waiting Too Long to Buy Insurance
One of the most frequent missteps is delaying the purchase of insurance until the last minute. MOM requires your maid’s insurance policy to be in effect before the maid arrives in Singapore. If there’s no valid coverage in place, her entry or work arrangement may be delayed, affecting your hiring timeline.
2. Choosing the Cheapest Policy Without Understanding Coverage
Not all insurance plans are created equal. While basic plans meet minimum MOM requirements, they may come with low claim limits, exclusions, or lack important benefits like wage compensation or repatriation coverage. Opting for the cheapest option without reviewing the fine print could cost you more in the long run.
3. Overlooking Exclusions and Sub-Limits
Some policies have specific exclusions or sub-limits on what they’ll pay for certain types of medical treatment or claims. Always read the policy details to understand what’s covered—and what’s not. This helps prevent surprises when you need to file a claim.
4. Not Submitting Insurance Details to MOM
Buying the policy is only part of the process—you also need to submit your maid’s insurance details to MOM via the WP Online portal. Failing to do this can hold up the issuance or renewal of the Work Permit.
5. Forgetting to Renew on Time
If you’re renewing your helper’s contract, don’t forget to renew her insurance as well. Coverage must be continuous for the full duration of the Work Permit. A lapse could leave both you and your maid unprotected during that period.
Avoiding these common pitfalls ensures that you’re not only compliant with MOM regulations but also well-prepared to support your helper throughout her employment. And if you’re ever unsure, IPG is here to guide you through the process–from choosing the right policy to submitting it properly and staying on top of renewals.