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Maid insurance is a mandatory insurance policy for your FDW that provides medical, personal accident and liability coverage. Below, you can compare the best FDW insurance policies that our insurance experts found after thoroughly analysing the 50 policies currently available in Singapore based on price and level of coverage.
Since hiring a foreign domestic worker is already quite expensive, it is important to find a policy that not only provides good coverage, but also fits within your budget. Below, we have handpicked the cheapest, highest value, and most comprehensive policies to make choosing a maid insurance policy a little easier for you. All of the policies discussed below meet the Ministry of Manpower’s requirements for having at least S$60,000 personal accident and $15,000 hospitalization coverage and premiums include the waiver of counter indemnity.
Promotion:
We believe FWD’s Essential Maid Insurance plan will give customers the best value for their money while providing well-balanced coverage. First, this plan costs 20% below the average market rate for basic level policies. However, it provides more coverage than its competitors. These additional benefits include coverage for your maid’s belongings, liability coverage and up to S$3,000 of coverage in the event your maid harms you or your family.
FWD also offers a few other unique benefits. For example, it is the only domestic worker insurer that provides medical coverage for illness-related expenses beyond hospitalisation and accidents. Furthermore, FWD can also save you money on fees, as they reimburse you for FDW agency fees, offer a full refund for policy cancellation within the first 3 months, and include the bond waiver option for free (other insurers charge an additional S$53.50). Overall, this plan is a great option for people hiring a domestic worker for the first time and want a good balance of medical and non-medical coverage on a budget.
Promotion:
We believe FWD’s Essential Maid Insurance plan will give customers the best value for their money while providing well-balanced coverage. First, this plan costs 20% below the average market rate for basic level policies. However, it provides more coverage than its competitors. These additional benefits include coverage for your maid’s belongings, liability coverage and up to S$3,000 of coverage in the event your maid harms you or your family.
FWD also offers a few other unique benefits. For example, it is the only domestic worker insurer that provides medical coverage for illness-related expenses beyond hospitalisation and accidents. Furthermore, FWD can also save you money on fees, as they reimburse you for FDW agency fees, offer a full refund for policy cancellation within the first 3 months, and include the bond waiver option for free (other insurers charge an additional S$53.50). Overall, this plan is a great option for people hiring a domestic worker for the first time and want a good balance of medical and non-medical coverage on a budget.
MSIG’s MaidPlus Classic is a great option for people looking for above average medical coverage. It’s also a high value plan—for a premium that hovers around the industry average, your hospitalisation benefit will be 55% above average and you’ll have worldwide emergency medical and surgical expenses, S$2,000 of medical expense coverage and Dengue fever, accidental dental injury and TCM coverage (up to S$100 each). MSIG also provides a pro-rated payout for A wards and private hospitals, which can be helpful if you want your domestic worker to use your doctor.
MSIG also offers a wide variety of peace of mind coverage, including termination expenses, domestic worker belongings damage, re-hiring expenses and repatriation. With the exception of your worker’s belongings coverage and the 3rd party liability benefit, MaidPlus Classic benefits are well above the industry average. However, please note that this plan only provides 26-month plan options.
MSIG’s MaidPlus Classic is a great option for people looking for above average medical coverage. It’s also a high value plan—for a premium that hovers around the industry average, your hospitalisation benefit will be 55% above average and you’ll have worldwide emergency medical and surgical expenses, S$2,000 of medical expense coverage and Dengue fever, accidental dental injury and TCM coverage (up to S$100 each). MSIG also provides a pro-rated payout for A wards and private hospitals, which can be helpful if you want your domestic worker to use your doctor.
MSIG also offers a wide variety of peace of mind coverage, including termination expenses, domestic worker belongings damage, re-hiring expenses and repatriation. With the exception of your worker’s belongings coverage and the 3rd party liability benefit, MaidPlus Classic benefits are well above the industry average. However, please note that this plan only provides 26-month plan options.
If you already have a trusted, healthy domestic helper but are on a restricted budget, Etiqa’s eProtect Maid plan B is a great value maid insurance plan that will provide you and your foreign domestic worker with great protection. With all promotions included, Etiqa’s mid-tier Plan B stands out with a price of S$737 (for 26 months)—35.8% lower than its peer average, and even 27.9% lower than the market average of the most basic plans.
While its overall coverage amount isn’t the highest, it does offer some notable benefits. This includes S$65,000 of personal accident and death coverage, S$7,500 of domestic helper’s liability coverage in the event that the maid causes harm or injury, S$15 per day of hospital recuperation for your maid, S$450 of coverage for hiring temporary help while your maid is ill, protection for your family members against abuse and worldwide medical protection.
If you already have a trusted, healthy domestic helper but are on a restricted budget, Etiqa’s eProtect Maid plan B is a great value maid insurance plan that will provide you and your foreign domestic worker with great protection. With all promotions included, Etiqa’s mid-tier Plan B stands out with a price of S$737 (for 26 months)—35.8% lower than its peer average, and even 27.9% lower than the market average of the most basic plans.
While its overall coverage amount isn’t the highest, it does offer some notable benefits. This includes S$65,000 of personal accident and death coverage, S$7,500 of domestic helper’s liability coverage in the event that the maid causes harm or injury, S$15 per day of hospital recuperation for your maid, S$450 of coverage for hiring temporary help while your maid is ill, protection for your family members against abuse and worldwide medical protection.
The Great Eastern’s MaidGr8 Plan B is a great value option if you are looking to get high levels of liability protection for mid-range prices. For an around-the-market-average price of S$331.70 for 26 months, MaidGr8 offers 15% more liability and medical coverage compared to its competitors. Furthermore, due to the generous S$100,000 of third party liability coverage and S$5,000 of theft coverage, MaidGr8 is a great option for those looking to maximise protection against lawsuits and theft by your domestic helper.
The Great Eastern’s MaidGr8 Plan B is a great value option if you are looking to get high levels of liability protection for mid-range prices. For an around-the-market-average price of S$331.70 for 26 months, MaidGr8 offers 15% more liability and medical coverage compared to its competitors. Furthermore, due to the generous S$100,000 of third party liability coverage and S$5,000 of theft coverage, MaidGr8 is a great option for those looking to maximise protection against lawsuits and theft by your domestic helper.
The cheapest maid insurance for those on a restricted budget is Etiqa’s eProtectMaid Plan A, which costs 234.87 and S$166.10 for 26- and 14-month plans, respectively. Even though these prices are around 40% below the market average, Etiqa’s FDW insurance plans offer a good amount of coverage beyond the basic medical requirements. This includes a payment benefit for alternative domestic help if your foreign domestic worker gets hospitalised, S$5,000 of liability coverage if your FDW causes accidental harm and up to $250 in termination and re-hiring expenses. Lastly, there is also coverage for your children, elderly and disabled relatives in the unfortunate event of abuse.
It is worth mentioning that you can purchase Etiqa’s Plan A at an even cheaper price if you don’t want to add the waiver of indemnity option (if you have a Malaysian domestic worker, for instance), making it cost S$682. If you purchase the plan on a friday, you will be able to save an additional 5% off your policy.
The cheapest maid insurance for those on a restricted budget is Etiqa’s eProtectMaid Plan A, which costs 234.87 and S$166.10 for 26- and 14-month plans, respectively. Even though these prices are around 40% below the market average, Etiqa’s FDW insurance plans offer a good amount of coverage beyond the basic medical requirements. This includes a payment benefit for alternative domestic help if your foreign domestic worker gets hospitalised, S$5,000 of liability coverage if your FDW causes accidental harm and up to $250 in termination and re-hiring expenses. Lastly, there is also coverage for your children, elderly and disabled relatives in the unfortunate event of abuse.
It is worth mentioning that you can purchase Etiqa’s Plan A at an even cheaper price if you don’t want to add the waiver of indemnity option (if you have a Malaysian domestic worker, for instance), making it cost S$682. If you purchase the plan on a friday, you will be able to save an additional 5% off your policy.
For those who are looking for the most protection and are a bit more flexible with cost, we have come up with some of the top, most comprehensive policies on the market to ensure that you and your FDW are protected in case of any unforeseen accident or event.
Promotion:
For those who want coverage for almost any event possible, FWD’s Exclusive Maid Insurance policy is an optimal choice. FWD balances exceptional coverage for your foreign domestic helper and your home with temporary help coverage, recuperation benefits for your maid’s stay in the hospital, outpatient expenses, wage reimbursement, and a variety of liability coverages. Furthermore, their ambulance coverage is higher than the market average, dengue fever treatment is fully covered, and you can add up to S$30,000 in additional medical coverage.
Additionally, FWD offers add-ons for protection against fire, burglary and theft by your FDW for S$28, daily maid allowance if she is hospitalised, and outpatient medical expenses to see a doctor. These add-ons will mainly be a better option for those with a flexible budget, as they can quickly increase your total price by as much as $118.
Promotion:
For those who want coverage for almost any event possible, FWD’s Exclusive Maid Insurance policy is an optimal choice. FWD balances exceptional coverage for your foreign domestic helper and your home with temporary help coverage, recuperation benefits for your maid’s stay in the hospital, outpatient expenses, wage reimbursement, and a variety of liability coverages. Furthermore, their ambulance coverage is higher than the market average, dengue fever treatment is fully covered, and you can add up to S$30,000 in additional medical coverage.
Additionally, FWD offers add-ons for protection against fire, burglary and theft by your FDW for S$28, daily maid allowance if she is hospitalised, and outpatient medical expenses to see a doctor. These add-ons will mainly be a better option for those with a flexible budget, as they can quickly increase your total price by as much as S$118. Lastly, FWD also offers up to S$25,000 of hospitalisation coverage in the event your domestic helper gets diagnosed with COVID-19, a great peace of mind benefit during the current climate.
MSIG’s MaidPlus Premier provides a plethora of benefits, many of which have higher than average limits, enticing consumers who care more about having maximum coverage as opposed to getting the lowest price. For instance, its S$50,000 of hospitalisation coverage limit and S$1,800 wage reimbursement limit (if your domestic worker is in the hospital and you need to cover her wages) are more than double the top-tier average and its termination expense coverage is the highest on the market. Furthermore, MSIG also offers a pro-rated payout for private hospitals and higher class wards if you prefer your domestic worker to visit a particular doctor. This is in addition to the already worldwide cover for emergency medical and surgical expenses.
However, MSIG doesn’t simply excel in medical coverage. It also provides coverage for everything from fire and flood damage done to your domestic worker’s belongings to re-hiring and termination expenses. These benefits all come at a reasonable price, which hovers just around the average for top-tier plans. However, you should note this plan is only available for a 26-month period. If you are looking for a 14-month plan, you will have to look for another insurer. Lastly, FWD also offers up to S$25,000 of hospitalisation coverage in the event your domestic helper gets diagnosed with COVID-19, a great peace of mind benefit during the current climate.
MSIG’s MaidPlus Premier provides a plethora of benefits, many of which have higher than average limits, enticing consumers who care more about having maximum coverage as opposed to getting the lowest price. For instance, its S$50,000 of hospitalisation coverage limit and S$1,800 wage reimbursement limit (if your domestic worker is in the hospital and you need to cover her wages) are more than double the top-tier average and its termination expense coverage is the highest on the market. Furthermore, MSIG also offers a pro-rated payout for private hospitals and higher class wards if you prefer your domestic worker to visit a particular doctor. This is in addition to the already worldwide cover for emergency medical and surgical expenses.
However, MSIG doesn’t simply excel in medical coverage. It also provides coverage for everything from fire and flood damage done to your domestic worker’s belongings to re-hiring and termination expenses. These benefits all come at a reasonable price, which hovers just around the average for top-tier plans. However, you should note this plan is only available for a 26-month period. If you are looking for a 14-month plan, you will have to look for another insurer.
HL Assurance’s Enhanced Maid Protect360 is a great option for domestic helper employers who are looking to minimise their worker’s healthcare costs as much as possible. In fact, the exclusive plan has one of the highest benefit limits for healthcare related expenses, with hospitalisation, outpatient, recuperation and special grant benefits all well above the top-tier plan average. Furthermore, HL Assurance also provides a free medical teleconsultation benefit, a 50% off the 6-monthly medical examination and HLAS member rates for outpatient visits at general practitioner and dental clinics.
One drawback is the plan’s expensive premium, which without promotions or add-ons costs 27% above the top-tier plan average. However, with an ongoing promotion of a S$50 FairPrice voucher for customers who are looking to switch insurers to HL Assurance will be able to offset at least some of that cost. All in all, HL Assurance’s Exclusive plan can be a great option for employers who prioritise great medical coverage over price.
HL Assurance’s Enhanced Maid Protect360 is a great option for domestic helper employers who are looking to minimise their worker’s healthcare costs as much as possible. In fact, the exclusive plan has one of the highest benefit limits for healthcare related expenses, with hospitalisation, outpatient, recuperation and special grant benefits all well above the top-tier plan average. Furthermore, HL Assurance also provides a free medical teleconsultation benefit, a 50% off the 6-monthly medical examination and HLAS member rates for outpatient visits at general practitioner and dental clinics.
One drawback is the plan’s expensive premium, which without promotions or add-ons costs 27% above the top-tier plan average. However, with an ongoing promotion of a S$50 FairPrice voucher for customers who are looking to switch insurers to HL Assurance will be able to offset at least some of that cost. All in all, HL Assurance’s Exclusive plan can be a great option for employers who prioritise great medical coverage over price.
For those who want maximum protection against potential losses from non-medical reasons like lawsuits or theft, Insured United’s Domestic Maid Insurance Plan 3A is a great comprehensive option that costs S$354.97 for a 26 month policy. Though this is around the average market price for high-end plans, this policy provides 38% more overall coverage and 242% more liability coverage than the market average.
Furthermore, you’ll receive S$75,000 in third party and employer’s liability coverage to protect you and your FDW from outside lawsuits, a $5,000 fidelity coverage to protect your belongings from theft by your FDW and $500 of coverage for your maid’s belongings. Insured United’s Plan 3A also offers $20,000 in repatriation coverage to send your maid back home if she is not able to perform her duties due to illness — higher than anything else on the market.
For those who want maximum protection against potential losses from non-medical reasons like lawsuits or theft, Insured United’s Domestic Maid Insurance Plan 3A is a great comprehensive option that costs $354.97 for a 26 month policy. Though this is around the average market price for high-end plans, this policy provides 38% more overall coverage and 242% more liability coverage than the market average.
Furthermore, you’ll receive S$75,000 in third party and employer’s liability coverage to protect you and your FDW from outside lawsuits, a $5,000 fidelity coverage to protect your belongings from theft by your FDW and $500 of coverage for your maid’s belongings. Insured United’s Plan 3A also offers $20,000 in repatriation coverage to send your maid back home if she is not able to perform her duties due to illness — higher than anything else on the market.
Promotion:
Etiqa’s eProtect Maid or FWD’s Essential Maid Insurance are the two cheapest maid insurance options for those who wish to hire a maid from the Philippines or Malaysia.
Since Malaysian maids are not subject to any form of foreign or local government bonds, these prices drop to S$238.29 for FWD and S$182.67 for Etiqa. While their prices are low, you can still expect great coverage for your maid including the required health insurance and the additional benefits discussed in our review of these policies above.
Etiqa’s eProtect Maid or FWD’s Essential Maid Insurance are the two cheapest maid insurance options for those who wish to hire a maid from the Philippines or Malaysia. Hiring a Filipino maid requires paying a S$7,000 bond to the Philippines Embassy. For plans that offer coverage for this, FWD charges $297.29 and Etiqa charges $264.22 with waiver of indemnity included.
Since Malaysian maids are not subject to any form of foreign or local government bonds, these prices drop to S$238.29 for FWD and S$182.67 for Etiqa. While their prices are low, you can still expect great coverage for your maid including the required health insurance and the additional benefits discussed in our review of these policies above.
When choosing an domestic worker insurance plan for you and your foreign domestic worker, it is imperative that you do proper research regarding possible out-of-pocket costs you can incur due to your family’s lifestyle. For instance, if you are new to foreign domestic workers, consider a plan that will give you good all around protection until you know exactly what kind of insurance will suit your future needs.
If you are living in a high-rise apartment building, ensure there are proper safety precautions for your maid and consider a plan that has more accident insurance to prevent high hospital bills and to give her ample medical coverage in the event of an accident. Lastly, be sure to read the fine print and policy wording before making any concrete decisions to prevent misunderstandings and understand exactly what is protected under your insurance plan.
If you are looking to renew your worker’s contract and insurance plan then you will need to submit a scanned copy of your worker’s passport’s personal particulars page, security bond and proof of a valid maid insurance policy. While you could go to your maid agency and have them do it for you, it’s much easier to do it yourself and you have the added bonus of choosing the maid insurance plan that you want to purchase. There’s nothing special you need to do to renew your worker’s insurance. Simply compare the policies you’re interested in and apply. You should just be sure to do this in advance of your existing policy’s and permit’s expiration. Once you have these documents ready, you’ll need to go to the Ministry of Manpower’s website to renew your worker’s work permit.
Singapore, Philippines and Indonesia all require bonds. The security bond of S$5,000 that Singapore imposes is to ensure that you will not do anything to breach the work contract or break any laws. Unless your worker is Malaysian, you will need to get the security bond. Once your worker is discharged from your service (work permit is cancelled and the worker is sent home), the bond will be released. It’s important to note that you will not be liable to pay the bond if your worker gets pregnant or does something illegal. Most insurers will include the security bond payment as part of their benefits and some will also offer a counter of indemnity benefit that will reduce your bond liability to S$250 if a breach of contract happens.
You will have to get a $6,000 Indonesian Embassy performance bond if you choose to hire an Indonesian domestic worker. Similar to the MOM security bond, insurers may often offer a letter of guarantee for the bond so you don’t have pay the embassy in cash.
Have a question about maid insurance? Find your answer below.
Yes. You are required by the Ministry of Manpower to purchase an insurance policy for your foreign domestic worker.
Maid insurance provides financial coverage if your worker suffers from a personal accident, gets hospitalised or needs to be sent home. Maid insurance will also provide miscellaneous coverage for things like paying for a temporary maid and covering your worker’s salary if she is hospitalised. There are also outpatient benefits if your worker has an accident. The insurance plan you buy must have at least S$15,000 of hospitalisation coverage and S$60,000 of personal accident/death coverage.
Insurers will generally not cover your domestic worker for things that break her employment contract in Singapore or if you commit malicious harm against her. You should be sure to read the policy wording of your plan to know what will and won’t be covered. Below, we’ve listed some of the common maid insurance policy exclusions.
Most insurers have online portals where you can submit your claim and all supporting documents. In other cases, you may have to mail them to the address provided on their site. You typically have 30 days to file your claim.
We looked at 18 different insurance companies and analysed 50 insurance plans to come up with the best options for cost-effectiveness, value, and inclusiveness. Going through the policy wording and terms and conditions of each insurer, we were able to map out each plan’s coverage and premiums and use that information to make our decisions for the most comprehensive and best value plans. We created a score for the value of each plan by using a ratio of benefits and coverage offered divided by the premium price.
In order to be as accurate as possible when creating our value metrics, we weighted different benefits based on their importance and popularity. We were then able to compare each plan to the market average and come up with plans that can be tailored for anyone’s foreign domestic worker needs.
Anastassia is a Senior Research Analyst at ValueChampion Singapore, evaluating insurance products for consumers based on quantitative and qualitative financial analysis. She holds degrees in Economics and International Business Management and her prior working experience includes work in the capital markets sector. Her analyses surrounding insurance, healthcare, international affairs and personal finance has been featured on AsiaOne, Business Insider, DW, Vice, Her World, Asia Insurance Review, the Australian Institute of International Affairs and more.
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