Quick answer: Maid insurance is compulsory in Singapore. It covers your domestic helper's medical and hospitalisation bills and pays a lump sum for death or permanent disability from an accident. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) sets minimum sums you must buy before her Work Permit is issued, and most policies add extras such as outpatient care, repatriation and wage reimbursement.
Yes. Before MOM will issue or renew your helper's Work Permit, you must buy her medical insurance and personal accident insurance that meet MOM's minimum requirements.
This applies to every migrant domestic worker, whatever her nationality or how you hire her. The insurance protects her, and it protects you from large medical bills you would otherwise have to pay out of pocket.
A maid insurance policy in Singapore is built around two parts that MOM requires.
These minimum requirements may change in line with regulatory updates, do check the latest figures on the MOM website before you buy.
Most maid insurance plans go further than the two mandatory covers, and this is where policies differ.
Common additions include outpatient and specialist treatment, repatriation and hospital cash if your helper is warded, wage reimbursement while she cannot work, the cost of hiring a temporary replacement, and personal liability cover. Some plans also cover recuperation expenses, dental, or a refund of the levy you continue to pay while she is hospitalised.
Reading this list against your own situation is the clearest way to judge whether a plan suits your household.
For every non-Malaysian helper, MOM also requires a $5,000 security bond. This is a financial guarantee to the government that you will meet your obligations as an employer, usually arranged as a banker's or insurer's guarantee. It is separate from your helper's medical and personal accident insurance, though many insurers let you arrange the bond and the insurance together. The bond protects the government, while the insurance protects your helper and your household.
Coverage has limits, and knowing them early avoids surprises at claim time. Maid insurance policies generally exclude elective or cosmetic treatment, pregnancy and childbirth, and treatment received outside the terms of the policy.
Claims can also be reduced or refused if premiums are not paid on time or if the helper's Work Permit is not valid. Always read the policy wording, as exclusions vary between insurers.
Meeting MOM's minimums keeps you compliant, but the minimums are a floor, not a target. Hospital bills in Singapore can run well above the $60,000 medical minimum for a serious or prolonged admission, and you are responsible for costs beyond the policy limit. Many employers choose a plan with a higher inpatient limit or a waiver of the 25% co-payment for bills above a certain threshold for this reason.
Many employers choose a plan with a higher inpatient limit for this reason. Think about your helper's age and health, the size of your household, and how much of a shortfall you could comfortably absorb, then pick a limit that gives you real breathing room.
Start by confirming the plan is MOM-compliant, then compare the inpatient limit, the extras included, the exclusions, and the premium.
It also helps to check the practical terms, such as what happens if you change helper partway through the policy. ECICS Maid Insurance is MOM-compliant, covering medical and hospitalisation expenses and personal accident, with plan options to suit different budgets.
Eligible policyholders can also receive a 100% premium refund within 90 days if there is a change in helper and a replacement policy is bought with ECICS, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.
Maid insurance in Singapore covers your helper's medical and hospitalisation bills and pays a lump sum for accidental death or permanent disability, with MOM setting the minimum sums you must buy. The mandatory covers keep you compliant, but the extras and the size of your limits are what decide how well you are actually protected.
If you are still setting up, our guide to hiring a maid in Singapore walks through the full process, and you can see MOM-compliant cover on our ECICS Maid Insurance page.
Speak to our team if you would like help choosing the right level of cover for your helper.
Protect your helper and your household with ECICS Maid Insurance, MOM-compliant medical and personal accident cover for your domestic worker.
Is maid insurance compulsory in Singapore?
Yes. MOM requires you to buy medical and personal accident insurance for your helper before her Work Permit can be issued or renewed. It applies to every migrant domestic worker in Singapore.
What is the minimum maid insurance coverage required by MOM?
MOM's current minimums are a medical and hospitalisation sum insured of at least $60,000 per year and personal accident cover of at least $60,000. Since July 2025, direct hospital billing via a Letter of Guarantee is also required. These figures can change, so confirm the latest requirements on the MOM website before you buy.
Does maid insurance cover outpatient treatment?
The two covers MOM requires are for inpatient medical care and personal accident. Outpatient and specialist treatment are common add-ons rather than a standard inclusion, so check whether a plan covers them if this matters to you.
What is the difference between the security bond and maid insurance?
The $5,000 security bond is a financial guarantee to the government that you will meet your duties as an employer. Maid insurance covers your helper's medical bills and pays out for accidental death or disability. They are separate requirements, though they are often arranged together.
Does maid insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
Most maid insurance policies exclude any expenses in respect of pre-existing conditions, unless the illness occurred while the helper has been employed with you for not less than the preceding 12 months. If your helper has a known condition, read the policy wording carefully and ask the insurer what is and is not covered before you buy.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational and educational purposes only. MOM requirements and minimum coverage figures are subject to change. Please verify all details with the Ministry of Manpower website at mom.gov.sg before purchasing a policy or speak to an ECICS representative for advice on the right level of cover for your helper.