Renewing your Foreign Domestic Worker’s (FDW) insurance is a legal necessity to keep them employed in your household and ensure your day-to-day operations run smoothly.
Managing your FDW insurance renewal does not have to be a headache, and we’re here to simplify it for you.
Our guide breaks down what you need to know about the required FDW insurance and the steps you can take to renew it.
Key Takeaways
- You must maintain medical insurance for your helper with a minimum annual coverage of S$60,000 for inpatient care and day surgery.
- Employers are required to provide personal accident insurance with a sum assured of at least S$60,000 to protect their helper’s family.
- You should check your policy’s expiry date in advance to ensure enough time for a smooth renewal.
- Setting your new policy to slightly overlap with the old one prevents an insurance lapse that could lead to fines or permit cancellation.
Required Insurance for FDWs
Your helper needs an FDW insurance as part of their Work Permit application. However, it’s not enough that you get any standard insurance.
You must meet the mandatory insurance requirements set by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), and they are as follows:
Medical Insurance
You must provide medical insurance with a minimum annual coverage of S$60,000 per year for both inpatient care and day surgery. If the plan has sub-limits (e.g. inpatient care, day surgery, or per medical condition), each sub-limit must meet this minimum.
Since 1 July 2023, MOM’s Enhanced Medical Insurance framework also applies. For claims above S$15,000, a co-payment structure of 75% by the insurer and 25% by the employer kicks in, meaning you would be responsible for 25% of any claim amount beyond the first S$15,000, up to the policy’s annual limit.
From 1 July 2025, Stage 2 of the framework took effect, introducing:
- Age-differentiated premiums across two age bands (50 and below; above 50)
- Direct payment by insurers to hospitals once a claim is admissible, so you don’t have to pay upfront and claim later
- Standardised exclusion clauses across all approved insurers, making it easier to compare plans
This ensures that your helper’s hospitalisation costs aren’t borne entirely out of pocket, and that her medical procedures can proceed without delay.
Personal Accident Insurance
You also need to maintain personal accident insurance for your helper. This requires a sum assured of at least S$60,000 to provide compensation for accidental death or permanent disability.
It offers a financial safety net for your helper and their family.
How to Renew Your FDW Insurance
Following these steps will ensure your helper stays protected and that there are no insurance lapses—days where the helper isn’t covered.
Check Your Current Expiry Date
Find the exact end date of your current policy. You can usually find this on your policy schedule or within your insurer’s portal.
Knowing this date gives you enough time to prepare for a renewal. It is especially important if you plan to switch insurance providers.
Receive the Renewal Notice from Your Insurer
Most insurers, including us, send out a renewal notice before your policy ends. Take the time to review this document carefully; it sets out your current coverage and the premium for the next term.
Going through it side by side with your current needs helps you decide whether to renew on the same terms, upgrade your coverage, or explore an alternative plan.
Pay for the Insurance Renewal
Once you’re satisfied with the terms, submitting payment is the quickest way to confirm renewal.
Insurers have adopted online payment platforms so you can process your application immediately. Once payment is received, we’ll submit your policy details to MOM, so your helper’s Work Permit renewal can proceed without delay.
Alternative: Switch Insurers
You do not have to stay with your current provider if you find more competitive coverage elsewhere.
Comparing different plans can lead to savings on your premiums or to more tailored coverage based on your needs.
Set the Start Date of New Insurance to Overlap with Current Insurance’s End Date
To prevent a lapse in coverage, ensure the new policy starts on the day your old one expires. We recommend a 1–2-day overlap to ensure there are no gaps in protection.
Why Should You Renew Your FDW Insurance
Renewing on time reduces the risk of coverage lapses and allows you to process their Work Permit more promptly.
Requirement for Work Permit Renewal of Your FDW
Without a valid insurance policy, MOM will not renew your helper’s work permit, which could end her employment in your household.
Saves You Out-Of-Pocket Expenses
Medical costs can escalate if your helper requires emergency treatment. By renewing your policy, you transfer that financial risk to us. This prevents you from facing large bills for hospital stays, clinical visits, and surgeries.
Get a Comprehensive FDW Insurance Coverage!
Our Maid Protect360 PRO is designed to go beyond standard coverage. We offer a range of benefits that provide extra security for your home and your helper.
When you choose us, you receive a S$5,000 security bond guarantee to MOM on your behalf. This means you do not have to provide the cash upfront yourself.
We also offer a 25% co-payment waiver for hospital and surgical expenses on our enhanced plans. This means we absorb the 25% employer co-payment that would normally apply on claims above S$15,000, further reducing your out-of-pocket exposure on large hospital bills.
Your helper will also benefit from subsidised medical and dental consultations at our panel clinics. We provide coverage for personal belongings, home contents, accidental death, and third-party liability. If your helper is hospitalised, we provide a daily cash allowance to help you hire temporary help.
Speak with our team to learn more about our Maid Protect360 PRO at service@hlas.com.sg or +65 6702 0202. Secure your helper’s insurance policy to keep your household well supported.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still buy insurance if my helper is over 50?
Yes, insurance is available for helpers over 50, though premiums may vary by age.
What is the Waiver of Counter Indemnity, and do I need it?
This is an optional add-on that lets us take on the risk of your S$5,000 security bond. If MOM calls up the bond due to a breach of the work permit conditions (not caused by you), you would only be liable for a small excess of S$250 instead of the full S$5,000.
Are outpatient clinic visits covered by the insurance?
Standard hospitalisation plans do not usually cover routine GP visits for minor illnesses. However, with our Maid Protect360 PRO, your helper can access subsidised medical and dental consultations at our panel clinics, which helps reduce your daily maintenance costs.
Can I change the plan tier halfway through the policy term?
You can generally upgrade your plan during the term by paying the difference in premium, though downgrades are usually handled at renewal. If you wish to increase your coverage limits, get in touch with us, and we will assist you with the adjustment.
Author Bio:
HL Assurance (HLAS) is a licensed general direct insurer in Singapore and a member of the General Insurance Association (GIA). Backed by the Hong Leong Group — a diversified conglomerate spanning banking, financial services, and investments across Asia, Europe, and beyond — HLAS offers a wide range of personal and commercial insurance products, including travel, motor, home, maid, and personal accident insurance. With a track record of award-winning service and a focus on digital accessibility, HLAS is dedicated to helping individuals and businesses in Singapore protect what matters most.
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