The Ultimate Guide on How to Compare Maid Insurance Plans

Choosing the right domestic helper insurance is no longer just about price. With enhanced Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations fully in force, a proper maid insurance comparison helps Singapore employers stay compliant, manage costs, and protect both their helper and household.

This maid insurance comparison guide walks you through how to compare maid insurance plans in Singapore—from mandatory coverage to useful add-ons—so you can confidently select the best maid insurance plans for your needs.

Check for MOM Compliance (2026 Standard)

Before diving into policy features and pricing, the first step in any maid insurance comparison guide is confirming that the plan meets current MOM regulations. Non-compliant insurance will result in work permit application or renewal rejection, so this isn’t negotiable. 

Minimum $60,000 Annual Claim Limit

As of 2026, MOM mandates that all maid insurance policies provide at least $60,000 in medical coverage per year. This covers hospitalisation and surgical expenses your helper may incur during their employment. When you compare maid insurance plans, verify this figure is clearly stated in the policy document.

The “Direct Billing” Feature (No More Upfront Cash Payments)

From 1 July 2025, MOM requires insurers to pay hospitals directly once a claim is approved. This means employers no longer need to pay large hospital bills upfront and wait for reimbursement.

When comparing maid insurance options, look out for:

• Direct billing at public restructured hospitals
• Clear documentation on how claims are activated
• Whether private hospitals are included or excluded

Direct billing is now a key cash-flow protection feature for employers and a major differentiator among insurers.

Understanding the 75%/25% Co-Payment Structure

One area frequently misunderstood in maid insurance comparison guides is the co-payment structure.

Under MOM’s enhanced rules:

• The first $15,000 is fully covered
• Claims above $15,000 (up to $60,000) are shared: 
  • 75% by the insurer
  • 25% by the employer

Some of the best maid insurance plans offer optional upgrades that reduce or eliminate this co-payment. When you compare domestic helper insurance, weigh the higher premium against your risk tolerance and household needs.

Comparing the “Must-Have” Benefits

Beyond MOM compliance, certain coverage areas should be prioritised regardless of your helper’s age or health status. These protections address risks every employer in Singapore faces. 

Personal Accident and Permanent Disability Limits

Accidents can happen to anyone, regardless of how careful your helper might be, whether they’re cleaning windows or handling hot liquids in the kitchen. Compare the coverage limits for personal accident claims and permanent disability, depending on the plan tier. Higher limits provide better protection if your helper suffers a severe injury that prevents them from working. Look specifically at what policy defines as “permanent disability” and whether partial disability is covered proportionally. Some policies exclude certain activities or limit coverage based on where the accident occurs, which is particularly relevant if your helper occasionally accompanies family members outside Singapore. 

Repatriation Expenses Coverage

If your helper becomes seriously ill, is injured beyond local treatment capabilities, or passes away during employment, repatriation coverage pays for their return home. This includes medical escort services if needed, transportation costs, and in the unfortunate event of death, expenses for preparing and transporting the remains.

While this might seem like an unlikely scenario, the costs can be substantial and the emotional burden of arranging international medical transport or funeral services is something you want insurance to handle. Verify that the policy covers both medical repatriation and repatriation of remains.

Security Bond Protector (Waiver of Counter-Indemnity)

When you hire a foreign domestic worker, you sign a $5,000 security bond with MOM. If your helper absconds or works illegally for others, this bond is forfeited to MOM. The Security Bond Protector, sometimes called a counter-indemnity waiver, reimburses you for this forfeited bond.

This is an increasingly popular feature in the best maid insurance plans because helper absconding, while not extremely common, does happen. Without this protection, you lose $5,000 plus the costs of hiring and training a replacement helper. When comparing policies, check the terms carefully as some insurers impose waiting periods or require you to file a police report within a specific timeframe.

Evaluating “Good-to-Have” Add-Ons

Once you've confirmed a policy meets essential requirements, additional benefits can provide extra value and peace of mind. During your maid insurance policies comparison, these add-ons often differentiate between adequate and exceptional coverage.

Outpatient Medical and Dental Coverage

While MOM requires coverage for hospitalisation and emergency treatment, outpatient benefits cover routine medical visits, prescription medications, and dental care. This is valuable because helpers, like everyone else, occasionally get sick with common illnesses like colds, flu, or minor infections that don't require hospitalization.

Critical Illness Protection

Critical illness coverage provides a lump sum payment if your helper is diagnosed with serious conditions like cancer, stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, or other specified illnesses. This coverage is particularly valuable because critical illnesses often require extended treatment and recovery periods during which your helper cannot work. The lump sum helps cover ongoing medical costs, allows you to manage household arrangements, and provides financial support during a difficult time. When you compare maid insurance plans, check which specific illnesses are covered as definitions vary between insurers.

Wages Compensation During Hospitalisation

If your helper is hospitalised and unable to work, wages compensation coverage reimburses you for the salary you continue to pay during their recovery. This benefit typically covers a portion of the monthly salary for a specified number of days or months. Standard coverage ranges from 30 to 90 days of wage reimbursement. While you're legally required to continue paying your helper's salary during medical leave, this benefit helps offset that cost, particularly for extended hospitalizations.

Cost Factors to Consider 

Insurance premiums vary significantly based on several factors. Understanding these variables helps you conduct a more meaningful maid insurance comparison and budget appropriately for the full contract period. 

Age-Based Premiums (Under 50 vs Over 50)

One of the biggest factors affecting premium costs is your helper's age. Insurance companies charge significantly higher premiums for helpers aged 50 and above because older workers statistically require more medical care and face higher risks of serious health issues.

14-Month vs 16-Month Policy Value

Most insurers offer policies covering either 14 months or 26 months to align with standard work permit periods. While 26-month policies have higher upfront costs, they almost always offer better value on a per-month basis compared to purchasing two consecutive 14-month policies.

Refund Policies Upon Early Contract Termination

Life is unpredictable, and sometimes employment contracts end earlier than planned due to helper resignation, dismissal, or family circumstances. Understanding each insurer's refund policy for unused coverage is crucial when you compare maid insurance options.

Final Checklist Before Buying

Before purchasing, confirm the following:

• MOM compliance and $60,000 medical coverage
• Approved insurer status on the MOM website
• Accessible panel clinics and hospitals
• Clear claims and direct billing process
• Policy exclusions and waiting periods
• Payment options and renewal terms
• Responsive customer support

Final Thoughts

The best maid insurance in Singapore balances comprehensive protection with reasonable premiums. By systematically comparing MOM compliance, core benefits, add-ons, and cost factors, you can choose a policy that delivers true peace of mind.

Avoid focusing solely on price. Instead, request quotes from multiple insurers, review full policy documents, and ask detailed questions. A thorough maid insurance comparison ensures long-term protection for both your household and your domestic helper.