Foreign Worker Medical Insurance Singapore: Complete Employer Guide & Quotes
Foreign worker medical insurance in Singapore, commonly known as FWMI, is a mandatory insurance policy that employers must purchase for their Work Permit and S Pass holders under Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations. It covers inpatient and day surgery medical expenses arising from the worker's illness or injury, with a minimum coverage requirement set by MOM.
Employers who fail to provide adequate coverage face penalties and risk bearing the full cost of an employee's hospitalisation out of pocket. Beyond regulatory compliance, FWMI protects businesses from unpredictable medical costs, supports workforce stability, and demonstrates due diligence in employee welfare.
For companies employing foreign workers, securing the right foreign worker medical insurance in Singapore is not optional. It is a legal obligation and a practical safeguard against significant financial exposure.
What is Foreign Worker Medical Insurance (FWMI) and Who Needs It?
Foreign Worker Medical Insurance (FWMI) is a compulsory insurance policy that covers the medical expenses of foreign employees working in Singapore, including hospitalization and day surgery costs arising from illness or injury. It exists to make sure foreign workers have access to proper healthcare without employers or workers facing unmanageable medical bills.
FWMI applies to all employers hiring foreign workers on a Work Permit or S Pass. This includes workers across sectors such as construction, manufacturing, marine, process, and services, as well as domestic helpers under separate but similar requirements. If you're sponsoring a Work Permit or S Pass, you're required to have this insurance in place before the pass is issued, and to keep it valid for the entire duration of employment.
Employers who don't meet this requirement risk having applications rejected or facing penalties for non-compliance.
What does Foreign Worker Medical Insurance cover?
There are many insurers offering Foreign Worker Medical Insurance in Singapore, each providing their own range of coverage and benefits. Ensure that you are getting optimal protection for your Foreign Workers by looking out for the following.
Features to look out for:
Pre-existing conditions
Overseas hospitalisation benefit
Emergency outpatient treatment for cancer & kidney dialysis
Claimable limit
Outpatient treatment
Repatriation of mortal remains
How much does Foreign Worker Medical Insurance cost?
FWMI premiums vary depending on factors such as the worker's age, nationality, occupation, and level of job-related risk. Workers in higher-risk industries, such as construction and marine, may generally have higher premiums due to the nature of their work. Employers should compare available FWMI plans based on both coverage and their workforce needs.
To get this sorted efficiently, HR managers should follow these steps:
- Check eligibility — confirm the worker holds a valid Work Permit or S Pass application.
- Compare and purchase — use eazy to compare FWMI quotes from multiple insurers side by side, then buy your policy directly through the platform once you've found the right fit.
- Submit digitally — buy your policy directly through eazy, then submit the insurance details through MOM's online portal before the pass is issued.
- Track renewal dates — track all your active policies and renewal dates through your eazy customer portal, so no coverage lapses.
Key MOM Requirements & Enhanced Medical Insurance Updates
Stage 1
Effective 1 July 2023From 1 July 2023, all new and renewed policies carry a higher annual claim limit of at least $60,000. For claims exceeding the first $15,000, a 25% co-insurance rule applies, meaning insurers cover 75% of that excess amount while employers pay the remaining 25%.
| Scenario | Annual Limit | Claim Amount | Insurer Pays | Employer Pays |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $60,000 | $45,000 | $37,500 | $7,500 |
| 2 | $60,000 | $100,000 | $48,750 | $51,250 |
Plans are also available that remove this 25% co-payment entirely, with insurers covering claims in full up to the $60,000 limit.
Stage 2
Effective 1 July 2025
Standardised exclusion clauses
Insurers will apply a common set of allowable exclusions, giving employers greater clarity and consistency across providers.
Age-differentiated premiums
Premiums will be tiered by age, with separate bands for workers aged 50 and below, and those above 50.
Direct payment to hospitals
Once a claim is admissible, insurers will pay hospitals directly, easing the upfront financial burden on both employers and workers.
FWMI vs WICA: Understanding the Differences
While there are situations where both Work Injury Compensation (WICA) Insurance and Foreign Worker Medical Insurance can overlap, they are not substitutes for each other. Having one does not exempt your company from needing the other. Each caters to different needs. Work Injury Compensation Insurance will only cover work-related injuries or illnesses, while Foreign Worker Medical Insurance will cover personal medical costs.
Important Note: For claims that fall under the Work Injury Compensation Act, they must be claimed under the Work Injury Compensation Insurance (WICA) first. Foreign Worker Medical insurance can cover both, but always claim WICA first.
What Each Policy Covers, Side By Side
| Coverage | Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA) | Foreign Worker Medical Insurance (FWMI) |
|---|---|---|
| Work-Related Medical Expenses |  |  |
| Medical Leave Wages | | |
| Work-Related Permanent Incapacity | | |
| Work-Related Hospitalisation Expenses | | |
| Work-Related Death | | |
| Non-Work Related Hospitalisation Expenses | | |
| Non-Work Related Death | | |
Why choose eazy Insurance for Your Foreign Worker Medical Insurance (FWMI) Needs?
Managing FWMI compliance shouldn't be another item on your already full HR plate. At eazy, we simplify the entire process, from understanding MOM's requirements to keeping your workers covered without gaps.
Compare competitive rates side by side
Our platform lets you compare FWMI rates from trusted insurers side by side, so you can find the right balance of coverage and cost for your workforce.
Coverage tailored to your industry
Every business is different, so we help you select coverage options that fit your industry's specific risk profile — whether you're in construction, marine, or services.
Support beyond the purchase
Our dedicated team is with you for policy administration, renewals, and claims management, so you're never left navigating a claim alone.
With eazy, FWMI compliance becomes one less thing to worry about.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Foreign Worker Medical Insurance In Singapore
- No, non-Work Permit and S-Pass holders are not eligible to purchase Foreign Worker Medical Insurance (FWMI). Only employees holding a valid Work Permit or S-Pass issued by the Singapore Government qualify for FWMI coverage. This insurance is specifically designed to meet the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) requirements for the health and well-being of foreign workers under these employment categories.
- Yes, you can. While the MOM requires a minimum coverage of $60,000 for medical expenses, many insurers offer the option to purchase plans with higher coverage limits. These extended limits can provide additional protection and peace of mind in the event of costly medical treatments or prolonged hospitalisation, ensuring your workers receive adequate care without imposing significant financial strain on your business.
- If your migrant worker already has an individual insurance plan that meets MOM's medical coverage requirements, there is no need to purchase an additional FWMI policy. However, it's important to remember that the employer is responsible for paying the insurance premium, regardless of the type of plan. If you're already offering broader corporate medical insurance in Singapore as part of your benefits strategy, ensure that the existing policy explicitly meets MOM's stipulated conditions before relying on it.
- Yes, MOM does accept medical insurance policies bought overseas, provided the policy meets the following conditions:
- It must be valid for use in Singapore.
- It must fulfil the required minimum coverage stipulated by MOM.
- The insurance premium must be paid by the employer.
- Yes, many businesses opt to bundle foreign worker insurance with other essential coverages such as workers' compensation insurance or public liability plans. This helps streamline policy management and may also offer cost savings through packaged deals. When selecting multiple policies, be sure to clarify coverage overlaps and policy exclusions to avoid gaps in protection.
- Yes, foreign worker medical insurance in Singapore is designed to cover non-work-related injuries and illnesses. This differs from WICA, which strictly covers work-related incidents. FWMI provides peace of mind that your workers can access treatment even for conditions unrelated to their job scope, such as infections, chronic illness, or accidental injuries that occur during off-hours.
- While public liability insurance is not mandatory for employing foreign workers, it’s highly recommended for businesses that interact with third parties or operate in environments where accidents can affect non-employees. FWMI focuses solely on medical coverage for your workers, while public liability insurance protects your business from claims involving property damage or injury caused to others.
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