What to Do When Your Helper Is Sick or Hospitalised

When your helper falls ill, it affects the whole household, and it can be worrying for her, far from her own family. Knowing what to do, and what you are responsible for, makes a stressful situation much easier.

This guide covers what to do when your helper is sick or needs hospital care, who pays, and how to claim on your maid insurance.

First steps when your helper is unwell

• For minor illness (a cold, fever or stomach upset), take her to a GP or polyclinic, just as you would a family member.
• For anything serious (chest pain, difficulty breathing, a bad fall or injury), go to the A&E of the nearest hospital, or call 995 in an emergency.
• Keep every bill, receipt and doctor’s memo. You’ll need them for any insurance claim.
• Tell your insurer early if she is admitted to hospital or needs surgery. Many insurers can issue a letter of guarantee so that you don’t have to pay the full deposit upfront.

Who pays for her medical treatment?

You do. As her employer, you must pay for your helper’s medical treatment in Singapore. This is part of the cost of employing her, and you can’t deduct it from her salary.

• Outpatient care such as GP visits and medicine is usually paid by you directly. Basic maid insurance often doesn’t cover outpatient visits, though some plans do.
• Hospital stays and day surgery are covered by the compulsory maid insurance, within its limits.
• Treatment overseas, for example while she’s on home leave, isn’t your responsibility, and Singapore maid insurance doesn’t cover it.

How the insurance claim works

Since 1 July 2023, your helper’s medical insurance must cover at least S$60,000 a year for inpatient care and day surgery. Claims are shared:

• The insurer pays the first S$15,000 of a claim in full.
• Above S$15,000, the insurer pays 75% and you pay 25%.

Example: a hospital bill of S$25,000. The insurer pays the first S$15,000, plus 75% of the remaining S$10,000 (S$7,500). You pay S$2,500.

Some insurers sell add-ons that lower your 25% share. Our maid insurance guide compares what different plans cover.

To claim, you’ll usually need the hospital bill, the discharge summary or doctor’s report, a copy of her work permit and your policy details. Submit them as soon as possible: most insurers have a time limit.

Medical leave and her salary

If the doctor gives your helper medical leave, let her rest and recover. She shouldn’t be expected to work while on medical leave, and MOM expects employers to give helpers sufficient rest when they’re unwell, for example after vaccinations.

Agree in her contract how sick days and medical leave are handled, including whether her salary continues, so you’re both clear. Our contract generator includes a section on it.

If she can’t continue working

Sometimes an illness or injury means a helper can’t carry on with her job. If that happens:

• Talk to her doctor about her recovery and what she can safely do.
• Speak to her openly about her wishes.
• If she needs to go home, your insurance may cover repatriation in certain cases, such as permanent disability. Check your policy.
• If the employment ends, follow MOM’s steps for cancelling her work permit. Our guide on ending a helper’s contract early explains how.

You must not send a helper home just because she is ill without settling what you owe her.

Preventing problems

• Keep up with her six-monthly medical examination (6ME). Read what the 6ME check-up involves.
• Give her proper rest, including her rest days, and a comfortable place to sleep.
• Make it easy for her to tell you when she feels unwell. Many helpers hide illness for fear of losing their job.
• Choose insurance with good cover, so a hospital stay doesn’t become a financial shock.

For the full list of employer duties, see our guide to MOM rules for domestic helpers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay for my helper’s GP visits?

Yes. You pay for her medical treatment in Singapore, including GP visits. Some insurance plans include outpatient cover; basic plans usually don’t.

What if the hospital bill is higher than the insurance limit?

The insurance covers at least S$60,000 a year, shared 75/25 above the first S$15,000. You are responsible for your share and for costs outside the policy, so choose cover that matches your risk.

Can I deduct medical costs from my helper’s salary?

No. Medical costs are part of the cost of employing her and can’t be deducted from her salary.

Does maid insurance cover treatment in her home country?

No. Singapore maid insurance covers treatment in Singapore, and employers aren’t expected to pay for treatment overseas during home leave.