Domestic helpers are a vital part of many households since they help maintain a clean home, care for children, and even prepare meals. Domestic helpers are therefore essential, and like any other member of the family and as a worker, they require proper medical care. It is, therefore, necessary to consider getting insurance for your domestic helper.
Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) stipulates that all domestic helper insurance covers should offer at least $15,000 in medical coverage and a personal accident cover worth $60,000. However, there are other factors to consider. Below are some of the things to look out for when purchasing domestic helper insurance in Singapore.
Levy Reimbursements & Daily Wages
Before you take out a domestic helper insurance policy, you should consider premiums that will cover any health expenses of your helper. For example, an insurance cover should cover the medical bills if they are hospitalised. You should also ensure the insurance cover protects your helper’s wages during the hospitalisation period. That kind of added value is what you should be looking for in a domestic helper insurance cover to offset extra costs you may incur. For example, you may look for a temporary helper to help out if your helper is hospitalised.
Outpatient Expenses
Since the goal of the insurance cover is to offset any unexpected expenses, it is essential to know the extent of cover or the amount that the coverage options will provide to cover outpatient costs. Most insurance covers do not cater to outpatient expenses, so you need to identify how much the insurance covers handle in case outpatient treatment is necessary. This will allow you to plan accordingly for any extra expenses.
Domestic Helper Liability
It is always a good idea to consider the damage that may be caused by your domestic helper. This means that you need to assess domestic helper liability as a serious option. Domestic helper liability covers any damage caused by your helper. For example, your insurance company will cover any expenses that are tied to injuries sustained to third parties or property damage if the damages or injuries are caused by you helper in the incident.
Replacement Domestic Helper Expenses
Just as the name suggests, domestic helper insurance covers should also include expenses that may be incurred in between switching from one helper to another. For example, getting another helper to replace your previous one for reasons such as disability or even death will likely include agency fees.
Your Helper’s Personal Belongings
If you have a domestic helper, they are likely to have some belongings, be it clothes or other valuables. You should consider an insurance cover that covers your helper’s personal belongings so they can be compensated in case of damages or theft. This extra step shows that you are also concerned about the welfare of your maid. Remember that treating your helper well not only encourages them to do their best at work but helps them feel more at home.
Special Grant
The main objective of having insurance is to protect you in case the insured risk occurs. If things take a turn for the worse, you need to be prepared at all times. The special grant covers your helper in case of death. This insurance feature means the insurance company will cover all the funeral expenses in case your domestic worker passes away. Keep in mind that the funeral expenses will be payable to the maid’s family.
Summary
The above considerations are essential if you are thinking of taking out a domestic helper insurance cover. They will guarantee you a smooth experience with your domestic helper in case of the occurrence of the insured risks.