Do I need to get medical insurance for my foreign domestic helper (maid)?
Published on 13 Dec 2023, last updated on 2 Feb 2024
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Employers are responsible for domestic helpers’ medical expenses
Employers of domestic helpers are responsible for their helpers’ medical expenses. According to the Philippine Department of Migrant Worker’s Standard Employment Contract, Clause 8 states that employers need to provide free medical and dental services for their domestic workers. It does not matter whether the injuries or sickness are caused by work.
However, employers do not need to pay for medical expenses that are cosmetic-related. For example, dental braces, teeth whitening or plastic surgery is not an employer’s responsibility.
What does free medical and dental services entail?
Free medical treatment includes medical consultations, maintenance in hospital, emergency surgery and emergency dental treatment. This is why it’s strongly encouraged that employers take out an insurance policy with decent medical and hospitalisation coverage.
SKHPPA insurance coverage for foreign domestic helpers
The Foreign Worker Hospitalisation and Surgical Scheme (SKHPPA) provides foreign workers, including domestic helpers with a coverage of up to RM20,000 per annum at a premium that starts at RM120 per year. SKHPPA covers non-accident inpatient (hospitalisation and surgical) costs at non-corporatised government hospitals.
Examples of medical treatment that may be covered under SKHPPA are:
- Appendicitis surgery
- Gallbladder removal surgery
- Food poisoning hospitalisation
How can I claim SKHPPA insurance for my foreign domestic helper (maid)?
- Bring your worker to any government/public hospital in Malaysia
- Present your worker’s SKHPPA insurance policy during registration
- The hospital should be able to process the claim on the spot
The following are some public hospital options in Klang Valley:
Selangor:
Hospital Selayang
Hospital Sungai Buloh
Hospital Ampang
Hospital Kajang
Hospital Kuala Kubu Bharu
Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah
Hospital Banting
Hospital Tanjung Karang
Hospital Tengku Ampuan Jemaah
Hospital Serdang
Hospital Orang Asli
Hospital Shah Alam
Kuala Lumpur:
Hospital Kuala Lumpur
Institut Perubatan Respirator
Hospital Rehabilitasi Cheras
Hospital Tunku Azizah (Wanita Dan Kanak-Kanak)
See this link for all government hospitals under the Ministry of Health for more options
SKHPPA does NOT cover any outpatient costs such as general consultation and medication for minor flu/food poisoning/colds.
Personal accident and death insurance
Apart from medical insurance which is encouraged but not compulsory for hiring, employers must purchase personal accident and death insurance for domestic workers. If you are hiring/have hired your worker through a legally-compliant agency, your worker should already be covered under a mandatory insurance scheme called the Domestic Work Insurance Scheme (DMIS).
DMIS is a basic insurance coverage for domestic workers that provides coverage for accidental death, accidental permanent disablement, repatriation, and hospital surgical treatment in relation to accidents only.