Domestic Helper Insurance and Security Bond in Singapore (2026)
Planning to hire a domestic helper in Singapore? Before your helper starts work, you need to understand the insurance and security bond requirements set by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). This guide explains what employers must arrange, how a security bond works and what to compare when choosing a policy.
1. Is maid insurance compulsory in Singapore?
Yes. Employers of migrant domestic workers (MDWs) must arrange the required insurance coverage. Two important types are medical insurance and personal accident insurance. These cover different risks and should not be confused with the security bond.
| Requirement | What it is for | Who arranges it? |
|---|---|---|
| Medical insurance | Helps cover eligible inpatient and day surgery medical expenses, subject to policy terms and MOM requirements. | Employer |
| Personal accident insurance | Provides compensation for covered accidental death or permanent disability. | Employer |
| Security bond | Financial guarantee to the Singapore Government that applicable Work Permit conditions will be followed. | Employer, usually through an insurer or bank |
2. Medical insurance requirements
MOM requires medical insurance for each migrant domestic worker. The minimum coverage requirement for inpatient care and day surgery is S$60,000 per year, with other conditions applying under MOM's rules. Check the current requirements and policy wording before you buy.
What should you compare?
- Coverage limits: Understand annual limits, sub-limits and exclusions.
- Co-payment and deductibles: Check whether you must pay part of an eligible claim.
- Hospital and treatment conditions: Review any panel hospital arrangements, pre-authorisation or claims requirements.
- Coverage dates: Ensure there is no gap during the employment period.
- Additional benefits: Some plans offer outpatient benefits or other optional protections; these are not substitutes for mandatory coverage.
Employers remain responsible for their helper's medical needs under applicable MOM rules, even where a particular expense is not covered by insurance. Read MOM's medical insurance guidance.
3. Personal accident insurance requirements
Employers must also obtain personal accident insurance for their helper. MOM requires a minimum sum assured of S$60,000 for covered accidental death or permanent disability, with the helper or her beneficiaries receiving the compensation as applicable. Check the latest MOM policy requirements before purchase.
Medical insurance and personal accident insurance serve different purposes: one addresses eligible medical expenses, while the other provides compensation for specified accidents.
4. What is the S$5,000 maid security bond?
The security bond is a S$5,000 guarantee generally required when employing a non-Malaysian migrant domestic worker. It is intended to secure compliance with applicable Work Permit and security bond conditions.
Important: The S$5,000 is not automatically a cash fee you must hand over. Many employers arrange the bond through an insurance company, paying a premium for the bond facility. However, employers may still face financial liability if the bond is forfeited under the applicable rules.
When could the bond be forfeited?
Bond forfeiture depends on the specific legal and bond conditions. Employers should comply with Work Permit rules, take reasonable steps to meet their responsibilities and follow MOM's instructions when employment ends. Do not assume that every helper-related incident automatically leads to forfeiture.
See MOM's security bond guidance for the latest rules.
5. How much does maid insurance cost in Singapore?
The price of a policy depends on the insurer, coverage duration, benefits, deductibles, helper details and whether the security bond is bundled. Rather than relying on a single advertised price, request comparable quotations and review the full policy documents.
| Cost item | How to budget |
|---|---|
| Medical and personal accident insurance | Premium varies by insurer, plan and coverage period. |
| Security bond arrangement | May be bundled with an insurance plan; review the premium and liability terms. |
| Optional extra coverage | Only pay for additional benefits that meet your household's needs. |
| Medical expenses not covered | Keep an emergency budget for exclusions, co-payments and other employer responsibilities. |
For a broader budget covering salary, levy and Work Permit fees, read our cost of hiring a domestic helper in Singapore guide.
6. When should you buy insurance and arrange the bond?
Plan these requirements before your helper starts employment. The timing and submission requirements depend on whether you are hiring a new helper from overseas or transferring a helper already in Singapore.
- Confirm the hiring route: New overseas hire or transfer helper.
- Review MOM requirements: Check the insurance and bond rules for your situation.
- Compare plans: Verify coverage amounts, exclusions, duration and bond arrangements.
- Arrange coverage on time: Follow the dates and steps specified in MOM's Work Permit process.
- Keep records: Save your policy, bond confirmation and insurer contact details.
For the overall hiring process, see how to hire a domestic helper in Singapore.
7. Common mistakes to avoid
- Thinking the S$5,000 security bond is always a S$5,000 upfront payment.
- Assuming medical insurance covers every medical expense.
- Choosing a policy based only on the cheapest premium.
- Forgetting to check the insurance start and end dates.
- Confusing insurance costs with the monthly domestic helper levy.
- Not checking the current MOM rules before submitting a Work Permit application.
Frequently asked questions
Is maid insurance mandatory in Singapore?
Yes. Employers must arrange the required medical and personal accident insurance for their migrant domestic worker in accordance with MOM rules.
Do I need to pay S$5,000 upfront for the security bond?
Not necessarily. The S$5,000 is the bond amount. Employers often arrange it through an insurer and pay a premium, but they may remain liable if the bond is forfeited.
Does every helper need a security bond?
A S$5,000 security bond is generally required for non-Malaysian migrant domestic workers. MOM generally does not require one for Malaysian migrant domestic workers.
What is the difference between medical and personal accident insurance?
Medical insurance helps cover eligible medical expenses. Personal accident insurance provides compensation for covered accidental death or permanent disability.
Can I hire a helper directly without an agency?
Direct hiring may be possible if you and the helper meet the relevant requirements and you complete the applicable MOM processes. DirectHelpers is a marketplace for employers and helpers to connect; it is not an employment agency.
Does insurance replace my responsibility for my helper's medical bills?
No. Employers must still meet their obligations under MOM rules, including costs that are excluded from insurance coverage.
Looking for a domestic helper?
Browse helper profiles on DirectHelpers and connect directly with potential candidates. Review all MOM requirements before hiring.
Find HelpersDisclaimer: This article is general information, not legal or insurance advice. MOM requirements, policy terms and premiums may change. Verify the latest information with Singapore's Ministry of Manpower and your chosen insurer before making a decision. DirectHelpers is a direct-connection marketplace, not an employment agency or insurance provider.