Oral Answer to PQ on medical and accident insurance coverage for migrant domestic workers

NOTICE PAPER NO. 2265 OF 2023 FOR THE SITTING ON OR AFTER 6 OCTOBER 2023

QUESTION NO. 5249 FOR ORAL ANSWER

MP: Ms Yeo Wan Ling

To ask the Minister for Manpower (a) in the past 5 years, how many employers have insufficient medical and accident insurance coverage for their migrant domestic workers (MDWs) to pay for their MDWs’ medical and hospitalisation bills; and (b) whether there are avenues of financial support for employers who are unable to pay for their MDWs’ medical and hospitalization bills.

Answer

          Employers are responsible for their Migrant Domestic Workers’ (MDWs) medical expenses. To support employers in meeting these obligations, the Ministry of Manpower requires all employers of Work Permit holders, including MDWs, to purchase medical insurance (MI) for their workers.

2.         In the last 5 years, about 95% of all hospitalisation bills by MDWs fall within $15,000, which was the minimum insurance coverage required before 1 July 2023. MOM has since enhanced the MI requirements for new policies or renewals with effective start dates from 1 July 2023. The higher annual claim limit of $60,000 is estimated to cover about 99% of all bills. We encourage MDW employers to transition to the enhanced MI early, even if their existing MI policy is not due for renewal yet. This will better protect employers against large unforeseen medical bills.

3.         Employers who face financial difficulties paying for their MDW’s medical bills may approach medical social workers at the public healthcare institutions for assistance.