Singapore Employment Agency
Domestic Helper Costs, Levy and Insurance in Singapore
Reviewed against official guidance on 23 October 2026. Prepared by the Little Big Employment Agency editorial team.
A helper’s salary is only one part of the household budget. Separate recurring expenses, application costs and employer liabilities before agreeing to a placement.
Monthly levy rates
| Category | Monthly levy |
|---|---|
| First helper, normal rate | S$300 |
| Subsequent helper, normal rate | S$450 |
| Qualifying concessionary rate | S$60 |
Levy is payable by the employer. It is separate from the helper’s salary. Employers do not pay CPF contributions for an MDW. Check the levy bill and payment arrangement rather than assuming approval of a Work Permit also settles monthly payments.
Source: MOM: paying levy.
Who may qualify for the S$60 concession?
The concession depends on an eligible person living in the household. Routes include a Singapore citizen child below 16, a Singapore citizen aged at least 67, specified elderly permanent residents with a qualifying Singapore citizen family relationship, and qualifying persons with disabilities. Disability cases require the relevant medical assessment and AIC process. One helper may qualify per eligible person, capped at two helpers per household. Update household records and complete the applicable steps; the concession is not an automatic entitlement for every family employing a helper.
Source: MOM: levy concession.
The S$5,000 security bond
A non-Malaysian helper requires a S$5,000 security bond, generally provided as a bank or insurer guarantee. The employer must pay for it. Arrange the bond before arrival and ensure it is effective when the helper enters Singapore. The guarantee amount differs from the premium you pay. A bond is not permission to disregard Work Permit conditions; breaches may expose you to forfeiture.
Source: MOM: security bond.
Medical and personal accident insurance
Medical insurance must provide at least S$60,000 annual coverage for inpatient care and day surgery. Under the enhanced minimum framework, claim amounts above S$15,000 are shared 75% by the insurer and 25% by the employer. Policies starting, renewing or extending from 1 July 2025 also follow the second-stage requirements, including standardised allowable exclusions and direct payment to hospitals for admissible claims.
Personal accident insurance must provide at least S$60,000 a year for accidental death or permanent disability, payable to the helper or her beneficiaries. Employers cannot transfer the insurance purchase cost to the helper. Compare actual exclusions, excesses and benefits; buying the minimum policy does not mean every medical bill is fully insured.
Source: MOM: insurance requirements.
What to check in a helper insurance quotation
A package price is not enough to compare two policies. Ask the insurer to confirm in writing that the medical cover meets MOM’s enhanced requirements. MOM says employers should obtain the insurer’s disclosure or policy wording confirming that the benefits are no worse than the required minimum. See MOM’s guidance on checking compliance.
Then compare the actual documents, not only a sales summary:
- The helper’s identity, policy start date, expiry date and annual claim limit.
- Exclusions, deductibles, co-payment terms and any sub-limits.
- Whether additional cover reduces the employer’s share of an admissible claim.
- How the insurer confirms direct payment to the hospital and what the hospital needs.
- The separate personal accident benefit and the named recipient of compensation.
- What happens to premiums and cover if employment ends or the helper transfers.
Request a breakdown between insurance premiums, any bond-related charge and agency service fees. The S$5,000 bond guarantee and the price of purchasing a guarantee are different figures. Keep the policy schedule, full wording and payment receipt together so the household can find them during a medical emergency.
How the share above S$15,000 works
MOM’s enhanced minimum framework provides for insurers to bear 75% and employers 25% of claim amounts above the first S$15,000. As a limited illustration, the portion of an admissible S$30,000 claim above S$15,000 is S$15,000: 25% of that portion is S$3,750 and 75% is S$11,250.
This illustrates only that portion of the calculation. It is not a quotation of the final amount payable by either party. Actual liability depends on admissibility, exclusions, the policy’s terms, remaining annual limits and any additional cover. Ask the insurer to provide its claim breakdown. MOM explains the enhanced requirements here.
Arrange cover before the important dates
For a non-Malaysian helper arriving from overseas, allow for the bank or insurer to send the bond details to MOM, which can take up to three working days. Check that the bond is effective on arrival. A purchase receipt alone is not the same as confirmation that the bond is in effect. Use MOM’s bond instructions and status check.
For a renewal, arrange the required bond and insurance before completing the renewal transaction. For a direct transfer, the new employer follows the IPA instructions to arrange the required new bond and insurance before Work Permit issuance. Do not confuse the initial application with issuance. Read our transfer, renewal and cancellation guide instead of assuming an existing employer’s arrangements automatically continue.
Frequently asked questions
Can my helper contribute to medical expenses that insurance does not pay?
No. MOM says an MDW cannot be made to pay her medical expenses, including amounts within or above the insurance benefit. Read MOM’s medical-expenses FAQ. The employer-insurer sharing arrangement is not permission to pass the employer’s share to the helper.
Is the bond a refundable S$5,000 hiring fee?
No. It is a guarantee obligation. Its discharge and the treatment of any premium are separate questions. Ask the bank or insurer about the actual charge and refund terms; do not assume the entire guarantee amount was paid as a fee.
Does buying the minimum cover eliminate medical-cost risk?
No. Check exclusions, limits and the employer’s share. Consider whether additional cover suits your household rather than treating the statutory minimum as comprehensive protection.
Can I get help preparing an itemised budget?
Ask our team about helper support. We can clarify the available service scope and fees. Insurance coverage and claims remain governed by the insurer’s terms; Work Permit decisions remain with MOM.
A practical cost worksheet
- Recurring: agreed salary, levy, food, accommodation, toiletries and ongoing household expenses.
- Periodic: medical examinations, insurance renewals, travel and permit renewal.
- Initial: agency services if used, programmes, travel and Work Permit application and issuance.
- Contingency: uninsured medical costs, replacement care and end-of-employment travel.
Ask for an itemised quotation distinguishing government charges, third-party costs and agency fees. Confirm refund and replacement terms in writing. We do not publish an invented all-inclusive helper price.
Return to domestic helper services or discuss your household’s application support needs.
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