
[Suitable for Part-Time Helpers] Domestic Helper Insurance 2025 | 6 Mistakes That Could Void Your Coverage | Even One Day of Work Requires Insurance
Many couples are busy with their careers and often hire part-time/domestic helpers to handle household chores. Even though these helpers work part-time or are hired on a one-time basis, if an accident occurs during their employment resulting in injury or death, the employer is legally responsible. Therefore, the law requires employers to purchase insurance for domestic helpers.
How is Domestic Helper Insurance different from Foreign Domestic Worker Insurance? What should you pay attention to when purchasing insurance? Today, Kwiksure will share the essential information on buying Domestic Helper Insurance.
Do You Really Need to Buy Domestic Helper Insurance?
Yes, according to the Employees' Compensation Ordinance, all employers must purchase labor insurance for their employees, and domestic helpers are no exception. Regardless of the length of their working hours, you need to buy labor insurance to cover the legal responsibility for work-related injuries.
What Are the Differences Between Domestic Helper Insurance and Foreign Domestic Worker Insurance?
Compared to Foreign Domestic Worker Insurance, Domestic Helper Insurance offers more limited coverage, mainly fulfilling the legal requirements under labor insurance. The coverage generally includes three main areas:
- Personal Accident Coverage: Compensation for injuries or death due to accidents while the domestic helper is working.
- Liability Coverage: Protection against third-party bodily injury or property damage claims due to negligence during work.
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for medical expenses arising from work-related injuries, including medical treatments, surgeries, hospital stays, chiropractic care, and physical therapy.
In terms of policy duration, Domestic Helper Insurance can be as short as one month, making it suitable for employers who do not frequently hire domestic helpers, such as for annual deep cleaning.
Comparison of Domestic Helper Insurance and Foreign Domestic Worker Insurance |
||
|
Domestic Helper Insurance |
Foreign Domestic Worker Insurance |
Covered Individuals |
Part-time helpers, domestic helpers, maternity care helpers |
Overseas domestic workers |
Employee Compensation |
Yes |
Yes |
Personal Accident Coverage |
Depends on policy terms |
Yes |
Personal Liability Coverage |
Depends on policy terms |
Yes |
Outpatient, Hospitalization |
No |
Yes |
Fidelity Guarantee |
No |
Yes |
Shortest Policy Duration |
One month |
One Year |
Employee Name Required for Policy |
No |
Yes |
Premium (HKD) |
From $150 |
From $400 |
6 Mistakes That Could Void Your Coverage
- Insured Age
The age of the insured domestic helper is generally required to be between 18 and 65 years old. However, different insurance companies may have varying age limits, so be sure to check the policy terms before purchasing.
- Scope of Work
The coverage of Domestic Helper Insurance is limited to specified routine household chores, such as cleaning, laundry, ironing, and changing bed linens. If the helper performs tasks outside this scope (e.g., car washing), the insurance may not cover any accidents that occur.
- Single Address
Each Domestic Helper Insurance policy covers only one address. If you need to clean multiple addresses, you must purchase a separate insurance policy for each location.
- Effective Date
You should plan ahead and schedule the domestic helper's work in advance, as the policy cannot be altered after it becomes effective.
- Non-Nominal System
Unlike Foreign Domestic Worker Insurance, Domestic Helper Insurance operates on a non-nominal basis, meaning you do not need to provide the helper's name when purchasing the policy.
- Matching Service Fees
Many online platforms offer matching services for domestic helpers, but the fees often do not include the relevant insurance. After successfully booking a helper, remember to purchase Domestic Helper Insurance to avoid violating the law.
Comparison of 5 Domestic Helper Insurance Premiums
Insurance Company & Plan Name |
Shortest Policy Duration |
Employer Liability Compensation |
Personal Accident Coverage |
Personal Liability Coverage |
Premium (HKD) |
Dah Sing Insurance - Family Helper |
One year |
100 million |
Not applicable |
Not applicable |
$350 |
Bank of China - Smart Helper Insurance Plan |
One month |
100 million |
Not applicable |
$50,000 |
$150 |
FWD Insurance - Domestic Helper Insurance |
Three months |
100 million |
$20,000 |
$50,000 |
$199 |
Blue Cross - Helper Supreme (Plan A) |
One year |
100 million |
Not applicable |
Not applicable |
$297.5 |
Avo - Domestic Helper Insurance |
One year |
100 million |
Not applicable |
Not applicable |
$210 |
*Final premium is subject to the insurance company's official announcement.
Source: Labour Department
