In 2026, the cost of hiring a live-in foreign domestic worker (FDW) in Singapore has risen beyond just monthly salaries. One of the biggest financial “shocks” for new employers is the mandatory overhead of Maid Insurance and Medical Examinations (6ME).
Under Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations, every employer is legally responsible for the medical well-being of their helper. This isn’t just a suggestion—it is a requirement to maintain their work permit. From the $5,000 security bond to the increased medical coverage limits mandated in recent years, these “hidden” costs can add thousands of dollars to your household expenses over a two-year contract.
Use our 2026 Maid Insurance & Medical Estimator below to see exactly what you are committed to paying before you sign that agency contract.
2026 Maid Insurance & Medical Estimator
Calculate mandatory MOM medical overheads for live-in helpers.
Live-in vs. Part-time: Medical Liability Table
| Requirement (2026) | Full-Time Maid (Employer Pays) | Part-Time Maid (You Pay) |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Insurance | Mandatory (Min $60k/year coverage) | $0 (Agency Covered) |
| Personal Accident Ins. | Mandatory (Min $60k coverage) | $0 (Agency Covered) |
| 6ME Exams | Mandatory every 6 months | $0 (Not Required) |
| $5,000 Security Bond | Employer Liability | $0 (None) |
In 2026, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has strict guidelines to ensure that foreign domestic workers are adequately protected. While these laws are beneficial for the workers, they place a heavy administrative and financial burden on the employer.
Understanding the 6-Monthly Medical Examination (6ME)
As a live-in employer, you are responsible for sending your maid for a medical examination every six months. This 6ME checks for pregnancy and infectious diseases.
- The Cost: While the clinic visit may only cost $30-$50, the real cost is your time. You must arrange transportation and ensure the maid attends, or you risk having her work permit revoked and losing your $5,000 security bond.
- The Penalty: Failure to send a maid for her 6ME is a serious offense that can result in an employer being blacklisted from hiring helpers in the future.
Mandatory Insurance Coverage in 2026
MOM requires two types of insurance for all full-time maids:
- Medical Insurance: Must have at least $60,000 coverage per year for inpatient care and day surgery.
- Personal Accident Insurance: Must have a sum assured of at least $60,000 to protect the maid and her family in the event of permanent disability or death.
Employers often buy 26-month policies to cover the 2-year contract plus an additional 2-month “buffer” period required by MOM. In 2026, these premiums typically range from $350 to $500.
The “Zero-Headache” Alternative
This is where Part-Time Cleaning services change the game. When you hire a cleaner through Part-Time-Maid.com:
- We are the employer. We take on 100% of the insurance liability.
- No 6ME required. Because the cleaners are Singaporeans or Permanent Residents, they are not subject to FDW medical mandates.
- No Bonds. You never have to worry about a $5,000 security bond being forfeited.
By switching to part-time, you aren’t just saving on the hourly rate—you are removing a massive legal and financial liability from your household.
2026 Maid Insurance & Medical FAQs
Who pays for the maid’s 6ME in Singapore? +
What is the minimum insurance coverage required by MOM in 2026? +
Do I really have to pay a $5,000 Security Bond? +
Does part-time cleaning require insurance or 6ME? +
Tired of Medical Admin & Bonds?
Avoid the 6ME stress and $5,000 liability. Our part-time cleaners are 100% agency-insured and legally deployed.