Comprehensive protection with helper insurance during the holidays

For people who employ foreign domestic helpers, concerns can arise when a helper falls ill or is injured. Instantly, the employee’s role as caregiver is paused, and mounting household responsibilities can cause significant stress to the employer’s family. In the past, reports have surfaced of helpers undertaking dangerous activities, such as climbing up cliffs during long holiday periods to capture the perfect photo – actions that are fraught with risk.

Most employers are aware that the employee’s compensation insurance (also commonly referred to as EC insurance) in Hong Kong is there to protect employees against workplace injuries. However, what happens if an accident occurs while a domestic helper is on leave, potentially even when abroad or visiting their home country? Does the insurance coverage extend to this scenario?

Under the current legislation, employers must grant their domestic helpers at least one rest day for every seven days worked, including statutory paid annual leave and public holidays as declared by the government. If a domestic helper is unwell or has an accident during these periods, regardless of whether the incident occurs at the work premises stipulated in the contract, the employer is obligated to cover all related medical expenses, as long as the incident occurs in Hong Kong.

Employers in Hong Kong are required to purchase EC insurance if they hire a domestic helper. The insurance solely covers the responsibility for compensation due to injury or death as a result of work-related accidents during employment. It does not extend to medical expenses resulting from sickness or injury during holidays. For example, if a domestic helper sprains an ankle while hiking with friends on her day off, the employer is responsible for all related medical expenses, including consultations, surgery, hospital stays, X-rays, traditional Chinese medicine, and physiotherapy costs, all of which can vary greatly in amount.

In the case that a domestic helper is injured or becomes ill while visiting her home country, then the employer is not liable for medical costs as the incident occurred is outside Hong Kong. However, if the employer invites a domestic helper to travel abroad, it is imperative that the employer arranges travel insurance so as to provide adequate medical coverage.

The majority of helper insurance products available offer comprehensive medical protection to help alleviate the financial burden on employers. This protection includes coverage for outpatient services, surgery, hospital stays, meals, anaesthetist fees, dental fees, Chinese medicine, and chiropractic treatments. If a domestic helper is hospitalised and unable to work due to illness, the employer can receive compensation, up to a certain limit, to help lessen the burden.

In addition, many insurance companies offer helper insurance that includes employee’s compensation coverage, repatriation costs, loyalty protection, automatic extension of the coverage period, rehiring costs, and other optional medical packages. A comprehensive helper insurance policy can meet all these needs.

Naturally, before purchasing insurance, employers should first understand the scope and limits of different insurance plans. They should select the appropriate plan according to their needs and understand deductibles, waiting periods and exclusions. If a plan does not cover all medical expenses, the employer will be responsible for the remaining costs.

Domestic helpers leave their homes to serve employers abroad, offering invaluable care to countless families. Employers, in turn, should provide adequate protection for those they employ. The right helper insurance is akin to the best gift, ensuring both parties stay protected in the unfortunate event of an accident occurring either at work or during leisure time.

This Chinese version of this article was published in the Hong Kong Economics Journal 

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