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Protecting domestic helpers when cancer strikes
In Hong Kong, we rely heavily on domestic helpers. When it comes to looking after the health of domestic helpers, many employers consider insurance products that cover accidents and hospitalisation fees. However, what if your employee was struck down with a critical illness? And how would you cope with the costs if they aren’t covered by your existing insurance coverage?
Critical illnesses should be a concern for us all. Heart attacks, strokes, heart disease and kidney failure often depend on an individual’s lifestyle choices, and making healthy lifestyle choices can certainly lower the risk of developing these conditions. However, one type of critical illness, namely cancer, is on the increase in Hong Kong. According to the Cancer Online Research Hub, cancer cases in the city have been increasing at a rate of roughly 2.4% each year for the past decade. With this in mind, it is important to ensure that all members of the household make the right lifestyle choices to reduce the likelihood of developing cancer, but also that they are covered financially – and this includes domestic helpers.
Unfortunately, there has a been a rash of incidents in recent years where some employers, rather providing care for domestic helpers who have been diagnosed with cancer or another critical illness, have illegally terminated their employment. According to reports, some 60 domestic helpers have been fired since 2020 at a time when they should have received support during their darkest hours. Instead, they were left to shoulder the cost of cancer treatment on their own.
Enhanced coverage
So what can you do, as a responsible employer, to protect your domestic helper while she fights what is possibly the greatest battle of her life? Finding the right insurance that meets your needs is key. MSIG’s Domestic Helper Insurance plans provide optional cover for cancer and heart disease.
As an example of how the plan works, consider Mr Lam’s situation. He employs Joyce, who is from the Philippines, as a domestic helper. She is 35 years old. Mr Lam takes out the MSIG Domestic Helper Insurance Enhanced Plan, which covers a range of medical protection. However, aware that cancer is on the rise, he opts for the Cancer & Heart Disease (top-up) optional coverage. After a year of service, unfortunately Joyce is diagnosed with stage-two cervical cancer. As Mr Lam wishes to provide the best-possible treatment for Joyce in the least-possible time, he books her into a private hospital so she can begin her treatment. Thanks to the optional coverage Mr Lam purchased, Joyce’s clinical, surgical and hospital stay costs, which are over HK$70,000, are met by the plan. Joyce is able to make a full recovery, and Mr Lam has not been put under any financial strain.
An additional optional cover, Clinical expense (top-up), offers a reimbursement limit of HK$400 per visit and an annual maximum of up to HK$6,000. This benefit provides employers with enhanced financial support in light of the Hospital Authority’s recently announced fees and charges reform.
With some critical illnesses on the rise, consider giving your domestic helper the coverage she deserves. You’ll also be protecting yourself financially, which is a win-win outcome for all.
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Domestic helper insurance: A win-win solution for employers and employees
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