New Policy Requirements

Starting from 1 July 2023, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) announced significant policy updates requiring employers of domestic helpers to buy insurance with higher medical expenses coverage, raising the annual cover limit from $15,000 to at least $60,000. This adjustment is designed to help employers manage larger medical bills and minimise out-of-pocket expenses as healthcare costs continue to rise, addressing concerns that more than 5% of foreign workers’ medical bills surpass the previous coverage limits.

The case of Ms. Lim, an employer who experienced firsthand the shock of healthcare costs when her two domestic helpers fell ill, points to the importance of a maid insurance like the Singtel GREAT Maid Protect plans. This narrative not only sheds light on the harsh realities of expensive medical bills but also emphasises the advantages of having enhanced protection.
 

First Incident: Acute Kidney Failure

The Discovery

Ms. Lim’s routine day was disrupted when she noticed her domestic helper's legs were unusually swollen. A quick decision to visit the clinic led to a harrowing diagnosis: acute kidney failure, necessitating immediate hospitalisation and kidney dialysis.

Hospitalisation and Costs

Upon admission to Tan Tock Seng Hospital, the financial reality set in quickly:

• Room Charges: $1,064.78 for a 5-day stay in a Class C room and $601.85 for a day in a specialised unit.
• Daily Treatment Fees: $875 for five days in a standard ward and $200.93 for a day in a specialised unit.
• Medical Investigations and Dialysis: The largest expenses came from renal dialysis and extensive medical investigations, including laboratory tests costing $3,245.77, specialised tests, and X-rays totalling over $400. Renal dialysis alone costs $1,088.00.
• Medications and Other Services: Medication totalled $346.32, and other services added $1,058.30.

The total cost before GST was approximately $10,544.10. After adding GST and additional fees, the final bill was $11,527.56.

Insurance Interaction

During this critical time, the interaction with the insurance company under the Silver Plan became crucial. Despite the comprehensive coverage, the plan required Ms. Lim to manage an initial deposit of $2,000 and co-payments for hospital expenses, as immediate full coverage could not be provided upfront. The specifics of the Silver Plan included a co-payment scheme where 75% of costs above the first $15,000 were covered by insurers and 25% by the employer. This highlighted the importance of understanding the details of insurance coverage, especially regarding co-payment obligations and deposit requirements.

Continuation and Transition

The helper was diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure and had to be repatriated to Myanmar. Ms. Lim faced emotional and logistical challenges, as well as the financial implications of hiring a replacement.

Fortunately, the Silver Plan provided reimbursement for the costs associated with ending employment, which included up to $350 for hiring a replacement.

Second Incident: New Helper's Health Crisis

Initial Signs

No sooner had Ms. Lim managed the first crisis then another unfolded. A new helper, brought in to replace the first, began to show signs of severe illness mere days into her tenure, marked by debilitating diarrhoea. Once again, Ms. Lim found herself at the hospital, facing a repeat of her prior ordeal.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The new helper was diagnosed with typhoid fever, necessitating a prolonged stay in an isolated ward at Sengkang General Hospital. The treatment involved multiple high-cost procedures. Specific charges included:

• Room and Daily Treatment Fees: Varied from $333.72 to $849.08 for different ward levels, with daily treatment fees ranging from $46.56 to $358.02.required.
• Medical Investigations: Included laboratory tests and other diagnostics necessary to confirm and manage the typhoid fever diagnosis.

Financial Strain

The financial repercussions were immediate and heavy. Ms. Lim, learning from the previous incident, had proactively upgraded to the Platinum Plan of the GREAT Maid Protect insurance. This upgrade proved to be timely as the hospital bills for the new helper's treatment quickly escalated, reaching approximately $15,000. The Platinum Plan's benefits, offering up to $90,000 in hospital and surgical expenses without any co-payment, significantly alleviated the financial burden. 
 

Singtel GREAT Maid Protect Insurance Claim Process: Streamlined and Supportive

Filing a Claim

The claim process, though rigorous, was facilitated by Ms. Lim's proactive gathering of all pertinent documents — medical bills, detailed reports, and proof of treatment. Having navigated the complexities of this process during the first incident, she managed the subsequent claim with informed precision. For both incidents, Ms. Lim submitted everything required to expedite the claims, demonstrating a deep understanding of the documentation needed, which included detailed invoices from the hospitals, diagnosis reports, and proof of payment.

The Outcome

Singtel GREAT Maid Protect responded swiftly and supportively. Within two weeks of filing each claim, Ms. Lim received reimbursement, providing significant financial relief. This quick turnaround highlighted the insurance plan’s value in crisis management, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free claim process.

Reflections and Advice

Employer’s Reflections

"Facing medical emergencies taught me the crucial need for comprehensive insurance. It's about more than just protection—it's about understanding and preparedness, and Singtel GREAT Maid Protect insurance was a lifeline when unexpected medical emergencies hit." said Ms. Lim

Advice for Other Employers

"Opt for a reliable insurance plan like Singtel GREAT Maid Protect, which offers clear terms and extensive coverage. Choosing a plan with clarity and proper understanding can make all the difference in efficiently managing medical crises and significantly easing the management of any health emergency." explained Ms. Lim.

Securing Peace of Mind For You And Your Domestic Helper With Singtel GREAT Maid Protect

The narrative of these back-to-back health emergencies highlights the indispensable role of robust insurance coverage. The Singtel GREAT Maid Protect plan not only provided substantial financial aid during these crises but also offered peace of mind. Being prepared with a comprehensive insurance plan is not just a financial decision; it's a commitment to the well-being of those who help make our lives manageable. The assurance that comes with such preparedness is invaluable, ensuring that when emergencies strike, the focus can remain on recovery and care rather than financial fallout.

Psst… Did you know? Singtel GREAT Maid Protect is currently having a promotion where you’ll get 20% OFF + FREE AirTag!

Interested to know more about how we can protect you and your domestic helper? Click here to get a quote on Singtel GREAT Maid Protect and find out how our comprehensive insurance coverage can provide you and your helper the peace of mind you deserve.

FAQ

1. What should employers consider when choosing an insurance plan for their domestic helpers?
   
   When selecting an insurance plan for domestic helpers, employers should consider the extent of coverage provided, including the clarity of terms and the process of claims. It's important to choose a plan that offers extensive coverage without complicated co-payment schemes, especially for high-cost medical treatments. Plans like the Singtel GREAT Maid Protect, particularly the Platinum Plan, provide up to $90,000 in medical coverage without any co-payment, which can be crucial for managing unexpected medical crises efficiently and without additional financial stress.
   
   
2. How does the Singtel GREAT Maid Protect plan assist in cases of severe medical emergencies?
   
   The Singtel GREAT Maid Protect plan offers comprehensive coverage that significantly alleviates the financial burden during medical emergencies. For example, in cases like acute kidney failure or severe illnesses such as typhoid fever, the plan covers substantial medical costs, including hospital room charges, treatment fees, and medical investigations. It also provides benefits for employer liability and the costs associated with hiring a replacement helper, ensuring employers are financially protected throughout the process.
   
   
3.  How quick is the claim process with Singtel GREAT Maid Protect, and what documents are typically required?
   
   The claim process with Singtel GREAT Maid Protect is designed to be both swift and supportive. Typically, claims are processed and reimbursements are issued within two weeks of filing, provided all necessary documentation is submitted correctly. Employers are required to gather and submit detailed medical bills, diagnostic reports, proof of treatment, and proof of payment. This efficient process ensures that employers can quickly receive reimbursement for out-of-pocket medical expenses, allowing them to focus on the care and recovery of their domestic helper rather than financial worries.