Before an MDW can start or renew her Work Permit, employers must arrange mandatory insurance and, for most nationalities, a security bond. These are legal requirements — not optional agency upsells.
Medical insurance
Employers must buy medical insurance covering inpatient care and day surgery with minimum coverage set by MOM. This protects you and your helper from large hospital bills.
Personal accident insurance
Separate personal accident coverage is also required so helpers are protected if serious accidents occur during employment.
Security bond
For many nationalities, employers must post a $5,000 security bond (often via a bank or insurer guarantee) for each non-Malaysian MDW. Malaysian helpers are generally exempt from this bond requirement. The bond is a guarantee mechanism for MOM — understand when it can be forfeited and how to recover it when employment ends properly.
Who arranges what
Agencies usually help purchase policies and bond packages, but the employer is the policyholder and payer. Keep certificates accessible for renewals and inspections.
Renewals
Insurance and bonds must remain valid when you renew the Work Permit. Set reminders two months before expiry to avoid last-minute gaps.
Coverage minimums and bond rules are set by MOM and may change. Verify current requirements on mom.gov.sg before deployment.
