Does Insurance Cover Cancer or Heart Disease for Foreign Domestic Helpers? [Case Study]
In Hong Kong, employers hiring foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) must, by law and under the Standard Employment Contract, purchase insurance for their helpers and cover all their medical expenses. This includes accidents and injuries occurring during non-working hours.
There are many FDH insurance options available in the market, including basic and comprehensive plans, each with different terms and coverage. Basic plans typically cover minor illnesses, but what about critical illnesses like cancer or heart disease? Will the insurance provide enough protection, or could these conditions be excluded? To answer this, employers need to check the policy’s exclusions carefully.
Enhanced Coverage for Cancer and Heart Disease
California Insurance's Flagship product "Helper CaliGive" provides superior coverage for cancer and heart disease. In terms of hospitalization coverage, this plan:
Offers the highest annual compensation limit in the market.
Automatically extends coverage (with no additional premium) to include surgeries or treatments related to cancer or heart disease.
Doubles the hospitalization & surgical coverage limits for these critical conditions, significantly reducing the employer's financial burden.
Case Study: Helper’s Breast Cancer Treatment
In a recent case, a generous employer prioritized their helper’s health and arranged for her to receive breast cancer treatment at a private hospital. The helper stayed in a standard room for two days, with total medical expenses, including surgery, hospitalization, and other related costs are exceeding HK$100,000.
This example highlights the importance of adequate insurance coverage. Without comprehensive insurance, employers may face substantial out-of-pocket costs for such treatments.
Comparison of Insurance Coverage for Cancer and Heart Disease
The chart below compares the expected compensation amounts offered by various insurance providers for critical illness coverage.
(1), (2) Premium includes medical check-ups.
*If the helper is hospitalized due to cancer or heart disease requiring surgical procedures, hospitalization, or treatment, the hospitalization, surgery, and anesthesia limits are doubled.
Conclusion
Health is one of the most important assets for everyone. If your FDH feels unwell, you should encourage them to seek medical advice promptly. Early treatment not only ensures their well-being but also minimizes risks to your household. Avoid allowing your helper to take over-the-counter medication without a doctor’s guidance.
Providing suitable and timely medical care is vital. Comprehensive insurance plans can cover most medical expenses, significantly reducing the financial burden on employers. When selecting insurance for your helper, it is crucial to choose a comprehensive plan and understand the policy’s terms and exclusions. This prevents any unexpected gaps in coverage when you need it most.
For an overview of basic FDH insurance coverage and compensation details, you can refer to What is Foreign Domestic Helper Insurance?
Related product:
California Insurance's latest foreign domestic helper insurance offers the highest coverage in Hong Kong with up to HK$88,000 coverage for hospitalization and surgical expenses. It also provides “New Starter Benefit” that offers probationary protection and “Open Cover” policy reservations for up to 365 days. Learn more or apply now.
The information provided in this article is for general reference only and should not be considered as any form of advice. Our company assumes no responsibility for its use
