Employees' Compensation (EC) Insurance is legally required before your helper's first day of work in Hong Kong (Cap. 282). Minimum coverage: HK$100,000,000 per event. Annual cost: HK$500–1,000. Recommended add-ons: personal accident, medical, maid insurance. Not having EC insurance before Day 1 is a criminal offence with a HK$100,000 fine and up to 2 years imprisonment.
What's Legally Required
Under the Employees' Compensation Ordinance (Cap. 282), every employer of a foreign domestic helper is legally required to hold Employees' Compensation (EC) Insurance before the helper begins working. This is non-negotiable.
- Employees' Compensation Insurance — mandatory under Cap. 282
- Minimum coverage: HK$100,000,000 per event
- Penalties for non-compliance: HK$100,000 fine + 2 years imprisonment
- When to buy: before the helper starts working — not after
- The insurance must be in force from Day 1 of employment
WARNING: Not purchasing Employees' Compensation Insurance before your helper starts is a criminal offence in Hong Kong. Penalties include a HK$100,000 fine and up to 2 years in prison. Do not delay purchasing — buy before their first day of work.
What's Recommended Beyond the Minimum
Mandatory EC Insurance only covers work-related injuries and illness. A comprehensive helper insurance plan goes much further — and for the relatively small additional premium, it is strongly recommended.
- Medical coverage — outpatient visits, hospitalisation, and dental (helpers are entitled to sick leave with pay; medical costs are employer's responsibility)
- Personal accident — covers accidental injury or death, including off-duty accidents
- Repatriation costs — return of the helper's remains to home country in case of death
- Fidelity protection — covers theft or fraud committed by the helper
- Third-party liability — covers accidents caused by your helper to third parties
- Replacement helper costs — covers costs of finding a replacement if your helper becomes incapacitated
How Much Does Domestic Helper Insurance Cost in 2026?
Domestic helper insurance premiums vary significantly based on coverage level and insurer. Here are the three main tiers:
- Basic plans (EC insurance only): HK$280–800/year — Minimum legal coverage only
- Comprehensive plans: HK$1,500–3,000/year — EC + medical + personal accident + liability
- Premium plans: HK$3,000–6,000/year — Full coverage including dental, fidelity, replacement costs
Major Insurer Comparison
| Insurer | Basic Plan (approx.) | Comprehensive Plan | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| AXA | HK$500–800 | HK$1,800–2,800 | Strong medical coverage |
| QBE | HK$480–750 | HK$1,600–2,600 | Competitive pricing |
| HSBC | HK$550–900 | HK$2,000–3,200 | Bank-linked, easy renewal |
| FWD | HK$400–700 | HK$1,500–2,400 | Digital-first, fast claims |
| Blue Cross | HK$450–750 | HK$1,600–2,500 | Wide hospital network |
| Navigator | HK$500–850 | HK$1,800–3,000 | Helper-specialist insurer |
Prices are approximate and vary based on helper's age, coverage period (1 or 2 years), and selected add-ons. Always compare quotes directly from each insurer before purchasing.
How to Choose the Right Plan
Consider your helper's duties
- Childcare duties: prioritise personal accident coverage and fidelity protection
- Elderly care: prioritise medical coverage (higher chance of hospital visits) and third-party liability
- Driving duties: ensure motor vehicle third-party liability is included
- General housework: comprehensive plan is still recommended for peace of mind
Watch out for these exclusions and limits
- Pre-existing conditions — most plans exclude conditions known before the policy start date
- Sub-limits on medical claims — some plans cap per-visit or per-claim amounts
- Waiting periods — some benefits (e.g. dental) only activate after 3–6 months
- Age restrictions — helpers over 60 face higher premiums or limited options
- Off-duty coverage — check whether personal accident covers evenings and rest days
Common Questions About Helper Insurance
Can I buy domestic helper insurance online?
Yes. AXA, FWD, Blue Cross, and QBE all offer online purchase. You can get a quote and buy in under 10 minutes. Most policies are activated immediately upon payment.
Does my helper need to be in HK before I buy?
No — for most insurers, you can purchase the policy before your helper arrives in Hong Kong. The policy activates from the stated start date. This is important for overseas hires: buy the insurance so it's ready from Day 1.
What if my helper gets pregnant?
Pregnancy-related medical costs are generally not covered by standard helper insurance. As the employer, you are still legally required to provide medical treatment during the contract. Maternity leave (14 weeks paid, if helper has 40+ weeks of service) is a statutory entitlement — insurance does not cover this cost, which falls on the employer.
What if my helper is over 60?
Helpers over 60 may face higher insurance premiums and some insurers may limit available coverage. It is advisable to shop around and compare quotes from at least three insurers. Ensure the policy specifically covers the helper's age group.
When to Buy and How to Renew
- Buy before Day 1: Insurance must be active from the first day of employment
- Policy period: Most helper insurance policies run for 1 or 2 years — align with your helper's contract period
- Renewal reminder: Set a calendar reminder 4–6 weeks before the policy expiry date
- Contract renewal: When renewing your helper's employment contract, renew the insurance at the same time
- Mid-contract changes: If your helper's duties change significantly (e.g. adding elderly care), review coverage
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