Foreign Domestic Helper Insurance - Clinical and Dental Expenses
The selection of insurance options for foreign domestic helper in Hong Kong is diverse, with varying premiums and coverage. They are mainly divided into basic and comprehensive plans. In addition to coverage for employee compensation, hospitalization and surgical expenses, repatriation expenses, personal accidents, and public liability, comprehensive plans offer additional benefits such as clinical/medical expense, dental expenses, loyalty protection, re-hiring expenses, hospital cash allowance, and loan repayment protection. In this article, we will list the clinical/medical coverage with the highest claim limit and the noteworthy terms of dental coverage. It's advisable for everyone to understand these aspects before purchasing insurance for their foreign domestic helpers.
Key points of clinical/medical coverage for foreign domestic helper Insurance:
There is usually an annual claim limit, typically ranging in the thousands of dollars.
In addition to the annual limit, there is also a per-claim limit, often stipulating a maximum claim per day.
Not all plans cover traditional Chinese medicine, or they may extend coverage only to Chinese medicine but exclude bone-setting treatments.
Pay attention to any restrictions on the choice of clinics (e.g., whether you must visit specified doctors or clinics within a network).
Some plans only cover clinical/medical treatments if a medical card is used; however, be aware that there may be a deductible.
Clinical/medical coverage is the most frequently claimed item in foreign domestic helper insurance. If a domestic helper falls ill, employers should encourage them to seek medical attention promptly, which reduces work disruptions and promotes the helper's health, thus minimizing the risk of infection to family members. Employers who purchase comprehensive insurance should explain to their helpers that medical expenses will be covered by the insurance company, to avoid the worker seeking self-medication remedies privately, which could lead to unintended consequences.
Key points of dental coverage for foreign domestic helper Insurance:
1. Treatment must be performed by a registered dentist.
2. Typically, dental coverage only includes emergency dental expenses. This means expenses related to urgent dental treatments, such as oral surgery, treatment of abscesses, tooth extraction or filling.
3. Refer to the main exclusions of the protection plan for details. Most plans do not cover routine dental check-ups, teeth cleaning, grinding, fitting dental crowns, bridges, braces, dentures, or treatment costs outside of Hong Kong.
4. Most plans have a deductible, which can be in the form of a percentage or a fixed amount.
5. Some insurance companies offer a maximum claim amount per visit, where full compensation is provided if the cost does not exceed this figure.
In comparison to clinical/medical coverage, dental coverage has a lower frequency of claims as dental issues are less common than general health issues. However, providing comprehensive coverage including dental protection demonstrates being a quality employer.
Conclusion:
As the standard employment contract in Hong Kong stipulates that employers are responsible for the medical expenses of foreign domestic helpers, dental expenses are included. While not frequently used, unforeseen dental issues can incur significant costs. Saving a few dollars in premiums might seem trivial, but the potential cost of dental problems far outweighs the savings. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure comprehensive coverage, not just to save costs but also to provide security for one's family. When purchasing insurance, consider opting for a comprehensive plan.
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
