Foreign Domestic Helper Q&A Vol. 2
Outpatient, Hospitalisation and Surgical Expenses, Loyalty Assurance, Exclusions & How to Claim
Questions about foreign domestic helper insurance are numerous every day. Therefore, we have launched a new series - "foreign domestic helpers’ insurance Q&A," compiling questions related to insurance for foreign domestic helpers. The content of the second episode includes outpatient, inpatient, and surgical expenses, loyalty assurance, exclusions, and how to claim.
Related Article: Foreign Domestic Helper Q&A Vol. 1
Q: Can foreign domestic helpers claim for outpatient expenses?
Ans: Not all plans cover outpatient expenses. Since foreign domestic helpers may need medical attention for minor illnesses without hospitalization and considering the potential risk of transmission to household members, seeking prompt medical care is necessary. Outpatient coverage is often one of the most claimed items in foreign domestic helpers Insurance. Therefore, it is recommended not to skimp and choose a plan that includes outpatient coverage.
Q: Does coverage include treatment for Chinese medicine or physiotherapy?
Ans: Yes or No. In recent years, many foreign domestic helper insurances distinguish between Western medicine and Chinese medicine or physiotherapy. Each may have daily compensation limits, and details can be found in the promotional materials.
Q: What is covered in hospitalisation and surgical expenses?
Ans: It mainly includes four categories - hospitalization and miscellaneous expenses, surgical expenses, anesthetist fees, and operating room expenses. Each category has daily or per-incident limits, so it's essential to carefully review the policy before purchasing.
Related Article: What is Foreign Domestic Helper Insurance?
Q: What is loyalty assurance/integrity assurance?
Ans: In cases of theft or fraud by the foreign domestic helper, if proven, insurance companies provide compensation for financial losses. Not all plans include this assurance, and coverage amounts range from HK$1,500 to HK$10,000. Some plans also cover unauthorized long-distance telephone charges by the domestic helper. Most plans specify that employers need to report dishonest behavior within 15 or 30 days after the policy expires, the employment contract terminates, or the helper is terminated, and to report to the police promptly or within 24 hours.
Q: What are common exclusions?
Ans: Certain situations or medical conditions are not covered, such as pre-existing chronic illnesses, pregnancy, suicide, or some policies may exclude coverage for heart disease and cancer. Employers may need to purchase additional coverage for heart disease and cancer. The latest "Helper CaliGive" by California Insurance provides free extension coverage for surgical expenses or treatments for helpers due to cancer or heart disease. It also doubles the limit for certain hospitalisation coverage items, easing the financial burden on employers for high medical expenses.
Q: If the foreign domestic helper falls critically ill upon arrival, is the employer responsible?
Ans: Yes, according to Hong Kong regulations, employers are responsible for all medical expenses for foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong. Details on reasons and how to reduce the employer's financial burden can be found in the following sections.
Related Article: Foreign Domestic Helper falls seriously ill right after arrival! Is the employer required to take responsibility?
Q: How to claim?
Ans: The main method is through online application. Employers need to upload or email the relevant documents to the insurer, and then they will receive a check or bank transfer. Some applications use mobile apps for a fully automated process. By filling out the form through the app, uploading supporting documents, and once approved, the app will automatically instruct the bank for a transfer, making it quicker and more convenient than submitting claims online.
For now, we have covered the above topics in the second episode. We will continue to gather common questions about foreign domestic helper insurance, and the third episode will be released soon. Stay tuned!
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
