Foreign Domestic Helper QA Vol. 5
Serious illness/Traditional Chinese Medicine certificate/Expense limit/Concealing medical condition
If the foreign domestic helper suffers from a serious illness, the medical expenses can vary greatly. Therefore, when employers decide to purchase insurance for foreign domestic helpers, they need to be clear about what is covered and what is not, especially when hiring older helpers. In some cases, certain plans may require additional coverage for comprehensive protection against serious illnesses. In this Q&A Vol. 5, we will share information related to insurance coverage for serious illnesses, including the list of illnesses covered, traditional Chinese Medicine certificates, expense limits, and the implications of concealing medical conditions when applying for insurance.
Related Readings:
Foreign Domestic Helper Q&A Vol. 1
Foreign Domestic Helper Q&A Vol. 2
Foreign Domestic Helper Q&A Vol. 3
Foreign Domestic Helper QA Vol. IV
Q: Are serious illnesses covered? Like hypertension and arthritis.
Ans: It depends on the specific terms of each foreign domestic helper insurance policy and cannot be generalized. Each insurance policy clearly states what is not covered or which diseases are covered or not covered. Employers must carefully review the policy before purchasing. Some foreign domestic helper insurance policies offer additional coverage for serious illnesses, such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, arthritis, severe burns, etc. In the case of the "Helper Caligive" of California Insurance's foreign domestic helper insurance, if a foreign domestic helper needs to be hospitalized for surgery or treatment due to cancer or heart disease, the coverage limit for relevant hospitalization expenses will be doubled, providing employers with greater support for high medical expenses.
Related Reading: Foreign Domestic Helper falls seriously ill right after arrival! Is the employer required to take responsibility?
Q: Are Traditional Chinese Medicine accepted for the above serious illnesses?
Ans: Most insurance companies only accept Western medical certificates and do not accept Traditional Chinese Medicine for serious illnesses.
Q: What are the limits for hospitalization and surgical expenses?
Ans: Typically, there are three types of limits: the highest annual amount, daily hospitalization expenses, and expenses calculated per injury or illness, including surgical expenses, anesthesiologist fees, and operating room fees. For example, under California Insurance's foreign domestic helper insurance "Helper Caligive", the highest annual amount for hospitalization and surgical expenses is HK$88,000; daily hospitalization expenses are HK$300; surgical expenses, anesthesiologist fees, and operating room fees per injury or illness are HK$10,000, HK$2,500, and HK$1,250, respectively.
Q: Applying for insurance while concealing medical conditions
Ans: Generally, foreign domestic helpers undergo medical examinations before coming to work in Hong Kong, and employers can request the medical examination report from the agency. However, there are occasional reports in the news about discrepancies between the medical examination report and the actual health condition of the helper, leaving the employer to take care the ill helper. If an employer discovers that a foreign domestic helper has concealed a medical condition (especially a serious illness) when applying for insurance, the policy is usually considered invalid, and the insurance company may refuse to pay compensation. If this issue arises, it is recommended that the employer inquire with the agency in advance, and if necessary, file a complaint with the Labour Department against the agency.
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
