Foreign Domestic Helper QA Vol. IV
Designated doctor/Job-hopping/unfinished of policy/overlap of coverage between home insurance and foreign domestic helper insurance
In episode IV, we will share information about designated doctors and medical card arrangements, handling methods for job-hopping on insurance, refunds for unfinished policies, and areas where home insurance overlaps with foreign domestic helper insurance.
Related Readings:
Foreign Domestic Helper Q&A Vol. 1
Foreign Domestic Helper Q&A Vol. 2
Foreign Domestic Helper Q&A Vol. 3
Q: Is it necessary to visit a designated doctor?
Ans: Some insurance companies providing foreign domestic helper insurance require the helpers to visit designated doctors. After seeing the doctor, if no special medication or injections are needed, the helper could simply present the company's medical card and leave without having to pay directly. To some extent, not having to pay upfront and claim afterward is convenient. However, for some foreign domestic helper insurances, if not visiting the designated doctor, the outpatient covers are limited by frequency and changed to be limited by amount. If there is a designated doctor nearby or if the foreign domestic helper is seriously ill, it might be most convenient to visit a doctor nearby or even visit a well-known doctor who is not in the network. Flexibility might be available without restrictions from medical cards/designated doctors. Before purchasing insurance for a foreign domestic helper, employers should check carefully.
Related Reading: Foreign Domestic Helper falls seriously ill right after arrival! Is the employer required to take responsibility?
Q: Can the foreign domestic helper's insurance policy be transferred if the helper quit before it expires?
Ans: In most cases, if a foreign domestic helper quits before the policy's coverage period ends, it is generally allowed to transfer the policy to the new helper. However, it's important to note that foreign domestic helper insurance policies are usually purchased for 1 or 2 years. If the policy coverage period doesn't cover the full period of employment for the new foreign domestic helper, remember to mark when the policy ends, there will be no cover and the employer might not only have to bear the cost of medical treatment for the foreign domestic helper but also violate the law!
Q: Can refunds be obtained if the foreign domestic helper's insurance policy is unfinished due to quitting/job-hopping?
Ans: In most cases, refunds are not possible. A small number of policies that allow refunds may charge handling fees. For details and arrangements, please confirm with your insurance company. However, most insurance companies will accept policy transfers.
Q: If there's already home insurance, should foreign domestic helper insurance still be purchased?
Ans: Home insurance mainly covers property damage due to accidents, water damage, fire, which affecting household furniture, appliances, clothing, locks, jewelry, cash, etc. The clauses regarding burglary and third-party liability may overlap with foreign domestic helper insurance. Incidents of theft by foreign domestic helpers do occur from time to time. Therefore, many foreign domestic helper insurance policies already include a "loyalty assurance" clause.
For third-party liability, if an accident occurs while the foreign domestic helper is working under the employer's instructions, such as falling a window while cleaning or a dog biting a family member while being walked, the employer bears responsibility. The third-party liability coverage in most foreign domestic helper insurance policies ranges from HK$100,000 to HK$500,000. It's difficult to predict how much compensation will be needed in case of an accident. Employers can assess the risks and decide whether dual protection is necessary.
Related Reading: Foreign domestic workers causing damage in public places: Is the employer responsible?
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
