Foreign Domestic Helper Q&A Vol. 3
Clinical Expenses / Policyholder / Waiting period / Job-hopping protection
Foreign domestic helper insurance may seem straightforward, but there are many details that could be missed if not careful. It's only when you really need to make a claim that you might discover it's not covered, leaving you in a difficult situation. In the Vol. 3 of our Q&A series about foreign domestic helper insurance, we'll share information about the reimbursement limits and total caps for clinical expenses, the correct policyholder, policy effective/waiting periods, and job-hopping protection.
Related Article: Foreign Domestic Helper Q&A Vol. 1
Related Article: Foreign Domestic Helper Q&A Vol. 2
Q: Are there any limits on clinical expenses coverage?
Ans: Generally, clinical expenses coverage come with a set limit on the number of visits, with most policies specifying once per day or limit the number of visits per year. However, it's important to note the maximum claim amount per year. For example, if the coverage is HK$2,000 with a maximum of HK$200 per visit, reaching 10 visits would exhaust the coverage. If the foreign domestic helper needs further clinic visits, the employer would be responsible for all expenses. California Insurance offers clinical expenses coverage of HK$4,000 with a daily limit of HK$160, allowing up to 25 visits. In the meantime, for visits to public clinics under the Hospital Authority, the consultation fee is only HK$50 per visit.
Related Article: 7 Considerations for Choosing Foreign Domestic Helpers Insurance
Q: What does clinical expenses coverage include?
Ans: Clinical expenses coverage typically includes visits to general practitioners, treatment for injuries, or physical therapy. General clinical expenses coverage usually includes general practitioner services and basic medication for up to 3 days. Additional expenses may arise if the helper requires medication for more than 3 days, antibiotics, or specialist consultations, which would then require the employer to cover the difference. Specialist consultations under the Hospital Authority cost HK$135 for the first visit and HK$80 for subsequent visits, with each medication priced at HK$15.
Related Article: What is Foreign Domestic Helper Insurance?
Q: Who is the appropriate policyholder?
Ans: Many individuals hire foreign domestic helper for their elderly family members. According to the employment contract, foreign domestic helper must reside at the same address as their employers. Therefore, if the children do not reside with the elderly family members, the employer (usually the elderly family member) should be the policyholder. Children cannot purchase insurance on behalf of their parents, as filling out the policy incorrectly could render it invalid.
Q: When should insurance be purchased for the waiting period/coverage start time?
Ans: Insurance should be purchased from the day the employment contract officially begins, typically the arrival date of the helper. For locally hired helpers, it begins on the day the contract is effective. It's crucial to have valid foreign domestic helper insurance from the start, as some insurance plans may have waiting periods. Therefore, it's essential to understand the terms and conditions and not delay purchasing insurance. In case the foreign domestic helper falls ill immediately upon arrival, the employer would be responsible for all medical expenses. California Insurance offers a unique "Open Coverage" feature, allowing coverage to be reserved for up to 365 days. This means coverage can be held until all necessary information is provided, forms are filled out, and payment is made, without any waiting period.
Q: What if the helper quit the job during the insurance period?
Ans: There was no coverage for helpers who quit their jobs years ago. However, due to the increasing occurrence of helpers job-hopping, some insurance companies have introduced new foreign domestic helper insurance plans that include coverage for trial periods or cash allowances for service interruptions. California Insurance's "Helper CaliGive" includes both features, with coverage of HK$5,000 per policy year for trial periods and HK$2,000 per helper, as well as a daily cash allowance of HK$200, up to HK$6,000 per policy year, for service interruptions.
Related Article: Q&A: "Job-hopping" among foreign domestic helper
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
