Stroke Risk Among Foreign Domestic Helpers: Why Health Checks & Insurance Matter

Foreign domestic helpers are an important part of many Hong Kong households. They help with cooking, caring for elderly family members, and keeping the home clean. But while they care for others, have you ever thought about their own health risks? Recently, the University of Hong Kong (HKU) Medical School revealed that stroke cases in Hong Kong are happening at younger ages, and around 10% of stroke patients aged 18–55 are foreign domestic helpers. As an employer, it's important not only to look after your family’s health, but also your helper’s.

Stroke Can Affect Young People – Foreign Domestic Helpers Are Also at Risk

Medical data shows that stroke among people aged 18 to 55 is increasing, with about 2,300 cases a year, and 1 in 10 of these are FDHs. Many people don’t realise they have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes until they have a stroke. Missing the “golden 4.5-hour window” for treatment can lead to long-term disability or even death.

Foreign domestic helpers often face stress, long hours working, and irregular eating habits. Without regular health checks, they might not notice early warning signs. As an employer, it’s your responsibility to provide a safe and healthy working environment—and encourage your helper to get check-ups or attend health talks.

Teach Healthy Cooking – It Benefits Everyone

HKU also pointed out that teaching foreign domestic helpers how to cook healthy meals using the “3 Lows, 1 High” principle (low oil, low salt, low sugar, high fiber) can help prevent chronic illnesses like stroke. When your helper knows how to prepare healthy meals, your whole family benefits too.

For example, they can:

• Choose steaming, boiling, or braising instead of deep-frying

• Use fresh ingredients

• Avoid processed sauces and instant foods

These simple changes can greatly improve your family’s diet.

Medical Responsibility – Employers Must Cover FDH Health Costs

According to the Standard Employment Contract in Hong Kong, employers must pay for all medical expenses for their helper during the contract period. This includes:

• Hospital bills

• Clinic consultation fees

• Laboratory tests

• Medications

If your helper suffers a stroke or other major illness, the medical bills can be very expensive. That’s why it’s strongly recommended to get comprehensive domestic helper insurance.

Many comprehensive insurances not only cover basic hospital and clinic expenses, but also include critical illness protection, such as for stroke, heart disease, or cancer.

Public Hospital Fees Will Increase in 2026 – Insurance Is Even More Important

The Hong Kong government has announced that starting from January 2026, public hospital charges will rise significantly:

• General outpatient: from HK$50 → HK$100

• Specialist outpatient: from HK$135 → HK$200

• A&E (Emergency room): from HK$180 → HK$220

This means whether your helper goes to public or private clinics, the cost of medical treatment will continue to rise. A good domestic helper insurance policy can help reduce your financial burden and provide better peace of mind when medical emergencies happen.

Related article: 【2026 Public Medical Fee Increase】Guide for Employers Where Should Your Foreign Domestic Helper See a Doctor

Conclusion

Health is a basic right for your family and for your helper. Since helpers spend so much time caring for your household, their own health also affects your family's well-being.

As an employer, you should:

• Encourage regular health checks

• Provide health education on diet and stroke prevention

• Choose a comprehensive insurance plan that protects both your helper and your finances

Remember: prevention is better than cure. A healthy helper means a happier, safer home for everyone.

Related product:

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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