What should employers do if a foreign domestic helper books a doctor by herself and then asks the employer to pay the medical bill?

Under Hong Kong’s Standard Employment Contract, employers must provide free and suitable medical treatment. However, this does not necessarily mean employers have to pay for every medical expense without question.

Here are 5 key points employers should know about medical expenses and their responsibilities.

If you’ve hired a foreign domestic helper at home, where should she go when she gets sick? Public hospitals, government clinics, or private doctors? As an employer, you’re responsible for paying your helper’s medical expenses. So, choosing the right medical service is very important — especially since public healthcare fees in Hong Kong will increase in January 2026, making medical insurance for helpers more important than ever.

This article will help you understand your helper’s medical options, how insurance works, and the pros and cons of public vs private care — so you can make the best decision for her health and your wallet.