No one likes to think about it, but at some point your helper may fall ill or get hurt, just as anyone might. How you respond matters, both for her wellbeing and because, as her employer in Singapore, you have a clear duty to look after her health. The reassuring news is that with a little preparation and a calm, caring approach, handling illness or injury is very manageable. Here is a practical guide.
Your duty of care as an employer
When you employ a helper, you are responsible for her welfare, including providing her with proper medical care when she is unwell or injured. This is both the right thing to do and an expectation set out by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). In practice, this means not ignoring symptoms, not asking her to keep working when she is genuinely unwell, and making sure she can see a doctor when needed. Treating her health with the same seriousness you would your own family’s builds trust and a happier home.
Insurance you should already have
Singapore requires employers to hold certain insurance for their helper, which is there to protect both of you when something goes wrong. This generally includes:
- Medical insurance to help cover hospital and medical costs.
- Personal accident insurance in case of injury.
Make sure your policies are current and that you know what they cover, including any limits and how to make a claim. Keep the policy details and your insurer’s contact handy, so you are not searching for them in a stressful moment. If you are unsure about your coverage, check with your insurer.
Tip: keep a small “health folder” for your helper, with her insurance policy, your nearest clinic and hospital details, her known allergies or conditions, and emergency contacts. In an urgent moment, having everything in one place saves precious time.
GP or hospital: judging the situation
Knowing where to go helps you act quickly and sensibly. As a general guide:
- For everyday illnesses such as coughs, colds, fever, a stomach upset or minor aches, a visit to a GP or neighbourhood clinic is usually the right first step.
- For anything serious, such as a bad injury, severe or persistent symptoms, difficulty breathing, chest pain, a high fever that will not settle, or a sudden change in her condition, go to a hospital or A&E without delay.
- If you are ever unsure how serious something is, it is always safer to seek medical advice early rather than wait.
Accompany her or arrange transport when she is unwell, and follow the doctor’s advice on rest and recovery.
Caring for her while she recovers
Recovery goes more smoothly with kindness and rest. If a doctor advises your helper to rest, let her do so, and do not pressure her back to work too soon. Make sure she has nourishing food, can take any prescribed medicine properly, and has a comfortable place to recover. Check in on how she is feeling. Small acts of care during illness are remembered, and they strengthen the relationship for the long term.
Keep records and stay in touch
A little admin protects everyone. Keep simple records of any clinic or hospital visits, medical certificates and receipts, which you may need for an insurance claim or for your own reference. If her condition is serious, ongoing, or affects her ability to work, it is wise to keep the lines of communication open with your agency, who can advise you on the right steps.
A note on serious or ongoing conditions
For more serious or long-term medical situations, follow the guidance of her doctor, and check MOM and your insurer for anything specific to your circumstances. This article offers general guidance and is not medical or legal advice, so when in doubt, ask a qualified professional.
How Ming Hwee helps
Ming Hwee is a licensed Singapore employment agency (MOM Licence 12C6072), and your helper’s wellbeing matters to us as much as it does to you. If your helper falls ill or is injured and you are unsure what to do, we are here to guide you on caring for her and on the practical steps that follow. Whether you are looking for support with a current helper or hoping to find your helper, reach out to us here or on WhatsApp, and we will be glad to help.
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- Hiring a Helper for a Home with Pets: What to Discuss
- Helper Cooking Skills: Halal, Chinese, Indian & Western Homes
- Choosing a Helper for Newborn & Infant Care
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