Insurance for Foreign Workers in Singapore
Protect Your Foreign Workers and Stay Compliant
Hiring Work Permit or S Pass holders? Then medical insurance isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a MOM requirement.
You’ll need to provide at least SGD 60,000 a year in coverage for hospitalisation and day surgery, even if the illness or injury has nothing to do with work. And just to be clear—this cost has to be fully covered by you as the employer.
Without proper insurance, a single hospital bill could put a real strain on your business. With the right policy, you’ll only need to cover 25% of the amount above the first SGD 15,000—the rest is taken care of.
That’s where we come in.
We’re an employment agency that helps businesses like yours find MOM-compliant medical insurance for foreign workers. We work with trusted providers and handle all the paperwork—so you can stay compliant and focus on what you do best.
Why It Matters
Stay Compliant
No surprises—just peace of mind knowing you're meeting MOM's requirements.
Protect Your Business
Medical bills can add up fast. Insurance keeps you covered.
Support Your Workers
Healthier workers mean fewer disruptions and a more reliable team.
We’ll Handle the Admin
From plan selection to MOM submissions—we’ve got it sorted.
What’s Included in Foreign Worker Medical Insurance
Once insured, your workers are covered for major medical events like
- Hospital stays, surgery fees, ward charges, and doctor consultations
- Medical procedures that don’t require overnight admission
- Tests before admission and follow-up after discharge
- Coverage applies even if the condition isn’t work-related
Optional Add-ons
Depending on the plan, you can also opt for:
- (e.g. SGD 80K or SGD 100K)
- (for permanent disability or accidental death)
- (removes your 25% share above SGD 15K)
📝 FWMI doesn’t usually include GP visits or dental care. For everyday outpatient needs, we can advise if the Primary Care Plan (PCP) is applicable to your workers
MOM Compliance: Key Rules to Know (2025)
To remain compliant, here’s what else you need to keep in mind:
Active Policy Before Pass Issuance
Insurance must be in place before you can issue or renew a Work Permit or S Pass. You’ll also need to submit key policy details (insurer, policy number, coverage dates) to MOM.
Updated Requirements: Stage 1 & Stage 2
Stage 1 (From 1 July 2023):
A co-payment rule applies: insurers pay 75%, and employers cover 25% of claims above SGD 15,000, up to the SGD 60,000 limit.
Stage 2 (Coming 1 July 2025):
- Standardised exclusions across insurers to avoid confusing policy differences
- Age-based premiums, with higher costs likely for workers above 50
- Direct hospital billing: insurers will pay hospitals directly, so there’s no upfront payment
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Skipping insurance is a serious offence. MOM may impose:
- Fines up to SGD 10,000
- Jail time up to 12 months
- A ban on hiring foreign workers
Don’t Forget: Other Required Insurance
You may also need:
- A SGD 5,000 security bond (for non-Malaysian Work Permit holders)
- WICA insurance for manual workers or those earning SGD 2,600/month or less
- Personal accident insurance for migrant domestic workers
FWMI vs WICA: What’s the Difference?
Foreign Worker Medical Insurance (FWMI) and Work Injury Compensation Insurance (WICA) serve different purposes—and most employers need both.
What Each One Covers
- FWMI covers hospitalisation and surgery for non-work-related illnesses or injuries.
- WICA covers workplace accidents and occupational diseases, including wage loss, disability, or death compensation.
Who Needs It
- FWMI is mandatory for all Work Permit and S Pass holders.
- WICA is mandatory for manual workers and those earning SGD 2,600/month or less (regardless of nationality).
Minimum Coverage
- FWMI: Covers up to SGD 60,000 per year for inpatient care and surgery.
- WICA: Covers medical expenses (typically up to SGD 45,000), plus payouts for medical leave, permanent disability, or death (up to SGD 289,000 as prescribed by law).
When It Applies
- FWMI: Used for non-work issues like dengue, appendicitis, or general illnesses.
- WICA: Used for on-site injuries, accidents, or diseases caused directly by work.
Important Distinction
- FWMI does not replace WICA, and vice versa. You’ll need both to stay compliant and fully protect your workers—FWMI for general health, WICA for workplace-related incidents.
Bottom Line:
You can’t substitute one for the other. FWMI protects your foreign workers’ general health needs, while WICA is for workplace-related injuries. Together, they offer full coverage—and full compliance.
Pricing Overview: What to Expect
Foreign worker medical insurance is more affordable than most employers think.
Typical Cost
Basic plans start from SGD 6–10/month per worker, depending on the insurer and benefits selected.
What Affects Premiums
- Add-ons: Choosing higher coverage or waiving co-pays will raise costs.
- Worker Age: From July 2025, expect age-based pricing—higher for those above 50.
- Group Size: Bundling coverage for more workers may unlock discounts.
- Provider Rates: Pricing varies across insurers—we’ll help you compare and choose the best fit.
- Claims History: Larger businesses with high claim volumes may face adjusted rates.
We work with trusted providers and can often secure better-than-market rates through our partnerships. And because we handle everything for you, it’s one less thing to worry about.
How Our Application Process Works
Getting insurance for your foreign workers doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s how we make it easy:
Step 1:
1. Reach Out
Send us a message or book a quick call. We’ll ask about your team size, worker profiles, and any specific preferences you may have.
Step 2
2. Review Tailored Options
We’ll recommend a few MOM-compliant plans that fit your needs—clearly showing the differences in pricing, coverage, and add-ons.
Step 3:
3. Choose Your Plan
Once you’ve decided, we’ll take care of the paperwork and liaise with the insurer. Most policies are issued within 1–2 working days.
Step 4:
4. Let Us Handle MOM Updates
Need help submitting insurance details to MOM? We’re happy to handle that for you too.
Step 5:
5. Stay Supported
We’ll remind you before renewals and guide you through any claims—so your workers stay protected, and you stay stress-free.
Your Questions Answered: Foreign Worker Medical Insurance
Who needs to buy Foreign Worker Medical Insurance (FWMI)?
All employers hiring Work Permit or S Pass holders must purchase FWMI. This includes all sectors and also applies to Migrant Domestic Workers (MDWs). Employment Pass (EP) holders are exempt, but many employers still provide coverage as a benefit.
When must insurance be in place?
Insurance must be active before the pass is issued or renewed. There should be no gap in coverage. We help align policy dates with work pass validity.
What’s the minimum required coverage?
MOM requires at least SGD 60,000 per year for inpatient and day surgery expenses. You can opt for higher limits or added benefits—we’ll advise if it makes sense for your business.
Does FWMI cover work-related accidents?
No. Work injuries are covered under WICA, which is a separate and mandatory insurance. FWMI is for non-work-related medical issues. Both are required.
Can I deduct premiums from my worker’s salary?
No. Employers must fully bear the cost of FWMI. Passing the cost to workers is an offence under MOM regulations.
My worker has insurance from their home country—do I still need FWMI?
Yes. Foreign insurance does not meet MOM’s requirements. Only specific exemptions (e.g., Dependant’s Pass holders with adequate local coverage) apply. We can help check if your case qualifies.
What happens if I don’t buy FWMI?
Not buying FWMI is illegal. You could face fines, jail time, and a ban on hiring foreign workers. You’ll also be liable for all medical costs. It’s not worth the risk.
How do claims work?
If a worker is hospitalised, submit the hospital bills and reports to the insurer. Insurers may cover 100% of bills under SGD 15,000, and 75% of larger claims beyond that, with you co-paying the rest. We can guide you through the process.
Ready to Get Started?
We’ve made it simple to get the right medical insurance in place for your foreign workers—quickly, clearly, and with zero hassle.
Whether you're hiring two workers or two hundred, we’ll walk you through the options, handle the paperwork, and make sure everything’s done right.
- Fast turnaround – We can often arrange coverage within a day.
- No hidden costs – You’ll pay the same as going direct.
- Full support – From choosing a plan to MOM submissions and renewals, we’ve got your back.
Want to learn more before you commit?
Read our full guide on medical insurance for foreign workers in Singapore to understand what’s covered, why it matters, and how it works.
Have questions or need a quote? Just send us a message or book a quick consultation. We’re here to help you get covered with confidence.