Hong KonghealthFor employers

Do I need to buy insurance for my domestic helper?

We do our best to keep this updated as the rules change. Please cross-check with the relevant authority for the very latest details.

Yes — Employees' Compensation (EC) Insurance is COMPULSORY before your helper starts work, under the Employees' Compensation Ordinance (Cap. 282).

Minimum coverage required: HKD 100 million per event. Failing to hold valid EC insurance is a criminal offence — penalties include a maximum HKD 100,000 fine and up to 2 years in prison.

EC insurance covers work-related injuries and illness only. Beyond EC, employers are legally required to provide free medical treatment to their helper for any illness or injury during the employment period (except when the helper is out of Hong Kong for personal reasons). Most employers also take out a comprehensive helper insurance plan to cover non-work medical bills, hospital stays, and dental — premiums typically run HKD 800–1,500 per year and are well worth it.

Last updated on 3 May 2026.

This answer is plain-language guidance and not legal advice. For complex situations, please contact the relevant authority — the Hong Kong Labour Department, Hong Kong Immigration Department, POEA / DMW (Philippines), MOM (Singapore), Tadbeer (UAE), Musaned (Saudi Arabia), or your legal counsel.

Keep reading

More on health in Hong Kong

Browse all in Hong Kong

Health

How does sick leave work?

Read answer

My helper is pregnant — what should I do?

Pregnancy is NOT grounds for termination — under the Employment Ordinance, dismissing a helper because of pregnancy is unlawful and can carry significant penalties. Once a helper has been employed continuously for at least 40 weeks, she is entitled to 14 weeks of paid maternity leave (increased from 10 weeks in December 2020). The pay is 4/5 of her average daily wages; weeks 11–14 are subject to a maximum cap of HKD 80,000, and employers can apply to the Government for reimbursement of those four weeks under the Reimbursement of Maternity Leave Pay Scheme. Discuss continuation, hand-over, and replacement coverage as early as possible. Consult the Labour Department for the latest entitlements.

Read answer Salary

What is the current Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW)?

Read answer Leave & rest

How many rest days does my helper get?

Read answer

Got a question we haven't answered?

Tell us what you need to know. Common ones get added to this page within a few days.

Ask us Browse all Q&A