Foreign Worker Medical Insurance

1. What is Foreign Worker Medical Insurance (FWMI), and why is it required?
Foreign Worker Medical Insurance (FWMI) is a mandatory requirement for employers of workers who hold Work Permits or S Passes. Employers must purchase and maintain FWMI to cover inpatient care and day surgeries, including hospital bills for non-work-related conditions. The policy must offer a minimum annual coverage limit of at least $60,000 per policy year to ensure compliance with MOM regulations.

2. As an employer, do I still need to purchase Foreign Worker Medical Insurance if my workers are already covered by Work Injury Compensation (WIC) Insurance?

Yes, employers are still required to purchase Foreign Worker Medical Insurance for all Work Permit and S Pass holders.

Foreign Worker Medical Insurance covers medical expenses for foreign workers, including inpatient hospital and day surgery costs for illnesses or injuries that are not work-related, serving as inpatient hospitalization coverage for non-work-related conditions.

In contrast, Work Injury Compensation Insurance (WIC) covers work-related injuries and occupational diseases. WIC is mandatory for all manual workers regardless of salary and for non-manual workers earning $2,600 or less per month.

3. What does a Foreign Worker Insurance policy typically cover?
Foreign Worker Medical Insurance provides coverage for the following:

• Daily Hospital Room & Board (4-bed ward in government/restructured hospitals)
• Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or High Dependency Ward (HDW) stays
• Surgical Fees (Including Day Surgery)
• In-hospital Doctor Consultations
• Other Hospital Services
• Pre-hospitalization (90 days) and Post-hospitalization (90 days) care
• Emergency Outpatient Treatment for Accidents

4. How are premiums for Foreign Worker Medical Insurance determined?

FWMI is usually managed on a "Named Basis," meaning employers must add new workers to the policy for coverage to begin. Any additional premiums for new members or refunds for terminated members will be prorated and adjusted at the policy renewal.

5. Is the 25% employer copayment on claims above $15,000 under FWMI mandatory? Are there options with higher annual claim limits and no employer copayment?
Yes, there are plans available with higher annual claim limits and no employer copayment. 

Many companies opt for these enhanced plans to reduce out-of-pocket expenses in the event of significant medical claims, ensuring more comprehensive coverage and minimizing unexpected financial responsibilities for the company.