The Answer in 60 Seconds

Per the Ministry of Manpower (mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/renew-a-work-permit), MOM sends a renewal letter approximately 8 weeks before the FDW's Work Permit expires. Before renewing, the employer must purchase (or extend) medical insurance with at least S$60,000 annual coverage, personal accident insurance with S$60,000 sum assured, and a S$5,000 security bond for non-Malaysian helpers. The insurer transmits these details to MOM (typically 1–3 working days), then the employer renews via WP Online / FDW eService for a S$35 fee. Per MOM's 31 March 2023 press release, policies with a start date on or after 1 July 2025 must comply with Stage 2 enhancements: standardised exclusion clauses, age-differentiated premiums (split at age 50), and direct hospital reimbursement.

The Step-by-Step

Step 1 — Note your dates (8 weeks before expiry). Per MOM, the renewal letter is sent ~8 weeks pre-expiry. Best practice is to apply between seven and twelve weeks before the expiry date; don't wait for the letter — track the date yourself.

Step 2 — Schedule the 6-monthly medical examination (6ME) if due. The FDW must have a current 6ME. If the next 6ME falls near renewal, sequence it before the WP application.

Step 3 — Purchase the new insurance and security bond. Required coverage (per MOM):

  • Medical insurance: minimum S$60,000 annual claim limit (Stage 1 effective 1 July 2023). Sub-limits per disability/inpatient/day surgery must each be ≥ S$60,000.
  • Personal accident insurance: minimum S$60,000 sum assured.
  • Security bond: S$5,000 for non-Malaysian FDWs.

Stage 2 enhancements (policies starting on or after 1 July 2025): per MOM's 31 March 2023 press release, "Other enhancements (ie. standardisation of allowable exclusion clauses, age-differentiated premiums, and direct reimbursement by insurers) will be applied to policies on or after 1 July 2025." Practical effects:

  • Premiums for FDWs aged 50 and above are higher under the new age-differentiated bands. The exact uplift varies by insurer; obtain comparative quotes via your IFA rather than relying on rule-of-thumb percentages.
  • All insurers now use a standardised list of allowable exclusion clauses — easier to compare like-for-like.
  • For admissible claims, insurers reimburse the hospital directly. You no longer front-pay the bill.

Step 4 — Confirm the insurer transmits security bond and insurance details to MOM. Per Great Eastern's FDW renewal guide: "Upon successful application, [the insurer] will transmit the Insurance Guarantee Bond details (for non-Malaysian helper) to MOM within 2 working days." Income's guidance is similar (1–3 working days). Until transmission is complete, you cannot proceed with the WP renewal in WP Online.

Step 5 — Renew the Work Permit on WP Online / FDW eService. Log in at mom.gov.sg/eservices using SingPass. Per MOM's FAQ, the process should complete in 3 minutes. Pay the S$35 fee (Visa, MasterCard, eNETS, or PayNow). Outcome is typically immediate.

Step 6 — Print the temporary Work Permit; receive the new card. The card is delivered within 4 working days after document verification. Two unsuccessful delivery attempts = pickup at MOM Services Centre.

Step 7 — Hand over the policy and explain it to your FDW. Direct hospital reimbursement (Stage 2) means your FDW can present at a partnered hospital and the bill goes to the insurer — but this only works if she knows the insurer's name and policy number, and if the hospital is on the insurer's panel.

Common Mistakes / What Goes Wrong

  1. Buying a 14-month policy when the WP is for 2 years. MOM expects continuous coverage for the entire WP period. A 26-month policy aligns with WP duration and avoids a renewal mid-employment.
  2. Letting the policy lapse for even one day. MOM treats this as non-compliance under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act.
  3. Skipping age-50 repricing. From 1 July 2025, premiums step up at age 50. If you didn't rebudget, the renewal invoice may surprise you.
  4. Trying to pass the cost to the FDW. Prohibited under MOM rules. Don't deduct from salary.
  5. Forgetting the embassy bond. Some source countries (e.g., Philippines) require a separate embassy bond on top of the MOM bond. Check before WP renewal.

What This Means for Your Business

If your business runs a household component (e.g., live-in caregiver for a director's family) or you're a household employer, treat FDW insurance like any other regulated annual filing: calendar-it 90 days before expiry, run a 3-quote comparison, and don't pay above market. Per IPG's 2025 Maid Insurance Guide, "the cost of maid insurance in Singapore typically ranges from S$250 to S$500 for a 26-month policy (before GST)" for compliant plans on FDWs under 50; premiums for FDWs 50 and above rise materially under Stage 2's age-differentiated bands.

The one risk that never goes away: under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, you remain ultimately liable for medical expenses above the policy limit. The S$60,000 minimum is now generous, but a complex hospitalisation can still exceed it. Consider whether enhanced limits make sense for your situation — your IFA will price this against your risk appetite.

Questions to Ask Your Adviser

  1. Does the policy I'm being quoted comply with Stage 2 requirements (start date on or after 1 July 2025)?
  2. What is the panel-hospital list for direct reimbursement? Is my preferred hospital on it?
  3. Is the security bond included in the package, and is bond-protect (reduces my S$5,000 exposure to S$250) added?
  4. How are pre-existing conditions handled — covered after 12 months of continuous employment, or excluded entirely?
  5. If my helper turns 50 mid-policy, will the next renewal step up the premium, and by how much?

Related Information

  • FDW insurance Stage 2 enhancements (1 July 2025): full breakdown
  • Foreign Worker Security Bond: how it works
  • Employer duties under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act

Published 3 May 2026. Source verified 3 May 2026. COVA is an introducer under MAS Notice FAA-N02. We do not recommend insurance products. We provide factual information sourced from primary regulators and route you to a licensed IFA who can match a policy to your specific situation.