Insurance before day one

Problem

Agencies push “packages.” Employers still personally must meet the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance. Missing cover is an offence and leaves you exposed if someone is hurt at work.

Steps

1. Know the duty. All employers — including FDH employers — must take out employees’ compensation insurance covering liabilities under the laws (including common law) for injuries at work for their employees. Verified — Labour Department FDH employer leaflet / ECO materials.
2. Minimum cover (ECO). For not more than 200 employees, statutory cover per event is not less than HK$100 million (higher band if more employees). That minimum is not a cap on your possible liability — ask an insurer if you need more. Verified — Labour Department ECO FAQ.
3. You pay the premium. Do not deduct insurance cost from the helper’s earnings. Verified — Labour Department.
4. Standard Employment Contract medical duty. Under the SEC (ID407), if the FDH is ill or injured during employment (except when they leave Hong Kong of their own volition for personal purposes), the employer must provide free medical treatment as described in the contract. LD advises considering medical insurance on top of EC cover. Verified — LD FDH insurance leaflet.
5. Buy from a real insurer / licensed channel. Prefer policies that clearly state EC cover for your helper; keep the policy schedule where you can find it. At the helper’s written request, produce the policy for inspection. Verified — LD HelperInsure note.
6. Diary the renewal. Cover must not lapse. Notify the insurer if employment details change.
7. If there is a work injury. Notify Labour Department (Form 2 etc.) within the statutory windows (generally 14 days; 7 days if fatal) and notify the insurer as their policy requires. Verified — ECO employer notice duties.

Before day one

• EC insurance policy in force naming the employment
• Premium paid by employer (not deducted from wages)
• Policy schedule saved + renewal date diaried
• Consider medical cover for SEC medical treatment duty
• Know LD hotline / fdh.labour.gov.hk for questions

Sources

• Verified — Labour Department leaflet: Tips for Employers of FDHs — EC insurance and free medical treatment (PDF)
• Verified — Labour Department ECO FAQ (minimum cover amounts; no wage deduction)
• Verified — FDH Employer Corner
• Verified — Employment of Domestic Helpers must take out Employees’ Compensation Insurance (PDF)

FAQ