Employing a domestic helper in Singapore comes with several responsibilities. Besides arranging her Work Permit, insurance and employment matters, employers must also ensure that their helper completes the required medical examinations.
Depending on your helper’s employment stage, she may need a pre-employment medical examination, a six-monthly medical examination, commonly known as the 6ME, or a medical examination when renewing her Work Permit.
If you are unsure how much a maid medical check up costs, what tests are required, where to bring your helper or what to prepare for the appointment, this guide covers the important information employers in Singapore should know.
What Is a Maid Medical Check Up?
A maid medical check up is a medical examination required for migrant domestic workers working in Singapore.
There are two main types of medical examinations that employers should be familiar with:
- Pre employment medical examination for a newly arrived helper
- Six monthly medical examination, or 6ME, for an existing helper during her employment
The tests required are not necessarily the same for every examination. Therefore, employers should always check the latest medical examination form issued for their helper before booking a clinic appointment.
Pre Employment Medical Examination for a New Maid
A newly arrived domestic helper must undergo a medical examination by a Singapore registered doctor within two weeks of arriving in Singapore.
The examination must be completed before her Work Permit can be issued.
The pre employment medical examination checks whether your helper is fit for employment and screens for:
- Tuberculosis
- HIV
- Syphilis
- Malaria
If your helper passes the examination, you can proceed with the remaining Work Permit issuance requirements. If she does not pass, her Work Permit cannot be issued and she will have to be sent home.
If there are other specific concerns regarding your helper’s health, you may also discuss them with the doctor to determine whether further medical tests are required.
Employers bringing in a new helper should arrange the examination soon after her arrival rather than waiting until the end of the two week period. This provides sufficient time to manage the remaining Work Permit procedures.
What Is the Six Monthly Medical Examination or 6ME?
After your helper begins working in Singapore, she will generally need to undergo a medical examination every six months. This is known as the six monthly medical examination, or 6ME.
MOM will issue a notification stating when the examination is due and which tests your helper needs to complete.
It is important to check the latest 6ME form before choosing a clinic package because not every test is required during every appointment.
The current 6ME screening requirements include:
- Pregnancy test: Every six months
- VDRL test for syphilis: Every six months
- HIV test: Every two years
- Tuberculosis screening: Once after two years of stay in Singapore
- Body Mass Index check
- Check for visible signs of abuse
This means that a standard six monthly examination may only require pregnancy and VDRL screening, while another examination may also require HIV testing or tuberculosis screening.
Employers should refer to the tests indicated on the latest MOM form rather than booking the same medical package every six months.
What Is a VDRL Test?
A VDRL test is a blood screening test used to check for possible syphilis infection.
It forms part of the regular 6ME requirements and is generally carried out every six months together with the pregnancy test.
If a screening result requires further examination, the clinic will advise on the appropriate next step. Employers should seek clarification from the doctor if there are questions about a medical result.
Is the 6ME a Complete Health Screening?
No. The 6ME is designed to cover specific medical requirements related to your helper’s employment in Singapore.
It should not be treated as a complete medical screening for every possible health condition.
If your helper is experiencing persistent pain, unusual symptoms or another health concern, employers should arrange a separate medical consultation rather than waiting for the next 6ME.
How Much Is a Maid Medical Check Up in Singapore?
The cost of a maid medical check up in Singapore depends on the tests required and the clinic you choose.
A basic 6ME generally starts from around S$30, while examinations that include HIV testing, chest X ray or additional screening will cost more.
Employers can generally expect the following price range:
| Type of Medical Check Up | Indicative Price |
| Basic 6ME with pregnancy and VDRL tests | Around S$30 to S$40 |
| 6ME with pregnancy, VDRL and HIV tests | Around S$40 to S$50 |
| 6ME with HIV test and chest X ray | Around S$50 to S$65 |
| More comprehensive medical examination | Around S$75 and above |
| Express result service | Additional charges may apply |
These figures should be used as a general reference only. Medical check up prices are set by individual clinics and may change over time.
Different clinics may also include different tests within their packages. Therefore, employers should not choose a package based only on the advertised price.
Before booking, check the tests listed on your helper’s medical form and confirm with the clinic that the package covers everything required.
The employer is responsible for paying for the required 6ME and any medical expenses arising from it.
Where to Bring Your Maid for a Medical Check Up?
Your helper can complete her maid medical check up at a clinic in Singapore that provides medical examinations for migrant domestic workers.
For a 6ME, the examination must be conducted at a clinic and the results must be certified by a Singapore registered doctor.
Before making an appointment, employers should confirm that the clinic:
- Provides medical examinations for migrant domestic workers
- Can complete all the tests stated on the MOM form
- Can submit the 6ME results to MOM
- Provides chest X ray services if they are required
- Clearly states the full examination fee
- Accepts appointments or walk ins according to your preferred arrangement
- Can complete the examination within your helper’s deadline
There are many clinics across Singapore offering maid medical check ups. Choosing a clinic near your home or an MRT station can make the arrangement more convenient for your helper.
If a chest X ray is required, it may also be useful to choose a clinic that provides X ray services at the same location. Otherwise, your helper may need to travel to another medical facility to complete the examination.
What Should Your Maid Bring for the Medical Check Up?
Preparing the required documents beforehand can help the appointment proceed smoothly.
Depending on the type of examination, your helper should generally bring:
- Her MOM medical examination form or 6ME form
- Her passport or travel document
- Her Work Permit card, where applicable
- Her In Principle Approval letter if she is newly arriving in Singapore
- Her clinic appointment confirmation
- Relevant vaccination or immunity records if required
Individual clinics may have additional registration requirements. Employers should check with the clinic before the appointment.
It is also advisable to check that your helper’s name, passport number and Work Permit details are correct on the documents before she attends the clinic.
What Happens During the Maid Medical Check Up?
The exact process will depend on the tests required, but a maid medical check up is generally straightforward.
First, the clinic will verify your helper’s identity and medical examination form.
A doctor will then conduct the required physical examination. Depending on the medical form, blood or urine samples may also be collected.
If tuberculosis screening is required, your helper may need to undergo a chest X ray.
Once all required tests have been completed, the clinic will process the results and complete the necessary medical certification.
For a 6ME, the clinic is responsible for submitting the medical examination results to MOM. Employers do not need to submit the results themselves.
Can an Employer Be Present During the Medical Examination?
Employers can assist their helpers with arranging the appointment and travelling to the clinic, but they should not be present during the medical examination itself.
The examination is conducted without the employer or the employer’s representative present. This provides a neutral environment where the doctor can carry out the examination and speak to the helper privately when necessary.
Employers should also note that 6MEs must now be conducted at clinics. Home-based 6ME services are not allowed.
If you have employed a helper for many years and previously used a different arrangement, it is important to follow the latest requirements for future examinations.
How Are the 6ME Results Submitted?
For a 6ME, the clinic submits the results directly to MOM. Employers do not need to collect the medical report and upload it themselves.
After the clinic has submitted the results, employers can use the FDW eService to check the medical examination status.
It is advisable to check that the submission has been completed rather than assuming that everything has been updated automatically.
If the result is still not available after an extended period, employers should contact the clinic to confirm whether the submission has been completed.
Keeping the clinic receipt or appointment details until the result has been updated may also be useful.
Does a Maid Aged 50 or Above Need a 6ME?
A domestic helper aged 50 or above does not need to continue attending the regular six monthly medical examination.
Instead, she only needs to undergo a medical examination when required during her Work Permit renewal.
Employers should refer to the Work Permit renewal notice for the relevant medical requirements.
This means that employers do not need to continue arranging a 6ME every six months once their helper falls under this requirement.
What If There Are Special Circumstances Around the 6ME?
Certain situations may affect when or how your helper completes her 6ME. Employers should understand the correct steps to take so that the medical examination and Work Permit requirements are managed properly.
1. What If You Lose the 6ME Form?
If you have misplaced your helper’s 6ME notification or medical examination form, you can obtain another copy through the FDW eService.
Employers can log in using Singpass to access the relevant Work Permit information and reprint the form where required.
Always use the latest form when arranging the examination, as the required tests may differ from your helper’s previous 6ME.
2. What If Your Maid Is Being Transferred?
If your helper is being transferred to another employer and her 6ME is due, the examination still needs to be completed.
The existing employer, new employer and maid agency should confirm who will arrange the medical examination and ensure that it is completed within the required period.
This is especially important when the helper’s Work Permit, transfer date and medical examination deadline fall within a similar timeframe. Proper coordination can help prevent delays in the transfer process.
3. What If Your Maid Is Overseas When the 6ME Is Due?
If your helper is overseas when her 6ME is due, employers can request for the examination to be postponed until she returns to Singapore.
The postponement is not automatic. Employers should submit the required request to MOM and follow the revised deadline given.
If your helper will be overseas for an extended period, additional supporting information may be required.
It is advisable to check the medical examination due date before arranging a long period of home leave, particularly if the 6ME is expected within the same period.
4. What If Your Maid’s Employment Is Ending Soon?
If you are planning to send your helper home within one month from the 6ME due date, you may choose not to send her for the examination.
However, if she will remain employed for more than one month after the due date, the medical requirement should be completed unless an appropriate waiver has been obtained.
Employers should coordinate the 6ME requirement together with the Work Permit cancellation and the helper’s travel arrangements. Planning the dates properly can help prevent unnecessary administrative issues towards the end of the employment period.
5. What Happens If Your Maid Misses the 6ME Deadline?
Employers should ensure that the 6ME is completed by the deadline stated in the MOM notification.
If the deadline has already been missed, employers should contact MOM immediately for further instructions, as failure to complete the examination on time can affect the helper’s Work Permit.
It is also advisable not to wait until the final few days before arranging the appointment, as clinic availability, public holidays or additional medical tests may cause delays.
6. What Happens If Your Maid Does Not Pass the Medical Examination?
A newly arrived helper must pass the required pre employment medical examination before her Work Permit can be issued.
If she does not pass, the Work Permit cannot be issued and she will need to be sent home.
For an existing helper who does not pass the 6ME, employers should follow the instructions provided by MOM and the clinic regarding the Work Permit and repatriation arrangements.
Medical information should always be handled respectfully and confidentially. If you are unsure about a particular result, seek clarification from the examining doctor rather than making your own assumptions.
Maid Medical Check Up Checklist for Employers
To make the process easier, employers can follow this simple checklist.
Before the Medical Check Up
- Check which medical examination your helper needs.
- Read the latest MOM medical examination form.
- Confirm which tests are required.
- Find a clinic that can complete the necessary tests.
- Check the total medical examination fee.
- Confirm whether a chest X ray is required.
- Arrange the appointment before the deadline.
- Prepare your helper’s documents.
After the Medical Check Up
- Keep a record of the examination date.
- Check whether the clinic has submitted the result.
- Follow up with the clinic if the status is not updated.
- Keep track of the next 6ME or Work Permit renewal date.
Taking these steps can reduce the risk of booking the wrong medical package, missing a deadline or having to arrange an additional clinic visit.
Conclusion
Arranging a maid medical check up does not have to be complicated. The most important step is to identify which medical examination your helper needs and follow the requirements stated on the latest MOM form.
For a newly arrived helper, the pre employment medical examination must be completed within two weeks of her arrival. For an existing helper, employers should keep track of the 6ME due date and arrange the required tests before the deadline.
It is also important to pay attention to situations involving helpers aged 50 or above, overseas leave, transfers, upcoming Work Permit renewals and households affected by the measles immunity requirement.
By preparing the correct documents, choosing a suitable clinic and keeping track of the required dates, employers can manage the medical examination process more smoothly and avoid unnecessary Work Permit complications.
Need Help Managing Your Maid’s Employment Matters?
A maid medical check up is only one part of employing a domestic helper in Singapore. Employers also need to manage Work Permit requirements, insurance, transfers, renewals and other employment documentation throughout the employment period.
Established in 1998, Homekeeper has helped more than 80,000 families find suitable domestic helpers. With over 300 candidate profiles, comprehensive background checks, and local and overseas training centres, employers can select and hire a helper with greater confidence.
Our team can also assist employers with maid employment paperwork, Work Permit renewals, transfers, cancellations and repatriation arrangements.
If you are still looking for a suitable domestic helper, you can learn more about the process of hiring a domestic helper in Singapore or contact Homekeeper for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How Much Is a Maid Medical Check Up in Singapore?
A basic 6ME generally starts from around S$30. The price can increase if HIV testing, chest X ray, malaria screening or other tests are required.
The actual fee depends on the clinic and the tests stated on your helper’s MOM medical examination form.
- Where Should I Bring My Maid for a Medical Check Up?
Your helper can attend a Singapore clinic that provides medical examinations for migrant domestic workers and can complete all the tests stated on the MOM form.
If tuberculosis screening is required, check whether the clinic provides chest X ray services at the same location.
- How Often Does a Maid Need a Medical Check Up?
An existing domestic helper below 50 generally needs a 6ME every six months.
However, not every test is conducted every six months. Pregnancy and VDRL tests are required every six months, while HIV and tuberculosis screening follow different schedules.
- Who Pays for the Maid Medical Check Up?
The employer is responsible for paying for the required medical examinations and medical expenses arising from the 6ME.
Employers should therefore include these medical costs when budgeting for the ongoing expenses of employing a domestic helper.
- Can a Maid Complete Her 6ME at Home?
No. The 6ME must be conducted at a clinic. The employer or employer’s representative should also not be present during the medical examination itself.
- Does a Maid Aged 50 or Above Need a 6ME?
No. A helper aged 50 or above does not need the regular six monthly medical examination.
She will instead undergo a medical examination when required during her Work Permit renewal.
- What Should I Do If My Maid Is Overseas When the 6ME Is Due?
You can request to postpone the medical examination until your helper returns to Singapore.
The postponement is not automatic, so employers should submit the required request to MOM before the due date.
About the Author
Linda Seh has over 20 years of experience in the Employment industry. She takes the time to thoroughly interview each family and helper to understand their requirements, personalities, and preferences. Her intuition and insight has helped her make placements that result in lasting, harmonious working relationships. Linda now leverages this expertise and experience to simplify your search and ensure you find the ideal and qualified helper to become a valued member of your family.
