Short answerEvery domestic helper below 50 must have a six-monthly medical examination (6ME) at a clinic, certified by a Singapore-registered doctor, by the due date in the letter MOM posts to you, and the employer pays for it. A newly arrived helper also needs a medical exam within 14 days of arrival, and if a 6ME is missed, MOM revokes her work permit.
The first medical exam
Every helper who arrives in Singapore needs a medical examination within 14 days of arrival. If you use an agency, it can arrange this for you. If children below 7 in your household are not fully vaccinated against measles, MOM also requires your helper to have immunity against measles. For a transfer helper, the current employer makes sure her 6-monthly exam is done before the transfer.
The six-monthly medical examination (6ME)
| Check | How often |
|---|---|
| Pregnancy and VDRL (syphilis) | Every 6 months |
| HIV | Every 2 years |
| Tuberculosis | Once, after 2 years in Singapore |
| Body mass index and visible signs of abuse | Checked by the clinic at the 6ME |
MOM says the clinic also checks her overall mental well-being. Your 6ME letter states which tests she needs, and all results go to MOM whichever tests she takes.
When it is due
MOM posts a notification letter and 6ME form when it is due. She must complete it by the due date. You can also check her previous 6ME date in FDW eService and reprint the form there.
At the clinic
The 6ME must be done at a clinic and certified by a Singapore-registered doctor. She goes into the consultation room alone; you or anyone you send should not be present. Please give her that privacy.
Results
The clinic submits all results to MOM. MOM emails you by the next working day, and you can view the results in FDW eService. If nothing appears 3 weeks after the exam, check with the clinic.
Who pays
You do. You must pay for the 6ME and any medical costs arising from it. You are responsible for all her medical costs, including hospital stays, and must buy medical and personal accident insurance for her. You cannot pass the cost of the insurance on to her.
Special situations
- Aged 50 or above: no 6ME. She has a medical exam only when you renew her work permit.
- On overseas or home leave: ask MOM to postpone the 6ME until she returns.
- Employment ending: if she leaves Singapore within 1 month of the due date, she need not attend. If she will stay longer than that, apply for a waiver.
If the 6ME is missed or not passed
If you do not send her on time, MOM revokes the work permit. If you wish to keep employing her, contact MOM quickly by calling 6438 5122 or through MOM's online request. Otherwise, MOM says to arrange for her to go home immediately, and an overstaying fine may be charged. If she does not pass the 6ME, MOM requires you to cancel her work permit (see how to cancel) and send her home immediately. MOM's rules also mean she cannot continue working as a helper if she is pregnant; update MOM and it will advise the next steps. Pregnancy-related medical costs are not covered by her medical insurance and are borne by the employer. Please handle these moments with care: they are hard for her, too.
Other well-being checks
- First-time helpers have two private interviews at a Centre for Domestic Employees in their first year.
- MOM officers make random doorstep house visits.
- If you hired through an agency, it must make at least one post-placement check within three months. Find an agency in our directory.
Sources, checked 15 Oct 2026: MOM, Six-monthly medical examination; MOM, Three mandatory measures; MOM FAQ, Missed 6ME; MOM FAQ, 6ME results; MOM, Apply for a Work Permit; MOM, Renew a Work Permit; MOM, Transfer an MDW directly; MOM, Eight steps to hiring a helper; MOM, Rest days, health and well-being; MOM, Insurance requirements.
Common questions
How often does a maid need a medical check-up in Singapore?
Every six months, through the six-monthly medical examination (6ME), for helpers below 50. New arrivals also need a medical exam within 14 days of arriving.
Who pays for my helper's medical check-up?
The employer. MOM states you must pay for the 6ME and any medical expenses arising from it.
What tests are in the 6ME?
Pregnancy and VDRL every 6 months, HIV every 2 years, tuberculosis once after 2 years in Singapore, plus checks on body mass index and visible signs of abuse.
What happens if my helper misses her 6ME?
MOM revokes her work permit. To keep employing her, contact MOM quickly by calling 6438 5122 or through MOM's online request.
Does a helper aged 50 or above need the 6ME?
No. She only needs a medical exam when her work permit is renewed.
Can I go into the consultation room with my helper?
No. MOM says employers or their representatives should not be present during the examination.
Can the 6ME be postponed if she is on home leave?
Yes. You can ask MOM to postpone it until she returns to Singapore.
How do I see my helper's 6ME results?
The clinic submits them to MOM, which emails you by the next working day. View them in FDW eService. If they do not appear within 3 weeks of the exam, check with the clinic.