Q:    WHAT DOES THE FWHS COVER?

A:    It covers hospitalization & surgical charges incurred by the foreign worker in the event of hospital admission to a Non-Corporatised Malaysian Government Hospital due to an Accident or Illness.

Q:    IS THE FWHS A COMPULSORY SCHEME?

A:    NO, but for the benefit of your workers welfare, you may encourage your workers to be covered under this scheme, provided you obtain consent from your workers. The Labour Department allows you to advance the payment for the required premiums and then subsequently deduct same from your workers' salaries. Alternatively, you may also choose to bear the full cost of the required premiums yourself.

Q:    MY FOREIGN WORKERS ARE INSURED UNDER THE FOREIGN WORKERS COMPENSATION SCHEME (FWCS), DO THEY NEED TO BE REGISTERED UNDER FWHS?

A:    The maximum claimable amount for hospitalization and medical expenses under the FWCS is only RM750.00. The FWHS will cover an amount in Excess to that claimable under the FWCS but subject to a maximum annual limit of RM5,000.00 per worker.

Q:    CAN AN EMPLOYER RECOVER THE HOSPITALIZATION & MEDICAL EXPENSES IN EXCESS OF THE RM750.00 MAXIMUM CLAIMABLE AMOUNT UNDER THE FWCS FROM THEIR FOREIGN WORKER?

A:    Currently the law does not provide for such recovery.

Q:    CAN THE PREMIUM BE DEDUCTED FROM THE FOREIGN WORKERS SALARY?

A:    Yes, the Employer can advance the payment for the required premium and then subsequently deduct the same from the foreign worker's wages, provided agreement from the workers have been obtained.

Q:    HOW MUCH IS THE PREMIUM AND WHEN WILL COVERAGE TAKE EFFECT?

A:    The Annual Premium is RM60.00 per worker per annum and coverage will take effect upon registration with premium duly paid.

Q:    IS MEDICAL CHECK-UP REQUIRED?

A:    Not necessary as long as the foreign workers are legally working in Malaysia.

Q:    ANY RESTRICTION TO HOSPITAL ADMISSION?

A:    YES, admission to Non-corporatised Malaysian Government Hospital only and claims are payable on reimbursement basis.

Q:    WHAT IS REIMBURSEMENT BASIS?

A:    The Employer shall have to settle the hospitalization expenses on behalf of the foreign worker and then submit the claims incurred to MAA for reimbursement and a copy submitted to the Labour Department.

Q:    HOW FAST WILL THE CLAIMS BE PROCESSED AND SETTLED?

A:    Within 30 working days upon receipt of full documentation.