'MOM does not intend to require employers to purchase medical insurance for EP holders'
Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has announced that it has no plans to mandate medical insurance for Employment Pass (EP) holders in the country.
MOM issued the statement in response to a question in Parliament, where it was asked whether the government was considering requiring employers to provide medical insurance coverage for EP holders without an existing one.
"MOM does not intend to require employers to purchase medical insurance for EP holders," the ministry said in its response.
"Unlike Work Permit Holders and S Pass Holders, EP holders are subject to a higher salary threshold and have the means to purchase their own insurance."
Potential EP requirement
In Singapore, the medical insurance requirement only applies to Work Permit and S Pass holders. According to MOM, this mandate is in line with employers' responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of their migrant workers.
"For EP holders who do not have existing medical insurance, employers can choose to provide insurance coverage as part of their employment contract, or encourage their EP holders to get their own medical insurance," MOM said on its website.
Singapore's Employment Pass is a work visa issued by MOM that allows foreign professionals, managers, executives, and technicians to work in Singapore.
To qualify, candidates for the visa scheme need to earn at least $5,600 monthly. Employers also need to show that they have fairly considered all jobseekers.
