What the 6ME is and who needs it
The 6-monthly medical examination is a medical screening every 6 months during her employment. It screens for pregnancy and infectious diseases such as syphilis, HIV and tuberculosis. Source: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/eligibility-and-requirements/six-monthly-medical-examination
Helpers aged 50 and above
Helpers aged 50 and above don't go for the 6ME. They have a medical examination only when the Work Permit is renewed. Source: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/eligibility-and-requirements/six-monthly-medical-examination
How it differs from the pre-employment exam
The pre-employment exam happens within 2 weeks of arrival, by a Singapore-registered doctor, and must be passed before the permit is issued. It screens for tuberculosis, HIV, syphilis and malaria, and checks fitness to work. Read about onboarding a new helper for the arrival steps around that exam. Source: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/eligibility-and-requirements/medical-examination
Transfers
A helper being transferred still has to take the 6ME if it is due. Source: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/eligibility-and-requirements/medical-examination
When it's due and how to check
MOM posts a notification letter and 6ME form when it is due, and she must complete it by the due date. Check her last 6ME date, and whether she is due, in the FDW eService. You can reprint the form there too. MOM does not state on these pages exactly when a new helper's first 6ME falls, so use the date on the MOM letter or in the FDW eService. Once you have that date, plan the day around her clinic visit. Sources: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/eligibility-and-requirements/six-monthly-medical-examination https://www.mom.gov.sg/faq/work-permit-for-fdw/how-do-i-check-my-fdws-medical-examination-date
- MOM posts a notification letter and 6ME form when it is due. She must complete it by the due date. Source: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/eligibility-and-requirements/six-monthly-medical-examination
- Check her last 6ME date, and whether she is due, in the FDW eService. You can reprint the form there too. Sources: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/eligibility-and-requirements/six-monthly-medical-examination https://www.mom.gov.sg/faq/work-permit-for-fdw/how-do-i-check-my-fdws-medical-examination-date
- MOM does not state on these pages exactly when a new helper's first 6ME falls. Use the MOM letter or the FDW eService date
- plan the day around her clinic visit once that date is known
What's tested at the 6ME
Use MOM's list below, and note that the MOM letter lists the tests your helper needs this time. Source: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/eligibility-and-requirements/six-monthly-medical-examination
- Pregnancy and VDRL (syphilis): every 6 months
- HIV: every 2 years
- Tuberculosis: once, after 2 years of stay in Singapore
- BMI check and checks for visible signs of abuse
- It must be done in a clinic and certified by a Singapore-registered doctor. Employers or their representatives should not be present during the exam. Source: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/eligibility-and-requirements/six-monthly-medical-examination
Results: who submits them and how you see them
Results go to MOM from the clinic. You see them afterwards in the FDW eService. Sources: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/eligibility-and-requirements/six-monthly-medical-examination https://www.mom.gov.sg/faq/work-permit-for-fdw/how-do-i-submit-my-fdws-6-monthly-medical-examination-6me-report
- All results must go to MOM, whatever tests she took, and only clinics submit them. Source: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/eligibility-and-requirements/six-monthly-medical-examination
- MOM emails the employer by the next working day after the clinic submits. View the results in the FDW eService. If you see nothing after 3 weeks, check with the clinic. Source: https://www.mom.gov.sg/faq/work-permit-for-fdw/how-do-i-submit-my-fdws-6-monthly-medical-examination-6me-report
If the 6ME is missed, postponed or not needed
What MOM expects depends on whether the exam was missed, she is overseas, or employment is ending. Sources: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/eligibility-and-requirements/six-monthly-medical-examination https://www.mom.gov.sg/faq/work-permit-for-fdw/what-if-my-fdw-misses-her-6-monthly-medical-examination-6me https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/employers-guide/overseas-leave-for-fdw
Missed
MOM revokes the Work Permit if you don't send her on time. To keep employing her, contact MOM quickly on 6438 5122 or by online request. Otherwise send her home immediately. An overstaying fine may be charged. Source: https://www.mom.gov.sg/faq/work-permit-for-fdw/what-if-my-fdw-misses-her-6-monthly-medical-examination-6me
Overseas leave
You can ask to postpone the 6ME until she returns. MOM's 6ME page explains how to ask. Sources: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/eligibility-and-requirements/six-monthly-medical-examination https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/employers-guide/overseas-leave-for-fdw
Employment ending
If she is going home within 1 month of the due date, you can choose not to send her. If you plan to keep her more than 1 month past the due date, apply for a waiver. The steps are on MOM's 6ME page. Source: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/eligibility-and-requirements/six-monthly-medical-examination
If she fails the 6ME, and the link to the work permit
If she does not pass, you must cancel her Work Permit and send her home immediately. Source: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/eligibility-and-requirements/six-monthly-medical-examination
- A missed 6ME means revocation. Source: https://www.mom.gov.sg/faq/work-permit-for-fdw/what-if-my-fdw-misses-her-6-monthly-medical-examination-6me
- A failed 6ME means cancellation. Source: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/eligibility-and-requirements/six-monthly-medical-examination
- At renewal, page 2 of the renewal letter says whether a medical exam is needed. Source: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/renew-a-work-permit
- You must pay for the 6ME and any medical costs that arise from it. The rules for helper medical and accident insurance sit beside those costs. Sources: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/eligibility-and-requirements/six-monthly-medical-examination https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/employers-guide/rest-days-and-well-being
Where SG Helper fits
SG Helper has no 6ME warning. It tracks only the work permit expiry date.
- MOM's letter and the FDW eService are where you find the 6ME due date. Sources: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/eligibility-and-requirements/six-monthly-medical-examination https://www.mom.gov.sg/faq/work-permit-for-fdw/how-do-i-check-my-fdws-medical-examination-date
- If home leave is planned, request a postponement through MOM in time. Source: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/employers-guide/overseas-leave-for-fdw
- The app warns you before the permit expires, so you can check at renewal whether page 2 of MOM's renewal letter asks for a medical exam. Source: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/renew-a-work-permit
- Keep the permit warning next to the MOM compliance checklist
What SG Helper should not replace
MOM letters and the FDW eService are the official 6ME due-date record, and clinics submit results to MOM. SG Helper does not track 6ME dates or results. SG Helper warns you before your helper's work permit expires, which gives you time to prepare the renewal. Try it free. See the helper management app.
- There is no 6ME warning in SG Helper
- SG Helper does not store 6ME dates or medical results
- Use MOM's letter, the FDW eService and the clinic's submission to MOM
Frequently asked questions
How often does my helper need a medical checkup in Singapore?
Every 6 months during her employment, if she is under 50. Helpers aged 50 and above only have a medical exam when the Work Permit is renewed. Source: MOM: 6-monthly medical exam
How do I check when my helper's 6ME is due?
Log in to MOM's FDW eService to see her last 6ME date and whether she is due. MOM also posts a notification letter and form. Sources: MOM: 6-monthly medical exam and MOM: check the 6ME date
What happens if my helper misses her 6ME?
MOM revokes her Work Permit. To keep employing her, contact MOM quickly (6438 5122 or online request). Otherwise she must go home, and an overstaying fine may be charged. Source: MOM: missed 6ME
Can the 6ME be postponed if my helper is on home leave?
Yes. You can ask to postpone it until she returns to Singapore. Sources: MOM: 6-monthly medical exam and MOM: overseas leave
Who pays for the 6ME?
The employer pays for the 6ME and any medical expenses that arise from it. Sources: MOM: 6-monthly medical exam and MOM: rest days and well-being