Monthly Maid expenses

[starryeyes]

We am hiring a maid for the first time through an agency and would like to know the estimated monthly living expenses to set aside for her.

I assume other than insurance the basic necessities to be medical if she falls ill, shampoo/shower essentials,food (whatever we are having), and 1 airplane ticket home per contract expiry. I have also gone through a few insurance coverage but none covers outpatient doctor visits for fever, flu etc. Does anyone know of any insurance which covers this?

Lastly agency has told us that she will be given only 1 off day (Sunday) a month. Just wondering if this is the norm and is this enough?

Any help would be appreciated, thanks

[PhoenixT]

Starryeyes,

It will all depend on how 'generous' you are willing to be. Some employers include a phone card allowance each month; trip home once a year (not to include the end-of-year contract expiry); it'll be nice for you to allow her to cook her own food once in a while as she may not be used to eating Western food (I'm assuming you're non-Asian); bus passes; extra curricular classes to improve her skills on her days off (check out Aidha or cooking schools/classes).

I would say yes, it is normal to give your help a day off. You will find some are not given this and some are given the entire weekend off after trust has been built. But just imagine working EVERY SINGLE DAY and not having time off to yourself? I would suggest that you give her a curfew or at least some clear expectations and boundaries as to her hours when she's off-duty.

I am not aware of any insurance coverage available for FDW's. Most of the time clinics have special rates for them.