Helper Medical Problems - What am I responsible for?

We have recently moved to Hong Kong and have one helper living with us and her cousin currently in the Philippines going through the visa process. After finally receiving the visa in HK last week she had to go for a medical which is usual and it now emerges that she has a thyroid problem (which she knew about before she left HK). Apparently it is not serious but we are just waiting the full medical notes to be faxed over to try and understand more. We're in a real dilemma; we cannot risk becoming liable for medical bills if she needs treatment for this, but we really like her and her cousin and would love her to come and work for us - we are also very aware that if we say no, she is effectively unlikely to be able to work in Hong Kong again and she's only 28. But then she did know about it before she left HK and should have been honest at the time - we could have gone to see a Doctor with her to ascertain her position. But she was obviously hoping she'd get away with it which is really disappointing.


We will take out liability insurance but are not sure whether we'd be covered if it's a pre-existing known condition?


Would be grateful for any advice as need to make a decision immediately as both of us are back to work full time after Christmas with two young children.

A thyroid problem is no big deal. It is not going to make your helper sick it just means she will have to take thyroid medication and from time to time have a blood test to determine whether she needs to adjust the dose.


I am on thyroid medication and surprisingly of my small group of close friends (4 couples) here in HK, 4 of us have a thryoid problem and take daily medication for it. Costs around HK$250 - HK$300 per month. Once diagnosed it is necessary to take the tablets for life.


Once your helper has her Work permit she should be eligible to attend a Doctor at one of the hospitals and buy her medication through their dispenary - or go to a Clinic frequented mostly by Chinese but has English speaking Doctors. I find the costs are much lower in these clinics and the quality of service no better, no worse than a clinic staffed by native Engish speaking Doctors.

Thanks for the advice. Re the provision of free medical treatment - does that mean I am responsible for paying for the prescription charges - say the $300 per month?


We're not allowed to terminate for sickness but in case she did develop further symptoms that meant she needed ongoing medical treatment or was too fatigued to do her job which I think is another sympton sometimes, is it possible to have an agreed additional clause in the contract that we were allowed to terminate her on this basis? Or is that not allowed?

also - should it not be in issue that she has already lied to you - even before she started. I cant blame her, she needed the job, but she lied nevertheless..