6ME Medical Check Singapore 2026: Cost, Deadline & What MOM Checks
So you have been paying your helper on time, giving her proper rest days, and keeping the house in order. But there is one thing that catches many employers off guard — a letter from MOM that quietly lands in your mailbox, telling you it is time for the six-monthly medical examination. Miss it, and your helper's Work Permit gets revoked. No warning, no second chance.
The 6ME is not glamorous. It is a quick trip to an accredited clinic, a few blood tests, and some paperwork. But it is the one MOM requirement that can end your helper's employment overnight if you forget. Here is everything you need to know.
At a Glance
The 6ME is a mandatory MOM health screening every MDW must complete every 6 months. It costs $38 to $90 per visit, screens for pregnancy and infectious diseases (syphilis, TB, HIV every two years), and must be done at a MOM-accredited clinic. Miss the deadline and your helper's Work Permit is revoked — call MOM at 6438 5122 immediately if you are running late.
What Exactly Is the 6ME?
The Six-Monthly Medical Examination is a recurring health screening MOM requires for every Foreign Domestic Worker in Singapore. It is not optional. The moment your helper's Work Permit is issued, the clock starts ticking — she must complete her next 6ME within six months of her last examination, and every six months after that.
MOM sends a notification letter and 6ME form by post when the examination is due. The letter includes a deadline, and your helper must complete the checkup by that date. Ignore it and the consequences are severe.
What the 6ME Covers
Pregnancy test — every 6 months
Syphilis test (VDRL) — every 6 months
HIV test — every 2 years (every other cycle)
TB screening — chest X-ray as required
BMI check — recorded to flag health risks
Visible signs of abuse — doctors are trained to look for this
The examination takes about 30 minutes. Your helper does not need to fast. The clinic submits results directly to MOM.
How Much Does It Cost?
The 6ME is not covered by MediSave or government subsidies. Prices vary by clinic:
Budget clinics: $38 to $55
Mid-range clinics: $50 to $70
Premium or central clinics: $70 to $90
HIV test add-on (every 2 years): $15 to $25 extra
Chest X-ray if required: $30 to $50 extra
A typical visit costs $45 to $65. Over a two-year employment period, expect to spend roughly $150 to $200 total on 6MEs.
When Is It Due?
MOM calculates the deadline from the date of the last examination, not the Work Permit issue date. The typical schedule:
Pre-Employment Medical Exam (PEME) — done before arrival
First 6ME — due 6 months after PEME
Second 6ME — due 12 months after PEME (HIV test added)
Continues every 6 months for the duration of employment
MOM sends a notification letter about two months before the deadline. If you moved and did not update your address, you may not receive it — but the deadline still applies.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
The penalty is not a fine — it is immediate Work Permit revocation. Here is the chain:
MOM sends a reminder when overdue
If not completed, Work Permit is automatically revoked
Your helper becomes an illegal worker — no salary protection
You must repatriate her or face further penalties
Call MOM at 6438 5122 IMMEDIATELY if you are late
Cannot renew Work Permit until overdue 6ME is cleared
Schedule the 6ME as soon as you receive MOM's letter. Do not wait until the last minute — clinics can get busy, and a last-minute booking may not be available.
5 Tips to Never Miss a 6ME
Set a phone reminder 2 months before the deadline
Choose a clinic near your home or helper's day-off route
Keep the 6ME form in a visible spot (fridge or noticeboard)
Ask your helper to remind you — she has a vested interest
Check if your maid insurance reimburses the 6ME fee
For more on managing your helper's health, see our guides on When Your Helper Gets Sick and Maid Insurance Singapore 2026, which explains what MOM's minimum coverage requirements mean for your policy. Our Complete MOM Responsibilities guide also covers the 6ME as part of every legal obligation in plain English.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay for the 6ME out of pocket?
Yes. The 6ME is an employer's responsibility and is not covered by MediSave or government subsidies. Some premium maid insurance plans reimburse the fee — check your policy. Budget $50 to $70 per visit.
Can my helper do the 6ME at any clinic?
No. The 6ME must be done at a MOM-accredited clinic. Not all clinics are accredited — check MOM's website or call ahead to confirm.
What if my helper fails the 6ME?
If she tests positive for an infectious disease, MOM will direct the next steps — usually treatment before the Work Permit can be maintained. If she tests positive for HIV, the Work Permit is revoked and she must be repatriated. MOM handles these case by case.
How early can I schedule the 6ME?
You can schedule it as soon as you receive MOM's notification letter — typically 2 months before the deadline. Some employers schedule earlier if the window aligns with the helper's day off. No rule against doing it early.
Does the 6ME cover vaccinations?
No. The 6ME is a screening, not a vaccination visit. Flu shots, COVID boosters, and other vaccinations are separate clinic visits at your own cost.
What documents do I bring?
Bring the MOM 6ME notification letter, the 6ME form, your helper's Work Permit card, and her passport. Call the clinic ahead to confirm.
The Bottom Line
The 6ME is a non-negotiable MOM requirement that protects both your helper and your household. The cost is minor, the time commitment is small, and the consequences of missing it are severe. Set a reminder, pick an accredited clinic, and treat it like any appointment you cannot cancel. Your helper's Work Permit depends on it.
Contact iHome Agency:
