Are you looking for information on HDB fire insurance?
You’re in the right place.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from what it covers to what you need to do next.
I’ll cover key areas such as what HDB fire insurance is (and isn’t), the premiums involved, its limitations, and more.
Read on to get all the details.
Fires Do Happen
Imagine you’ve invested a small fortune in your HDB flat, and then, one day, a massive fire strikes and destroys everything. What do you do?
You might think it won’t happen to you because you’re always careful. You make sure to:
- Turn off all electrical appliances when not in use
- Pay attention when cooking and avoid distractions
- Keep your home free of fire hazards like stacks of newspapers or flammable items
- Repair or dispose of faulty wiring and appliances
But before you feel too secure, consider this: fires can still happen, and they might not even be your fault. The Singapore Civil Defence Force responded to 1,051 fires in residential premises in 2025, an increase of 8.6% from the year before.
A fire could start from your neighbours, whether to the left, right, above, or below you. It’s not just about your own actions.
In one incident, a personal mobility device (PMD) exploded, sparking a fire that destroyed the owner’s flat and damaged two neighbouring units.
Now, what if you were one of those neighbours? What would you do then?
SIDE NOTE
A policy bought years ago. Savings in three places. A will that's still on the to-do list.
None of it is wrong. It's just not a plan yet.
There's an order that turns the pieces into one system, and it doesn't require becoming a finance expert. Here's the order, in 7 steps, so you know what to sort out first.
What Is the HDB Fire Insurance?
HDB fire insurance is designed to protect flat owners from the substantial costs of repairs in the event of a fire.
What does it cover?
This insurance specifically covers the internal structure, fittings, and fixtures that were built by HDB, as well as the surrounding areas that were provided by them. Essentially, it covers everything that was in place before you received your keys and made any changes to your home.
Is it compulsory?
Yes, if you have an outstanding HDB loan. The requirement applies to HDB loans commencing on or after 1 September 1994, and you’ll need to keep renewing the policy for as long as the loan is outstanding.
If you financed your flat with a bank loan instead, HDB’s scheme doesn’t apply to you. However, your bank will usually require you to insure the flat against fire as a condition of the loan.
Either way, fire insurance is one small layer of protection for what’s likely your biggest asset. For the full picture, from buying and protecting your home through to eventually passing it on, see our guide to planning your property in Singapore.
What Is It Not?
As a homeowner, you’ve likely heard of the following. They’re often confused with HDB fire insurance, but they do quite different jobs.
Home Protection Scheme (HPS)
The Home Protection Scheme is designed to pay off part or all of your home loan if you pass away or suffer a total and permanent disability. In short, it’s a form of mortgage-reducing insurance.
Private Mortgage Insurance
Private mortgage insurance, offered by insurance companies, is an upgrade to the HPS. However, many homeowners opt for level term insurance instead, as it can often be more cost-effective. Both private mortgage insurance and level term insurance provide lump sum payouts in the event of death, total and permanent disability, or critical illness.
Home Contents Insurance
Also known as “home insurance“, this type of coverage complements HDB fire insurance by covering areas that it doesn’t.
We’ll get into what home contents insurance actually includes shortly.
QUICK CHECK
Can you answer these three questions?
1) If something happened to you tomorrow, how much would your family receive?
2) At 65, what monthly income will your savings and investments pay you?
3) If you never get round to a will, who inherits what, and in what proportion?
Most people manage one at best. Not because they're careless, but because nobody has shown them which order to tackle things in.
That order exists. Work through your finances in this sequence, from income and protection through to investments and estate planning.
The Premiums for HDB Fire Insurance
The current appointed provider for HDB fire insurance is Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd., whose 5-year term of appointment began on 16 August 2024.
Below are the current premiums for HDB fire insurance:
| Flat Type | 5-Year Premium (including 9% GST) | Sum Insured |
|---|---|---|
| 1-room/ Community Care Apartment | $1.11 | $37,900 |
| 2-room/ 2-room Flexi/ Studio Apartment | $1.99 | $57,000 |
| 3-room | $3.27 | $83,300 |
| 4-room/ S1 | $4.59 | $117,000 |
| 5-room/ S2/ 3-Generation | $5.43 | $144,800 |
| Executive/ Multi-Generation | $6.68 | $176,700 |
As you can see, you only need to pay the premiums, which cover a 5-year period for your specific type of flat, and then simply renew when the time comes.
To purchase or renew, you can visit Etiqa’s website. The entire process can be completed online.
4 Limitations of HDB Fire Insurance
In insurance, premiums generally reflect the scope of coverage. If premiums are low, it usually means the coverage is more limited. Here are four key limitations of HDB fire insurance:
1) It only covers the home
Which is more important, the home or the homeowner?
To put it another way: is the cost of the home more significant than the impact of losing the homeowner?
Personally, I’d say the homeowner. Losing the home is a financial setback. Losing the homeowner is something else entirely: there are the unpaid loans, and then everything else that gets disrupted, like the children’s education, retirement plans, and daily expenses.
HDB fire insurance covers only the home, not the person paying for it. That’s where the Home Protection Scheme comes in. Protecting the walls is one thing, but you also want to know the mortgage can still be covered if something happens to you, whether through HPS, mortgage insurance, or term insurance.
2) Covers only fire
While fire is a major concern, it’s not the only potential threat.
Singapore might not face massive natural disasters, but other common property damages can still occur. For instance, what if a theft or burglary happens? HDB fire insurance won’t cover those scenarios.
3) Does not cover damages you cause
Nobody intends to cause harm, but accidents do happen. If you’re the unfortunate one who causes a fire, you could be held liable for damages to your neighbours or their property. HDB fire insurance won’t protect you in this case. You’ll need separate liability coverage for that.
4) Does not cover what’s inside
What truly makes your house a “home”? For most Singaporeans, it’s not just the walls and roof. It’s the design, the furniture, and the appliances that make it comfortable. After spending time, effort, and money on renovations and home decor, your home becomes a reflection of you.
Unfortunately, HDB fire insurance doesn’t cover the contents inside your home. If something were to happen, the cost of replacing your belongings could be significant.
What If I Want More Coverage?
Given those limitations, you might be wondering how to get better protection. The answer is simple: home contents insurance. It picks up what HDB fire insurance leaves out, covering the belongings inside your flat.
It’s also affordable. With both policies in place, your home and everything in it is covered.
BEFORE YOU GO
Articles can tell you what generally makes sense. They can't see your policies, your CPF, or your plans.
FullCircle is our comprehensive financial planning session. A licensed consultant goes through what you have, shows you the gaps and overlaps, and tells you what to prioritise across protection, retirement, and estate planning.
It's complimentary, takes about 45 minutes, and if nothing needs changing, we'll say so.