Massachusetts requires workers' compensation for household employees working 16 or more hours per week. Since most au pairs work 45 hours/week, this almost always applies to you.
Massachusetts Requirements
Required (for 16+ hours/week):
- ✅ Workers' Compensation Insurance
- ✅ Auto insurance addition (if au pair drives)
Recommended:
- 💡 Supplemental medical insurance
- 💡 Umbrella liability coverage
Workers' Compensation
The 16-Hour Rule
Massachusetts requires workers' comp for any household employee who works 16 or more hours per week.
Au pairs typically work up to 45 hours per week under J-1 visa regulations. This means virtually all au pair host families in Massachusetts need workers' comp.
What If They Work Less?
If your au pair somehow works fewer than 16 hours per week, workers' comp isn't technically required. However:
- This is rare for au pairs
- Coverage is still recommended for protection
- It's relatively inexpensive
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Massachusetts takes workers' comp seriously:
- Stop-work orders for non-compliant employers
- Fines up to $250/day while uninsured
- Criminal charges possible for willful violations
- Personal liability for all injury costs
How to Get Coverage
Option 1: Private Insurers
Several companies offer household workers' comp in Massachusetts:
- GTM Payroll Services
- HomeWork Solutions
- NEXT Insurance
- Various local agencies
Option 2: State Resources
The Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents can help you find coverage if you're having difficulty in the private market.
Cost Estimate
Expect to pay $600 - $1,200/year for workers' comp in Massachusetts.
Auto Insurance
Massachusetts has mandatory auto insurance with some of the highest requirements in the country. If your au pair drives:
Minimum Requirements
- Bodily injury liability
- Personal injury protection (PIP)
- Uninsured motorist coverage
- Property damage liability
Adding Your Au Pair
- Contact your auto insurance company
- Add au pair as a listed driver
- Provide foreign license documentation
- Expect a premium increase
Cost Impact
Massachusetts auto insurance is expensive. Adding an au pair typically costs $400 - $1,000/year extra, especially in the Boston metro area.
Medical Insurance
Your agency provides basic J-1 visa medical coverage. This includes:
- Doctor visits and hospitalization
- Emergency care
- Prescription coverage
Supplemental Coverage
Agency plans have limitations. Consider supplemental insurance for:
- Higher coverage limits (agency plans often cap around $100K)
- Dental and vision
- Mental health coverage
- Lower deductibles
Cost: $150 - $400/year
Boston Area Considerations
High Medical Costs
The Boston area has some of the highest medical costs in the country. This means:
- Workers' comp claims can be expensive
- Supplemental medical is more valuable
- Make sure coverage limits are adequate
Winter Driving
Massachusetts winters are harsh. If your au pair drives:
- Ensure they're comfortable with winter driving
- Consider snow tires
- Make sure insurance covers weather-related incidents
Compliance Checklist
- [ ] Confirm au pair works 16+ hours/week (almost certainly yes)
- [ ] Purchase workers' compensation insurance
- [ ] Set up proper payroll
- [ ] Add au pair to auto insurance (if driving)
- [ ] Review agency medical coverage limits
- [ ] Consider supplemental medical
Common Questions
Q: My au pair is part-time during school. Do I still need coverage?
If they work 16+ hours/week at any point, you need coverage for that period. Most families maintain year-round coverage for simplicity.
Q: We're in Western Mass, not Boston. Does that change anything?
The legal requirements are the same statewide. Costs may be slightly lower outside the Boston metro area.
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