Medical Insurance: MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans
General knowledge only; not about any particular insurer or product, and not a product recommendation or investment, tax or legal advice. Policy terms and official documents prevail.
In one sentence
Hospital cover in Singapore is built on the government's MediShield Life; Integrated Shield Plans from private insurers can be added for higher ward classes and wider coverage.
How it works
- MediShield Life: covers all Citizens and PRs for life, designed around the costs of subsidised wards (B2 and C).
- Integrated Shield Plans: offered by private insurers, combining MediShield Life with additional cover for higher ward classes or private hospitals; part of the premium can be paid with MediSave, up to an annual limit.
- Riders: reduce the amount you pay yourself and can only be paid in cash; co-payment rules are set by the Ministry of Health.
- Foreigners are not covered by MediShield Life and can consider private hospitalisation insurance for foreigners.
Key concepts
| Concept | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Deductible | The amount the policyholder pays each year before claims are paid. |
| Co-insurance | The proportion of the bill above the deductible that the policyholder pays. |
| Ward class | Public hospitals have A, B1, B2 and C wards; private hospitals are separate. |
| Pre-authorisation / panel doctors | Some plans give higher cover or waive pre-authorisation when you see doctors in their panel. |
| Pre-existing conditions | Conditions you had before buying the plan may be excluded. |
Usually suitable for
- Citizens and PRs who want more choice of wards and hospitals
- Foreign families living and working in Singapore
Risks to note
- Premiums rise with age and are high in old age.
- MediSave payments are subject to an annual limit; the rest must be paid in cash.
- Pre-existing conditions may be excluded.
- Rider rules may change with policy changes.
Questions to ask
- Which ward class or hospital does it cover?
- What are the deductible and co-insurance?
- How much of the premium can MediSave pay?
- What are the exclusions?
Common misconceptions
Misconception: With an Integrated Shield Plan I never pay anything myself?
There may still be a deductible and co-insurance, depending on whether you have a rider and its rules.
Misconception: Foreigners are also covered by MediShield Life?
MediShield Life only covers Citizens and PRs.
Official references
Ministry of Health, MOH (moh.gov.sg); CPF Board; LIA (website: cpf.gov.sg, moh.gov.sg, lia.org.sg)
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