HI Integrated Shield Plans — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What are Integrated Shield Plans (IPs) in Singapore?
- Government-run health insurance
- Optional health insurance plans offered by private insurers that provide coverage above MediShield Life for higher ward classes and private hospitals (Correct answer)
- Dental insurance plans
- Travel health insurance
Correct answer: Optional health insurance plans offered by private insurers that provide coverage above MediShield Life for higher ward classes and private hospitals
IPs are sold by private insurers (AIA, Great Eastern, NTUC Income, Prudential, etc.) and integrate with MediShield Life to provide enhanced coverage for B1, A-ward, or private hospital stays.
Question 2: Which private insurers are authorised to offer Integrated Shield Plans in Singapore?
- Any insurance company can offer IPs
- Only MAS-approved insurers including AIA, Great Eastern, NTUC Income, Prudential, Raffles Health Insurance, and Singlife (Correct answer)
- Only government agencies
- Only foreign insurers
Correct answer: Only MAS-approved insurers including AIA, Great Eastern, NTUC Income, Prudential, Raffles Health Insurance, and Singlife
Only specific MAS-approved insurers are authorised to offer IPs that integrate with MediShield Life. These insurers must meet MAS regulatory requirements.
Question 3: Can Medisave be used to pay for Integrated Shield Plan premiums?
- No, only cash payment is accepted
- Yes, up to the Additional Withdrawal Limits (AWLs) set by MOH, with the remainder payable in cash (Correct answer)
- Yes, with no limits on Medisave usage
- Only for the first year's premium
Correct answer: Yes, up to the Additional Withdrawal Limits (AWLs) set by MOH, with the remainder payable in cash
Medisave can be used to pay IP premiums up to the Additional Withdrawal Limits set by MOH. Any premium amount above the AWL must be paid in cash or by other means.
Question 4: What are IP riders and why have they been reformed in Singapore?
- Riders are not available for IPs
- IP riders provide additional benefits (e.g., covering deductible and co-insurance); reforms require riders to have co-payment of at least 5% to reduce overconsumption (Correct answer)
- Riders are free add-ons
- Riders only cover dental
Correct answer: IP riders provide additional benefits (e.g., covering deductible and co-insurance); reforms require riders to have co-payment of at least 5% to reduce overconsumption
IP riders that fully covered deductible and co-insurance led to overconsumption. MAS/MOH reforms now require riders to include at least 5% co-payment by the policyholder to encourage cost-conscious healthcare decisions.
Question 5: What should consumers consider when choosing between different IP plans in Singapore?
- Only the premium cost
- Coverage level (ward class), claim limits, panel vs non-panel hospital differences, premium affordability, rider options, and the insurer's claim process (Correct answer)
- Only the insurer's brand name
- Only whether friends have the same plan
Correct answer: Coverage level (ward class), claim limits, panel vs non-panel hospital differences, premium affordability, rider options, and the insurer's claim process
Key considerations include: desired ward class, annual and lifetime claim limits, panel restrictions, premium sustainability (premiums increase with age), rider co-payment requirements, and the insurer's track record.
Question 6: What happens to your Integrated Shield Plan when you change insurers in Singapore?
- You lose all coverage immediately
- Portability rules allow you to switch insurers without losing MediShield Life coverage or facing new exclusions for pre-existing conditions already covered (Correct answer)
- You must re-apply as a new customer
- Switching is not allowed
Correct answer: Portability rules allow you to switch insurers without losing MediShield Life coverage or facing new exclusions for pre-existing conditions already covered
Singapore's IP portability framework ensures consumers can switch between IP insurers without losing coverage for pre-existing conditions that were already covered under their previous plan.
HI Integrated Shield Plans
What are Integrated Shield Plans (IPs) in Singapore?