An Integrated Shield (IP) Plan supplements the existing MediShield Life plan that covers all Singaporeans and Permanent residents (PRs). Unlike the government-issued MediShield Life, the IP is not compulsory. And, while MediShield Life is managed by the Central Provident Fund Board, the IP component is managed by selected private insurers in Singapore to cover your treatments in private hospitals, public hospital Class A or Class B1 wards.
Why is hospitalisation insurance necessary?
Hospitalisation insurance protects you from one of the biggest financial risks you might ever face — healthcare expenses. An unexpected accident or illness can be costly enough to wipe out your savings and retirement funds.
AIA: HealthShield Gold Max Singlife: Singlife Shield (Previously Myshield by Aviva) HSBC Life: HSBC Life Shield Great Eastern: SupremeHealth Income: Enhanced IncomeShield Prudential: PruShield Raffles Health Insurance: Raffles Shield
What is an Integrated Shield Plan?
An Integrated Shield (IP) Plan supplements the existing MediShield Life plan that’s mandatory for all Singaporeans and PRs. Unlike the government-issued MediShield Life, the IP is not compulsory. And, while MediShield Life is managed by the Central Provident Fund Board, the IP component is managed by selected private insurers in Singapore to cover your treatments in private hospitals, public hospital Class A or Class B1 wards.
Why is health insurance necessary?
Hospitalisation insurance protects you from one of the biggest financial risks you might ever face — healthcare expenses. An unexpected accident or illness can be costly enough to wipe out your savings and retirement funds.
Outpatient Cancer Treatment Monthly Limits Drugs on Cancer drug list (CDL)
Outpatient Cancer Drug Services
Outpatient Cancer Drug TreatmentDrugs NOT on Cancer drug list (CDL)
AIA HealthShield Gold Max A
5x Medishield Life limit (Up to 10x with AIA Max A Cancer Care Booster)
5x Medishield Life limit (Up to 10x with AIA Max A Cancer Care Booster)
Up to $200,000/ yr with AIA Max A cancer Care Booster, otherwise $0
Great Eastern GREAT SupremeHealth P PLUS
5x MSHL limit (As charged with TotalCare riders)
5x MSHL limit (As charged with TotalCare riders)
Up to S$120,000/ yr with Totalcare riders, otherwise $0
HSBC Life Shield A
5x MSHL limits
5x MSHL limits
S$30,000 /mth
Income Enhanced IncomeShield Preferred
5x MSHL limit(Up to 10x with rider)
5x MSHL limit
Up to S$15,000/ mth
Prudential PruShield Premier
5x MSHL limits (Up to 15x with PruExtra rider)
5x MSHL limits (Up to 15x with PruExtra rider)
Up to S$150,000 / yr with PruExtra rider, otherwise $0
Singlife Shield Plan 1
5x MSHL limits
5x MSHL limits
Up to S$30,000/ yr with Health Plus riders, otherwise $0
Raffles Health Insurance Raffles Shield Private
4x MSHL limit
4x MSHL limit
Up to S$20,000/ yr with Premier rider, Up to $5,000 with Key rider, otherwise $0.
Additional benefits
Insurer
Inpaitent Psychiatric
Living Donor Organ Transplant as insured
Congenital Abnormalities Benefit
Inpatient Palliative Care
Emergency / Planned overseas treatment
AIA HealthShield Gold Max A
$5K/yr (Additional post-hospitalisation psychiatric treatment of $5K/yr within 200 days after Confinement)
$60K/transplant
As Charged
As Charged
Reimburse the Eligible Expenses (Benefit payable shall be limited to the level of Reasonable and Customary charges in a Singapore Private Hospital)
Great Eastern GREAT SupremeHealth P PLUS
$25K/yr (Including pre & post hospitalisation benefits)
$60K/transplant
$20K/yr (Within 730 days of last policy effective date) As Charged(After 730 days from last policy effective date)
$800/day
As Charged but limited to costs of Singapore private hospitals
HSBC Life Shield A
Up to $5K, capped at 35 days / policy yr (Additional post-hospitalisation psychiatric treatment of $5,000 / policy yr, within 200 days after discharge)
$60K/transplant
As Charged(with 12-mth waiting period)
As Charged
As Charged (pegged to Reasonable and Customary charges of Singapore Private Hospitals)
Income Enhanced IncomeShield Preferred
$7K/yr
$60K/transplant
As Charged (with 12-mth waiting period)
As Charged
As Charged but limited to costs of Singapore private hospitals
Prudential PruShield Premier
$4K/yr
$60K/yr
$20K/yr (If diagnosed or symptoms first appear within 24 mths)As Charged (If diagnosed or symptoms first appear after 24 mths)
As Charged (paying the lower of:- the overseas charges; or- in accordance with a Singapore Private Hospital’s charges)
Singlife Shield Plan 1
As Charged (up to 60 days) [with 10-mth waiting period] $500/day (up to 35 days) [without waiting period]
$50K/lifetime
As Charged(with 12-mth waiting period)
As Charged but limited to costs of Singapore private hospitals
Raffles Health Insurance Raffles Shield Private
$8K/yr (Includes post hospitalisation psychiatric treatment up to 90 days)
$60K/transplant
As Charged(with 24-mth waiting period)
As Charged (limited to Panel charges and subject to Pro-ration factor)
Pregnancy related benefits
Insurer
Free new-born benefit
Congenital Abnormalities Benefit of Insured’s biological child from birth
Pregnancy complications
AIA HealthShield Gold Max A
[Only for insured female] $20K/lifetime. Limited to $5K/child
As chargedGreat Eastern GREAT SupremeHealth P PLUS
$20K/lifetime. Limited to $5,000 / child
As chargedHSBC Life Shield AAs chargedIncome Enhanced IncomeShield PreferredAs chargedPrudential PruShield PremierAs chargedSinglife Shield Plan 1$50K/yrAs chargedRaffles Health Insurance Raffles Shield PrivateAs charged
Plan
AIA HealthShield Gold Max A
Great Eastern GREAT SupremeHealth P PLUS
HSBC Life Shield A
Income Enhanced IncomeShield Preferred
Prudential PruShield Premier
Singlife Shield Plan 1
Raffles Health Insurance Raffles Shield Private
Policy Year Limit
Panel: $2,000,000 Non-panel $1,000,000
$1,500,000
Panel: $2,500,000 Non-panel $1,000,000
$1,500,000
$1,200,000
Panel with pre-auth: $2,000,000 Non-panel $1,000,000
Panel: $1,600,000 Non-panel $600,000
Lifetime claim limit
Unlimited
Daily Ward and Treatment Charges & Surgery
As Charged
Major Organ Transplant
Pregnancy and Delivery-Related Complications Benefit
Kidney Dialysis
Outpatient Cancer Treatment Monthly Limits Drugs on Cancer drug list (CDL)
5x MSHL limits (Up to 16x with AIA Max A Cancer Care Booster)
5x MSHL limits (Up to 18x with TotalCare riders)
5x MSHL limits
5x MSHL limits (Up to 10x with rider)
5x MSHL limits (Up to 15x with PruExtra Rider)
5x MSHL limits
4x MSHL limits
Outpatient Cancer Drug Services
5x Medishield Life limit (Up to 10x with AIA Max A Cancer Care Booster)
5x MSHL limit (As charged with TotalCare riders)
5x MSHL limits
5x MSHL limit
5x MSHL limits (Up to 15x with PruExtra Rider)
5x MSHL limits
4x MSHL limit
Outpatient Cancer Drug TreatmentDrugs NOT on Cancer drug list (CDL)
Up to $200,000/ yr with AIA Max A cancer Care Booster, otherwise $0
Up to $250,000/yr with Totalcare riders, otherwise $0
$30,000 /mth
Up to $15,000/mth
Up to $150,000 / yr with PruExtra rider, otherwise $0
Up to $30,000/ yr with Health Plus riders, otherwise $0
Up to $20,000/yr with Premier rider, Up to $5,000/yr with Key rider, otherwise $0.
Pre- & Post-Hospitalisation Treatment (Panel includes Public hospitals)
$5,000/yr (Additional post-hospitalisation psychiatric treatment of $5,000/yr within 200 days after Confinement)
$25,000/yr (Including pre & post hospitalisation benefits)
Up to $5,000, capped at 60 days / policy yr (Additional post-hospitalisation psychiatric treatment of $5,000 / policy yr, within 200 days after discharge)
$7,000/yr
$4,000/yr
As Charged (up to 60 days) [with 10-month waiting period] $500/day (up to 35 days) (without waiting period)
$8,000/yr (Includes post hospitalisation psychiatric treatment up to 90 days)
Inpatient Palliative Care
As Charged
$800/day
As Charged
Living Donor Organ Transplant as insured
$60,000 / transplant
$60,000 / transplant
$60,000 / transplant
$60,000 / transplant
$60,000/ yr
$50,000/lifetime
$60,000 / transplant
Congenital Abnormalities Benefit
As Charged
As charged
As Charged (with 12-month waiting period)
As Charged (with 12-month waiting period)
$20,000/yr (If diagnosed or symptoms first appear within 24 months)As Charged (If diagnosed or symptoms first appear after 24 months)
As Charged (with 12-month waiting period)
As Charged (with 24-month waiting period)
Congenital Abnormalities Benefit of Insured’s biological child from birth
(Only for insured female) $20,000/lifetime. Limited to $5,000/child
$4,000/yr (Additional post-hospitalisation psychiatric treatment of $2,500/yr within 200 days after Confinement)
$22,000/yr (Including pre & post hospitalisation benefits)
Up to $4,000, capped at 60 days / policy yr (Additional post-hospitalisation psychiatric treatment of $2,500 / policy yr, within 200 days after discharge)
$7,000/yr
$3,500/yr
As Charged (up to 45 days) [with 10-month waiting period] $500/day (up to 35 days) [without waiting period]
$6,000/yr (Includes post hospitalisation psychiatric treatment up to 90 days)
Inpatient Palliative Care
As Charged
$780/day
As Charged
Living Donor Organ Transplant as insured
$40,000/transplant
$40,000/transplant
$40,000/transplant
$40,000/transplant
$40,000/yr
$30,000/lifetime
$40,000/transplant
Congenital Abnormalities Benefit
As Charged
As Charged
As Charged (with 12-mth waiting period)
As Charged (with 12-mth waiting period)
$15,000/yr (If diagnosed or symptoms first appear within 24 months) As Charged (If diagnosed or symptoms first appear after 24 months)
As Charged (with 12-mth waiting period)
As Charged (with 24-mth waiting period)
Congenital Abnormalities Benefit of Insured’s biological child from birth
(Only for insured female) $16,000/lifetime. Limited to $4,000/child (with 10 month waiting period)
$16,000/lifetime. Limited to $4,00 /child (with 300 days waiting period)
With an IP, you will still be required to pay for the deductible and co-insurance out-of-pocket.
Adding on a rider can help to reduce the out-of-pocket costs.
Here you can view the benefits of the riders side-by-side. We are comparing the out-of-pocket costs based on a $100,000 claim in a private hospital (Deductible based on Private hospital / Public A ward).
Value for money with higher out of pocket
Lower overall out of pocket for panel claim
Plan rider
AIA Max VitalHealth A rider
Great Eastern GREAT Totalcare P rider
HSBC Life Enhanced care A rider
Income Deluxe rider
PRUExtra Premier CoPay / PRUExtra Preferred CoPay rider
If you’d prefer to stay in a higher class ward or in a private hospital, MediShield Life benefits offered in this higher class wards will be pro-rated based on the costs in Class B2/C wards before claims are computed. You can choose to pay for the difference using your MediSave, cash savings, or an IP.Â
Claim limits are capped by category with MediShield LifeÂ
In the unfortunate event that you get hospitalised, the maximum claimable limit for surgeries is $2,600. Considering surgery fees tend to run into the thousands, it’s easy to see why Singaporeans and PRs turn to Integrated Shield Plans to lighten the brunt of costly surgical procedures.Â
MediShield Life also doesn’t cover you for pre- or post-hospitalisation treatments. This include medical consultations and scans, physiotherapy, or post-surgery follow-up sessions. In fact, such treatments often amount to more than the actual surgery itself, making it all the more important that you factor in these additional costs.Â
Bill Item
MediShield Life alone
With an Integrated Shield Plan
Surgical fees
Up to S$2,600
Up to annual claim limit .e.g S$2 Million
Annual limit
S$150,000
Daily ward charges
S$800/day
Chemotherapy
S$2,000/mth for cancer drug treatment on CDL S$1,200/mth for cancer drug services
Up to 15x monthly MSHL limits
Pre- and post hospital medical expenses
S$0
Up to 365 days pre- and 13 months post- hospital stay
What’s the difference between hospital wards in Singapore?
In Singapore, there are several kinds of hospital-class wards in public hospitals. Here’s a quick look at how they differ. Facilities may differ depending on which medical institution you’re admitted to.
Hospital Ward / Class Type
Facilities
Public C
Five to six beds No air-conditioning; fan ventilation Shared bathroom
Public B2
Five beds No air-conditioning; fan ventilation Shared bathroom
Public B1
Four beds Air-conditioning with fan ventilation Shared bathroom TV and telephone
A1
One bed Air-conditioning with fan ventilation En suite shower and toilet TV and telephone Day bed
Public Private hospital
One bed Air-conditioning TV and telephone Day bed (2-4 beds are available too)
Depending on the tier of coverage you have, we have illustrated how the claims will differ.
In general, the cost out of your own pocket will be the lowest when you are covered by an IP and rider, while treated by an panel doctor. The out-of-pocket sum differs slightly from each insurer, Refer to the comparison above with example.
Note: The above diagram is for illustrative purposes only. Please note that pro-ration will apply for private hospital bill or public/restructured hospital class A/B1 ward bill under MediShield Life, which is sized for class B2/C bills.
Paying for your Integrated Shield Plans and Rider premiums
The premiums for all hospitalisation insurance increases with age and this applies to the premiums for MediShield Life and IPs too. The increase reflects the higher propensity for older people to require medical treatments.
Annual premiums for your IP can be made via your MediSave account up to a limit. This limit is also known as the Additional Withdrawal Limits. This limit applies to each insured person, and not per medisave account. Which means you could use your MediSave account to pay for your parent’s, spouse’s, sibling’s and children’s IPs and the limits would apply separately.
The limit that Singaporeans and PRs can draw from their MediSave account increases with age, to help accommodate the raised premiums.
This table shows the maximum amount that could be used from the MediSave account to pay for IPs.
Age
Additional Withdrawal Limit (Annual)
40 and below
S$300
41 to 70
S$600
71 and above
S$900
Example:
Paul purchased IPs for himself and his wife. He is 39 years old and his wife 41.
The total withdrawal limits will be S$300 + S$600, totaling S$900 each year. If the premium for the IP is S$350 for himself and S$610 for his wife, he will be able to use S$900 from his MediSave account to pay for his premiums and the remaining S$60 (S$50+S$10) in cash.
Premiums for Riders
Premiums for riders that are attached to your IP can only be paid via cash.
What happens if I need to make a claim under my Integrated Shield Plan?
There are some key points to note when you need to utilise your insurance.
IPs work on a reimbursement basis, which means you will need to pay first and claim from your insurance later. There are some ways to work around having to pay a huge sum upfront.
Depending on whether you have a rider or not, and if you are treated by the insurer’s approved panel doctor, your claim limits will differ. Refer to section above.
Pre-authorisation (Must do if it’s not an emergency)
If you are planning for a procedure in advance, it’s recommended to get a pre-authorisation done before the day of admission.
Benefits of pre-authorisation
Cashless admission: the bill will be sent to the insurer directly with little to no cash payout required from your end
Increased claim limits such a longer pre- and post-hospitalisation duration and higher overall claim limits Â
Letter of Guarantee to waive off deposit (Only for Singaporeans and PRs)
A Letter of Guarantee (LOG) is a letter issued by insurers to selected hospitals to fully or partially waive the hospital upfront cash deposit for hospitalisations or surgeries, based on the estimated portion of the bill covered by the insurance. An LOG can be applied through “Electronic-filing” during the admission process at the hospital. This can reduce the upfront cash deposit amount that you have to make with the hospital.Â
All IP insurers provide LOGs and you may check with your IP insurer for more information.
If the bill is larger than the LOG amount, upon discharge, you may still be required by your hospital to settle your hospital bill. Once your insurer assesses your claim, the insurer will make payment to the hospital and you will be reimbursed by the hospital.
Common reasons for not providing a Letter of Guarantee
Estimated bill size is below the deductible
Duration between policy inception and LOG application is shorter than insurer's stipulated minimum duration for LOG eligibility
Medical condition is a pre-existing medical condition that the policyholder had before the commencement of the policy
Medical condition is excluded from the policy
General exclusions, such as pregnancy and maternity expenses
Median Claims Processing Duration means that 50 out of 100 claims are processed by the insurer within the indicated number of days in the table.
75th Percentile Claims Processing Duration means 75 out of 100 claims are processed by the insurer within the indicated number of days in the table.
* As RHI was approved to provide IPs from 16 July 2018 onwards, the number of claims processed by RHI is currently insufficient for analysis.
The statistics refer to claims from Integrated Shield Plan and does not include rider claims. It also does not reveal the number of rejected claims and the difficulty of the pre-authorisation of the claims.
If you're unsure of whether your current health insurance plan is an Integrated Shield Plan, you can simply log on to the Central Provident Fund (CPF) website to check. Make sure you have your SingPass in order to check.
Go to cpf.gov.sg
Log on to my cpf Online Services
Go to "My Messages"
See "Insurance" section to see which insurer you are under
Login to the respective insurer customer portal to retrieve details of your plan.
Managing rising healthcare costs
Research by MOH found that medical bills are 60% higher when there is no need for patients to pay anything. To manage rising healthcare costs, MOH implemented a range of initiatives which included:
Fee Benchmarks Advisory Committee in January 2018
With effect from 1st April 2021, all IP riders have to incorporate a co-payment of at least 5% and Insurers can set a co-payment cap of S$3,000 or more per policy year. For example, if you incur a hospitalisation bill of S$15,000, a 5% co-payment will mean having to fork out S$750, with the remaining S$14,250 being covered by the private Integrated Shield plan.
MOH is monitoring doctors who charge excessive fees and will take action against doctors who overcharge or over-service.
For existing policyholders with full riders, we go through the implications of this change in this article.
Some insurers have also implemented a claims based pricing to incentivise those who make no claims. Policyholders who do not make a claim will enjoy a discount off their rider premiums. This will range between 20% to 25%, depending on the insurer.Â
Prudential has claims-based pricing in place since 2017. Great Eastern has implemented it since March 2021, AIA in April 2021 and Singlife in March 2023.
While this appears to benefit healthy policyholders, it could become detrimental when we eventually fall ill. So it will be good to factor in additional funds for increased premium rates when you draw out your budget for insurance premiums.
If you do decide to get an Integrated Shield Plan, take the time to properly peruse your options before committing, and considersetting a personal budget you can actually stick to. Getting covered for private hospitals might not be necessary, particularly if you’re concerned about premium costs more than the comfort and convenience.
