Singapore’s national health insurance plan to provide greater coverage for large medical expenses
Singaporeans can expect higher MediShield Life premiums, as the government works to expand the insurance scheme’s coverage. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung announced that a comprehensive review by the MediShield Life Council is underway, with recommendations expected in late 2024.
Launched in 2015, MediShield Life is a mandatory health insurance plan that helps cover large medical bills for B2 and C ward patients in public hospitals. However, due to rising healthcare costs—5% annual increases in public hospitals and 7% in private hospitals—the scheme no longer covers 90% of subsidized hospital bills, as originally intended.
Key Areas of the Review
Increased Claim Limits:
MediShield Life will raise limits for hospital stays and surgeries to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
For example, coverage for angioplasty with ICU care may double.
Enhanced Outpatient Coverage:
Higher claim limits for kidney dialysis and other outpatient treatments.
Possible expansion to costly outpatient cancer treatments.
Inclusion of New Medical Treatments (CTGTPs):
Coverage may extend to cell, tissue, and gene therapy products (CTGTPs).
These treatments could revolutionize healthcare but are currently extremely expensive, costing hundreds of thousands to millions per treatment.
Only clinically effective and cost-effective treatments will qualify.
Managing Premium Increases
With these enhancements, premiums will rise, but the government aims to ensure affordability:
MediSave will fully cover premium increases where possible.
Potential subsidies or MediSave top-ups for vulnerable groups.
Singaporeans may use more MediSave for smaller bills to keep MediShield Life focused on major hospital expenses.
Minister Ong emphasized that no one will lose coverage due to financial difficulties. Full details will be released once the MediShield Life Council completes its review later this year.
