MediShield Life is a basic health insurance plan, administered by the Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board, which helps to pay for large hospital bills and selected costly outpatient treatments, such as dialysis and chemotherapy for cancer. It is structured so that patients pay less MediSave/cash for large hospital bills.
Who is Eligible for Medishield Life?
All Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, including the very old and those who have pre-existing conditions.
What Are The Benefits?
MediShield Life is sized for subsidised treatment in public hospitals and pegged at B2/C-type wards. If you choose to stay in an A/B1-type ward or in a private hospital, you are still covered by MediShield Life. However, you will find that your MediShield Life payout will cover only a small proportion of your bill. You would need to draw from MediSave and/or cash to pay the balance.
How Can I Enhance MediShield Life Coverage?
If you plan to use an A/B1-type ward in a public hospital or go to a private hospital for your future hospitalisations, you can consider purchasing a MediSave-approved private Integrated Shield Plan (IP), an insurance plan that comprises:
- MediShield Life
- Private insurance coverage providing additional benefits and coverage (e.g. to cover the costs of private hospitals or A/B1-type wards in the public hospitals).
If you have an IP, you are already covered by MediShield Life. The premiums you pay to your private insurer already include the premiums for the MediShield Life component.
Which IP Should I Choose?
The major insurance companies in Singapore offer a selection of Integrated Shield Plans to suit the level of coverage you require based on the type of ward or hospital you prefer to stay in.
Can I Pay My IP Premiums Using MediSave?
The MediShield Life component of your Integrated Shield Plan is fully payable by MediSave.
The additional private insurance component is also payable by MediSave, but only up to the following Additional Withdrawal Limits:
- $300 per year for those at age 40 years and below on their next birthday
- $600 per year for those at age 41 to 70 years on their next birthday
- $900 per year for those at age 71 years and above on their next birthday
Any excess would need to be paid in cash.
Reference: Ministry of Health
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