Singapore's first insurance scheme specially tailored for autistic children and young adults was launched by NTUC Income on Wednesday.

The plan, called SpecialCare (Autism), is also believed to the first such insurance coverage in the world.

It covers outpatient and hospitalisation expenses, daily hospital income, personal liability, and death and disability due to accidents. There is also coverage for medical expenses for infectious diseases such as dengue fever, bird flu and hand, foot and mouth disease.

The plan also covers reimbursement for mobility aids, psychiatric treatment and physiotherapy, home modifications and caregiver training, provided these result from an accident.

NTUC Income is offering two types of plans, priced at a yearly premium of $198 or $352.

This insurance plan helps autistic children and young adults gain access to the basic insurance they deserve, said president of the Autism Resource Centre Ms Denise Phua. "It also paves way for the industry to look at similar needs for persons with other special needs," added Ms Phua, who is also an MP for Moulmein-Kallang GRC.