Relief for those with pre-existing illnesses

  • I am not covered by MediShield. I have kept myself healthy all these years. Do I still have to pay the additional 30 per cent premium under the MediShield Life scheme?

No. The 30 per cent top-up in premiums for 10 years applies only to people with pre-existing diseases that would exclude them from full coverage.

You can join MediShield today, or MediShield Life when it starts at the end of next year as a healthy individual paying the normal premium rate.

However, if you wait till MediShield Life is launched, and you are unfortunate to develop a medical condition before the end of next year that would result in exclusion, then you would be liable for that 30 per cent additional premium.

It might be a good idea to join MediShield today to avoid such a possibility.

  • I am a pensioner with full lifelong medical benefits. I need to pay only 20 per cent of the ward charges should I be hospitalised and I get full reimbursement for treatment at polyclinics. Will I be better off with MediShield Life than with the current medical benefits that I am entitled to?

MediShield Life applies to everyone, including those who receive benefits from their employers such as pensioners.

The Government has indicated that it will study the issue carefully together with the unions, and ensure that pensioners will not be adversely affected with the introduction of MediShield Life.

As MediShield Life is for critical illness, it will not cover the cost of polyclinic treatments. However, your current coverage for this should not be affected.

  • I'm a permanent resident. Will MediShield Life be compulsory for me?

Yes, it will be compulsory for all Singaporeans and permanent residents.

salma@sph.com.sg

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Twitter: @STHealth

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