3 important terms that you should know about Integrated Shield Plans (IPs)
An Integrated Shield Plan (IP) provides additional coverage on top of your existing MediShield Life for Class B1 or A wards, even for private hospitals.
Deductibles, and Co-payments
- Deductibles: The basic amount you must pay for your bill before you make an insurance claim.
- Co-payments: A fixed amount ($500, for example) you pay for a covered health care service after you have paid your deductible.
- Co-insurance: The percentage of costs of a covered health care service you pay (20%, for example) after you’ve paid your deductible.
Panel Doctors
Insurers have preferred doctors whom they have placed on a panel. Patients who opt to see these doctors may enjoy more coverage and even higher claim limits. Plus, patients can also choose from an extended panel should the need arise.
Riders and Add-ons
Insurance Riders are optional add-ons that can be purchased for your IP. A Rider offers extra benefits such as reduce your out-of-pocket costs, and to enhance the protection of the original plan.
Deductibles, and Co-payments
- Deductibles: The basic amount you must pay for your bill before you make an insurance claim.
- Co-payments: A fixed amount ($500, for example) you pay for a covered health care service after you have paid your deductible.
- Co-insurance: The percentage of costs of a covered health care service you pay (20%, for example) after you’ve paid your deductible.
Panel Doctors
Insurers have preferred doctors whom they have placed on a panel. Patients who opt to see these doctors may enjoy more coverage and even higher claim limits. Plus, patients can also choose from an extended panel should the need arise.
Riders and Add-ons
Insurance Riders are optional add-ons that can be purchased for your IP. A Rider offers extra benefits such as reduce your out-of-pocket costs, and to enhance the protection of the original plan.
How does an Integrated Shield Plan work?
There are many different IPs provided by the various insurers in Singapore. See examples of IPs in Singapore.
MediShield Life
- Basic coverage (no pre/post, etc.)
- B2/C wards
- Claim limits apply
- Premiums fully payable by MediSave
“Basic” Upgrade
- Provides additional coverage on top of your MediShield Life
- Can cover A wards in restructured hospitals and private hospitals
- “As charged” coverage
- Covers pre/post and others
- Subject to Deductibles and Co-insurance
- Premiums payable by MediSave and cash
Rider
- Covers Deductibles and Co-insurance substantially
- Higher claim limits
- Additional coverage e.g. covers cancer drugs outside of the MOH cancer drug list
- Premiums payable by cash only
Is it possible to enhance your IP with added coverage and/or benefits?
Yes, you can enhance your IP with Riders or Add-ons. These may also include, but are not limited to, some of the following benefits:
- Higher claim limits
- Higher ward classes or stays in private hospitals
- Daily allowance while hospitalised
- Daily allowance while recovering at home
- Coverage for ambulance fees
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