About this article:
- Learn what to check if you see a GP for haze-related symptoms.
- Understand how CHAS and MediSave may help with ongoing asthma or COPD care.
- Find out how hospital insurance may apply if you need admission, and why pre-existing condition terms matter.
Table of Contents
Over the past few weeks, we have all been affected by the haze. It has been pretty bad, with the beautiful Singapore skyline often disappearing from view.
With the haze settling in, you may have noticed that your throat has started to feel scratchy and irritated, and you have started coughing. You decide to see a doctor. Can you claim the bill from your health insurance?
Quick answer: Can I claim from my health insurance if I see a doctor for haze-related illnesses?
If you visit your GP for haze-related symptoms, it is generally outpatient care, so it is not usually a claim under an Integrated Shield Plan (IP). Your company’s outpatient benefits or applicable subsidies may help instead. However, if you need ongoing treatment for a diagnosed chronic condition, different support may apply. If your condition becomes serious enough to require hospitalisation, your Integrated Shield Plan may come into the picture. Always check the benefits and terms of your own plan.
If you see a GP for a cough or sore throat
I’m pretty sure most of us are familiar with the effects of the haze. It can irritate our eyes, nose, and throat. And while these symptoms are (thankfully) short-lived for most people, they can still cause considerable discomfort. So, a trip to the GP may not be out of the question.
A standard consultation, medication, or short course of treatment at a GP clinic is technically considered outpatient care. Before assuming you can claim it, check:
- Corporate insurance: Does your employer provide GP or outpatient benefits? Do you need to visit a panel clinic, and is there a co-payment or claim limit?
- Separate outpatient cover: Does your plan include GP consultations and prescribed medication?
- Subsidies: If you are eligible, check whether a polyclinic or participating CHAS GP clinic can help reduce the consultation cost. CHAS eligibility and subsidy amounts differ.
In addition to the above symptoms, HealthHub’s haze guide also notes that the haze can affect people with existing heart or lung disease more seriously. Let’s take a look at how your insurance may help you if you have something more concerning.
Not sure if your plan covers what matters most?
Use the Hospital Bill Estimator to see what your expected costs could be.
What if the haze aggravates your asthma or another chronic condition?
For someone living with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or a heart condition, it may be necessary for you to go beyond a single doctor’s visit. Haze can worsen symptoms in people with chronic heart or lung disease. Follow your doctor’s care plan and seek medical advice if your symptoms worsen. Check the latest haze advisory when planning outdoor activities.
For regular follow-ups, ask your clinic what support applies to your diagnosed condition and treatment:
- CHAS subsidies: Eligible Singapore Citizens can receive subsidies at participating clinics. CHAS supports asthma and COPD as chronic conditions.
- MediSave for chronic disease care: Asthma and COPD are included in the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP). Eligible outpatient treatment at participating providers may be payable using MediSave, subject to the applicable conditions, co-payment, and annual withdrawal limit. Check with the clinic before your visit.
- Employer or outpatient insurance: Check whether specialist reviews, investigations, medication, or follow-ups are covered, and whether referral, panel, or pre-authorisation rules apply.
Insurance tip:
Using MediSave is different from making an insurance claim. A chronic condition does not automatically make every consultation or medication claimable under an IP.
What if you go to A&E or are admitted?
- Treated at A&E and sent home: An A&E visit without admission is generally outpatient treatment. Check your outpatient or corporate benefits; do not assume it is covered by your IP.
- Admitted to hospital: You may be eligible to claim hospitalisation expenses under your MediShield Life and, if you have one, your Integrated Shield Plan, subject to the diagnosis, treatment, policy terms, claim limits, deductible, and co-payment. Related A&E charges may be considered as part of the hospitalisation claim, depending on the circumstances and policy.
Does having asthma or COPD affect your insurance coverage?
This depends. Your MediShield Life covers all Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents for life, regardless of pre-existing conditions. However, the additional private-insurance component of an Integrated Shield Life may have exclusions or other terms relating to a condition you had before that cover began. If you are unsure about your policy and what it covers, speak to your agent or check your coverage here for more clarity.
If you already have an Integrated Shield Plan, do not assume that a flare-up is automatically excluded, or that every related charge is covered. Your answer depends on your policy and the treatment you receive.
A few things to remember
- Find out whether your company plan covers GP visits and which clinics are on its panel.
- If you have asthma or COPD, ask your regular clinic whether CHAS and MediSave under CDMP can apply to your ongoing care.
- Check your IP’s exclusions, hospital and ward coverage, and any panel or pre-authorisation requirements.
- Keep your policy information accessible so you or a family member can contact your insurer if you are admitted.
Know your coverage, before you need it
Before you need care, take time to check your coverage. It may make a meaningful difference to what you eventually pay.
