Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol — chances are, you may have heard of a family member with one of these conditions, or you may even have it yourself.
These conditions, known as chronic diseases, are extremely prevalent among Singaporeans. The term chronic diseases means that the condition requires long-term management, and this can lead to significant healthcare costs for you.
While health insurance, be it Personal/Private Insurance or Corporate Insurance, may be able to cover visits to the GP, not all health insurance plans in Singapore provide adequate coverage, making it essential to choose the right policy.
This article explores common chronic conditions, key factors to consider when selecting a plan, and how different insurance policies can support those with chronic diseases.
Table of Contents
Understanding Chronic Diseases and Their Impact
Chronic diseases are long-term conditions that require ongoing medical attention. Common chronic diseases in Singapore include:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- High cholesterol
- Stroke
- Asthma
- Kidney disease
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Other conditions such as arthritis and kidney disease.
According to the Ministry of Health statistics (2021 to 2022), about one-third of Singaporeans have high blood pressure, while one in 12 Singaporeans has diabetes.
The Financial Burden of Managing Chronic Diseases
Chronic diseases often result in substantial healthcare expenses.
Those with serious conditions may have to rely on long-term medication to manage their condition. Regular check-ups, blood tests, and consultations with doctors may also be required to ensure that the condition is well-managed and under control. These create an expense you will have to cater for months and years, taking a significant chunk of your expenses.
If the condition deteriorates or becomes complicated, it may require prolonged hospital stays or surgical interventions. For instance, diabetes can lead to heart disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, and vision loss, while high cholesterol may increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Strokes, in turn, can lead to long-term disability, including paralysis, speech impairment, and cognitive decline.
Severe cases of these chronic diseases may require hospitalisation and surgery, further adding on to medical costs. Stroke and COPD patients often require physiotherapy and pulmonary rehabilitation, too.
In cases where the patient is unable to work, they may suffer loss of income, making it difficult to continue treatment and leading to a deterioration of their condition.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Health Insurance Plan
- Coverage for Outpatient and Long-Term Care – Check if the plan covers outpatient treatments, regular check-ups, specialist consultations, and long-term medication.
- Pre-existing Conditions – Some policies exclude pre-existing conditions, while others may cover them with additional premiums or a waiting period.
- Hospitalisation and Surgery Coverage – If complications arise, ensure your policy covers hospital stays and related medical procedures.
- Rehabilitation and Follow-up Care – Coverage for physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and post-hospitalisation treatment is essential for stroke and other chronic conditions.
- Preventive Care Benefits – Some plans offer screenings and wellness programmes to help manage conditions before they appear or worsen.
- MediSave and MediShield Life Support – Understanding how your MediSave and MediShield Life support chronic disease management and when additional coverage is needed.
- Cost of Premiums vs. Coverage – Balance affordability with the level of coverage to ensure long-term financial sustainability.
Are Chronic Diseases Considered Pre-Existing Conditions?
In most cases, yes—chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are considered pre-existing conditions by insurance providers in Singapore. This means that if you already have a diagnosis or have shown signs and symptoms of the disease before applying for a health insurance plan, insurers may either exclude coverage for that condition, charge higher premiums, or impose a waiting period before coverage kicks in.
Understanding how insurers assess pre-existing conditions is important before you choose a health insurance plan.
What is considered a pre-existing condition?
A condition is typically considered pre-existing if you:
- Have been diagnosed with it by a doctor
- Are undergoing treatment or taking medication for it
- Have experienced symptoms, even if not yet officially diagnosed
This includes chronic conditions like:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- High cholesterol
- Asthma
- Kidney disease
Even if you haven’t declared the condition, insurers may uncover it through your medical history, check-ups, or health screenings, so full transparency is recommended.
Moratorium vs. Full Medical Underwriting
When applying for a health insurance plan, the insurer will assess your health history using one of two methods:
Moratorium Underwriting:
No need to declare your medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer will not cover any pre-existing condition for a set period—usually 24 to 36 months. If you remain symptom-free and receive no treatment for that condition during this period, it may then be covered.
Full Medical Underwriting (FMU):
You must declare your full medical history at the point of application. The insurer will then decide whether to:
- Cover the condition
- Exclude it permanently
- Include it with premium loading
| Pro-tip: FMU provides greater clarity from the start but may lead to exclusions or rejections if multiple chronic conditions are present. |
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Knowing which underwriting method your insurer uses can help you plan your coverage more effectively, especially if you’re managing one or more chronic illnesses.
What Happens If My Health Insurance Doesn’t Cover My Chronic Condition?
Being denied coverage for a chronic illness can feel discouraging—but it’s not the end of the road. There are still ways to manage your healthcare costs and even reapply for insurance in the future.
Paying Out of Pocket
If your health insurance plan excludes your chronic condition, you may need to cover the cost of:
- Medications
- Routine blood tests and check-ups
- Specialist visits
- Long-term therapy or rehab
For common chronic conditions like diabetes, this can range from $100 to $300 per month depending on medication and frequency of doctor visits.
Can You Reapply for Coverage Later?
Yes—in some cases. If your insurance plan is under moratorium underwriting, you may be eligible for coverage of your chronic condition after a period of time (usually 2 to 3 years) if:
- You have not had symptoms
- You have not received treatment or medications
- You have had no medical advice related to the condition
This is particularly useful for conditions that can go into remission such as cancer or be well-managed through lifestyle changes.
What to Do If Diabetes or Other Conditions Aren’t Covered
Let’s say you have Type 2 diabetes, and it’s excluded from your current insurance plan. Here’s what you can do:
- Continue regular follow-ups at CHAS GP clinics under the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP).
- Tap on your MediSave: Up to $500/year per CDMP condition can be used for outpatient treatments at approved clinics.
- Enrol in subsidised polyclinics or hospital specialist outpatient clinics, which may be more affordable.
Explore Government Schemes like CHAS
The Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) helps lower- to middle-income Singaporeans receive subsidies for chronic conditions such as:
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Hypertension
- Asthma
- Osteoarthritis
Patients receive up to $500 per year, and this can be combined with MediSave use. Those with a CHAS Blue or Orange card may receive even higher subsidies.
Other schemes to explore include:
- MediShield Life: May cover hospitalisation due to chronic complications
- Subsidised hospital care: For Singapore Citizens and PRs in public hospitals
- Corporate Insurance: Many employers offer group health insurance plans that may include outpatient GP visits, specialist consultations, or even chronic disease coverage. Be sure to check with your HR department to understand what’s included and whether coverage extends to your specific chronic condition.
Comparison of Insurance Policies in Singapore that Cover Chronic Diseases
The table below highlights insurance policies from major insurers in Singapore that provide coverage for chronic diseases:
Insurance Provider | Policy Name | Coverage for Chronic Diseases | Limitations/Exclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
 | AIA Absolute Critical Cover | – Covers multi-stage critical illnesses, chronic, age-related, and other future diseases, plus potential cash value. | Specific coverage details may vary; remember to review the policy terms for exact coverage information. |
 | Cigna Global Health Options | – Provides international health insurance plans with modules that can include coverage for chronic conditions and long-term care. | Coverage for chronic conditions may require additional modules; pre-existing conditions may be excluded. |
 | GREAT SupremeHealth | – Integrated Shield Plan that can be supplemented with riders to enhance coverage for chronic conditions. | Basic plan may have limited outpatient coverage; riders are necessary for comprehensive chronic disease coverage. |
 | Enhanced IncomeShield | – Integrated Shield Plan offering coverage for hospitalisation and certain outpatient treatments related to chronic diseases. | Specific chronic disease coverage may vary; additional riders may be needed for extensive coverage. |
 | PRUShield | – Integrated Shield Plan providing coverage for hospitalisation and selected outpatient treatments for chronic conditions. | Coverage specifics depend on the plan level; higher-tier plans offer more comprehensive coverage. |
 | Singlife Shield | – Integrated Shield Plan with options to add riders that enhance coverage for chronic disease management. | Base plan may not cover all chronic conditions; riders are required for expanded coverage. |
Note: Coverage details and limitations can vary based on the specific plan options and riders selected. Consult with the respective insurance providers or a financial advisor to understand the best plan suited to your needs.
How to Choose the Best Policy for Your Needs
When selecting the right health insurance plan, you have to first assess your current health status and risk factors.
Think about your family’s medical history and potential future healthcare needs, then do your research on different policies and check for those that include pre-existing conditions. It’s also worthwhile to look for riders or add-ons that enhance chronic disease coverage.
Know Your Coverage, Before You Need It
Managing chronic diseases effectively requires the right health insurance coverage. Understanding policy terms, coverage limits, and exclusions can help individuals make informed decisions.
Reviewing and updating your insurance plan regularly ensures continued financial protection against the high costs of chronic disease management. If unsure of your health insurance coverage, use our Coverage Checker to find out what gaps you need to cover.
Choosing a policy tailored to your needs will provide peace of mind and long-term healthcare security.
