What are Integrated Shield Plans and should I consider getting one?

MediShield Life is a basic scheme designed to cover Class B2/C bills. As the bills for Class B1/A wards and private hospitals are much higher, MediShield Life will cover a smaller portion of the bill.

The Integrated Shield Plans (IP) provide additional coverage beyond MediShield Life. IPs consists of 2 components – the MediShield Life component and an additional private insurance coverage component. Those covered under IPs enjoy the combined benefits of (i) MediShield Life, run by the Central Provident Fund Board; and (ii) the additional private insurance coverage for Class A/B1 and private hospital stays, run by private insurers. There is no duplicate coverage between MediShield Life and IPs.

The existing IPs in the market are:

-       AIA HealthShield Gold Max,

-       Singlife Shield

-       HSBC Life Shield,

-       Great Eastern GREAT SupremeHealth,

-       Income IncomeShield,

-       Prudential PRUShield, and,

-       Raffles Health Insurance Raffles Shield.

Please note that as IPs are private plans with additional coverage, premiums are much higher than MediShield Life premiums and will increase with age. You may also be subject to additional health checks possibly resulting in exclusions and/or risk-loading for the additional private insurance coverage component. We advise you to carefully consider your ward preferences and the affordability of premiums over the longer-term, when deciding whether to buy an IP. Please speak to your financial advisor who will be able to share more about your options.

This information provided here is sourced from the MOH website.