For those with serious pre-existing conditions, why do they have to pay Additional Premiums? What is the reason for setting it at 30% over 10 years? Would this be too onerous for some?

The MediShield Life Review Committee recommended that the unhealthy uninsured and the insured with exclusions pay a higher premium as a reflection of the higher risks they pose to the pool and to fund part of their coverage.

The Additional Premiums balances between reflecting the higher risks of covering these individuals with serious pre-existing conditions and ensuring that premiums remain affordable and are not overly onerous. Those with serious pre-existing conditions would already have been bearing higher medical costs in the past and we are sympathetic to their circumstances. Hence the Additional Premiums do not reflect the full costs of their coverage. Instead, their Additional Premiums will be set at 30% for a limited period of 10 years.

This information provided here is sourced from the MOH website.