Although healthcare costs have increased, the deductible hasn’t changed since 2015. An increase in the deductible helps to keep premiums affordable for all policyholders.  

 

The deductible sieves out smaller bills that can be paid via MediSave, and focuses MediShield Life coverage on larger, catastrophic bills. By not covering small healthcare costs right away (first-dollar coverage), the deductible encourages the prudent use of healthcare services. 

 

To help Singaporeans cope with the increase in deductible, the Ministry of Health will increase MediSave limits such that those with sufficient MediSave will generally not see an increase in cash out-of-pocket. 

 

For those with insufficient MediSave savings, the Government will provide additional support such as MediSave top-ups. There is also MediFund, an endowment fund set up by the Government to help those who are unable to afford their bills even after subsidies, MediShield Life and MediSave.