Why did the Government design the Standard Integrated Shield Plan (IP) to have claim limits, instead of as-charged coverage? Since it is not as-charged, is the Standard IP enough for Class B1?

The Standard Integrated Shield Plan (IP) was designed with claim limits, to balance between providing adequate coverage and ensuring that premiums remain affordable.

In general, claim limits in insurance plans are also useful to serve as a cap against over-servicing/over-consumption and overcharging, which contribute to claims escalation, and premium increase over the longer run.   

Although the Standard IP has claim limits, they are sized to fully cover 9 out of 10 Class B1 bills. It will therefore be sufficient for most policyholders who opt to stay in a Class B1 ward if they are hospitalised.  Patients can tap on Medisave to help pay for the co-payment. 

The Ministry of Health will regularly review the Standard IP claim limits to ensure that they continue to provide sufficient coverage at Class B1 level. 

This information provided here is sourced from the MOH website.