All Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents are required to join MediShield Life. Under MediShield Life, Singapore Residents will receive lifelong protection for large medical bills. The Government provides support for premiums for the needy who are unable to pay. Even if you incur very large bills over your lifetime, the insurance cover will not be terminated when you get very sick.

Unlike MediShield Life, other healthcare coverage is not guaranteed for life. For example, employees with healthcare coverage from their employers may lose such coverage when they leave employment or retire. Those with other forms of private insurance (e.g., Integrated Shield Plans) may lose this coverage if they are unable to pay for premiums, and they may not be able to re-apply for coverage later or may incur exclusions if they have already developed some health conditions.