New Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents will be required to join MediShield Life, in line with the principle of universal coverage. New Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents with serious pre-existing conditions may have to pay Additional Premiums upon joining MediShield Life. They will be eligible for Government subsidies for their MediShield Life premiums if they meet the eligibility criteria and will receive premium rebates in line with their age of entry.

They will be notified of their MediShield Life cover by Central Provident Fund Board when their covers have been issued, generally within 1 month of attaining permanent residence.