IP riders are optional products designed to cover part of the deductible and co-insurance of your Integrated Shield Plan (IP). Even with a rider, patients will still need to co-pay a minimum of 5% of the claimable amount. Riders may also provide coverage for additional treatments, such as cancer drug treatments not covered under MediShield Life and IPs.

Riders premiums can only be paid in cash.

You may wish to consider the following when deciding whether to buy a rider:

• Co-payment: Whether you are willing to pay more premiums to lower your co-pay in the unlikely event you incur hospital bills. If so, consider getting a rider, but do compare whether the rider premiums are worth the likely amount of co-payment they will cover. 

  
  

• Additional benefits: IPs and riders may cover additional treatments and services such as pre-/post-hospitalisation, emergency overseas treatments and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Again, consider whether the additional premiums are worth the additional coverage.

• Premiums: Most importantly, consider whether you can afford a rider in the long run. As you age, your premiums will increase and may strain your finances if not planned for adequately, leading to affordability issues in later years.