Integrated Shield Plans (IPs) are made up of two components: (i) the MediShield Life component and (ii) the additional private insurance component that provides greater coverage intended to cover unsubsidised bills, such as those incurred from Ward A/B1 stays in public hospitals or private hospital stays. Correspondingly, IP premiums are made up of MediShield Life premiums and premiums for the additional private insurance component.

Hence, your overall IP premium will be affected by both changes in the MediShield Life premiums and premiums for the additional private insurance component:

• If MediShield premiums increase/decrease, the premiums for the MediShield Life component of IPs will be increased/decreased accordingly.

• Premiums for the additional private insurance component of IPs are set, reviewed and adjusted by private insurers based on commercial and actuarial considerations. Insurers may adjust their premiums upwards/downwards taking into account the impact of their claims experience, medical inflation and their own product changes if any. Insurers have an incentive to keep premiums competitive, to attract and retain policyholders. Singaporeans concerned with the affordability of IP premiums may wish to consider switching to more affordable insurance options, in line with their preferences for hospitalisation coverage.