MediShield Life is a basic health insurance plan managed by the Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board in Singapore, designed to help Singapore Citizens and PRs (Permanent Residents) afford the costs of serious or prolonged medical treatments. It provides coverage for life and includes pre-existing conditions.
Here’s an overview of what MediShield Life covers:
1. Hospitalization Expenses
- MediShield Life covers a portion of the hospital bills and selected costly outpatient treatments, such as dialysis and chemotherapy for cancer. It is designed to help with Class B2/C ward hospitalization in public hospitals, but can also be used in higher ward classes and private hospitals. However, the coverage is lower ( proportionate to the bill size) for higher ward classes and private hospitals.
- To be covered for private hospitals and higher ward classes in public hospitals, you can apply for an Integrated Shield Plan.
2. Surgical Procedures
- Includes coverage for various surgical procedures, with the amount depending on the complexity of the operation.
3. Stay in Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
- MediShield Life provides coverage for ICU stays, which are typically more expensive than regular ward stays.
4. Outpatient Treatments
- Certain outpatient treatments are covered, such as dialysis and chemotherapy for cancer, radiotherapy for cancer, immunosuppressants for organ transplant, and erythropoietin for chronic kidney failure.
5. Psychiatric Treatment
- Provides coverage for inpatient psychiatric treatment, with a limit per policy year.
6. Rehabilitative Care
- Coverage extends to approved rehabilitative stays in community hospitals following an acute hospital stay.
Coverage Limits
- MediShield Life has annual claim limits and lifetime claim limits for certain treatments. It also includes deductibles (the amount you need to pay before insurance kicks in) and co-insurance (the percentage of the bill you share with MediShield Life after the deductible is paid).
Key Points
- Pre-Existing Conditions: MediShield Life covers pre-existing conditions, although higher premiums may apply for these individuals for a specified period.
- All Singaporeans and PRs: Automatically included for all Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, including those with serious pre-existing conditions.
- Premiums: Can be fully paid using the CPF MediSave account. Government subsidies are available to help with premium payments, especially for the elderly and lower-income households.
Conclusion
MediShield Life provides a safety net for all Singaporeans and PRs against large hospital bills and selected outpatient treatments, ensuring that no one is left without basic health coverage due to financial reasons. However, it is designed to cover basic B2/C class wards in public hospitals, so individuals preferring A-class wards or private hospital care often supplement MediShield Life with Integrated Shield Plans (IPs) for broader coverage. Always check the latest policy details, as coverage and terms may have been updated or revised.
