Integrated Shield Plans purchased or renewed from 1st April 2023 will only cover treatments on an approved cancer drug list.

 

From April 1, 2022, to address the concerns about rising healthcare costs and the need for greater transparency in insurance coverage, integrated Shield Plans (IPs) will no longer offer "as charged" coverage for cancer treatment. Instead, policyholders will have to choose from a list of pre-approved treatments and their associated costs, as determined by the insurer.

 

According to the Ministry of Health, the change is part of a wider effort to promote greater affordability and sustainability in the healthcare system. The Ministry has stated that IPs have been driving up healthcare costs and that changes are needed to ensure that the system remains sustainable in the long term. The pre-approved treatments for cancer will range from S$200 to S$9,600, depending on the type of cancer and the treatment required.

 

What was changed?

 

The change is expected to limit policyholders' options and access to quality healthcare as the removal of "as charged" coverage means that policyholders will have to choose from a list of pre-approved treatments, which may not include the most effective or innovative treatments available. Policyholders may also have to bear a higher cost if the pre-approved treatments are more expensive than the actual cost of treatment.

 

Prior to MOH Changes (before April 2023)

Prior to MOH changes to Medishieldlife under outpatient hospital treatment, the listing on chemotherapy for cancer is covered under $3000/mth. For integrated shield plans, there is as charged coverage for outpatient hospital treatment for chemotherapy.

 

Changes after April 2023

 

Chemotherapy for cancer has been charged to Cancer Drug treatment and Cancer drug services. For limits of compensation under integrated plans, there will be multiples of MSHL Limit depending on the insurer provided (Note: Table shown below is in reference to just one insurer, and may differ from each insurer)

 

Can I be covered for non-approved cancer drug treatment?

To support the change in IP coverage for cancer treatment in Singapore, private insurers have provided the option for policyholders to include a rider to add on top of their integrated shield plan to cover for non-approved cancer drug treatments.

 

Here are the key differences between each insurer’s private plans (with rider):

 

Comparison of Integrated Shield Plans
Insurer Income HSBC Singlife Raffles Shield
Plan name Enhanced Incomeshield Preferred (with deluxe care rider) Plan A (with Enhanced Care rider) Plan 1 (Private Prime) Private plan (with Key and Premier Rider)
Panel Specialist
Deductible Covered Covered Covered Covered
Co-insurance 5%, capped at $3000 per policy year 5%, capped at $3000 per policy year 5%, capped at $3000 per policy year 5%, capped at $3000 per policy year
Pre-hospitalisation coverage 180 days 180 days 180 days 180 days
Post-hospitalisation coverage 365 days 365 days 365 days 365 days
Community Hospital As charged (up to 90 days) As charged (up to 45 days) As Charged As charged (up to 45 days)
Proton Therapy $100,000 per policy year $50,000 per policy year $70,000 per policy year $25,000 per policy year
Inpatient Palliative Care As charged As charged As charged

$560/day (General)

$760/day (Specialised) 
Approved Cancer Drug coverage 5x MSL Limit 5x MSL Limit 5x MSL Limit 4x MSL Limit
Outpatient Cancer drug services 5x MSL Limit 5x MSL Limit 5x MSL Limit 4x MSL Limit
Non approved Cancer Drugs

$15,000/mth (co-insurance of 10%)

 $30,000/mth $30,000 (per year)

$5000 (Key Rider)

$20,000 (Premier Rider)
Additional features NA Outpatient coverage for HFMD, Dengue Fever Etc NA Waiver of premium upon death/TPD of policyholder if insured is under 21 years old
Non-Panel Specialist
Deductible $2000 $1500

$1000 (inpatient)

$500 (day-surgery)

 Covered
Co-insurance 5% no cap 5% no cap 5% capped at $12,750 5% no cap
Pre-hospitalisation coverage 100 days 180 days 90 days 90 days
Post-hospitalisation coverage 100 days 365 days 180 days

180 days

 

Consider getting standalone Cancer Insurance

 

With the limitations imposed on the cancer drug treatment from April 2023, policyholders can consider getting a cancer insurance to enhance their existing medical insurance coverage. Cancer Insurance plans will pay a lump sum to the policyholder in the event of diagnosis of cancer.

 

The lump sum payout can be used to pay for medical bills incurred from the cancer treatment.

 

Conclusion

 

It is important for policyholders to review the own coverage and understand the changes to the policies and ensure that there is adequate coverage for healthcare needs. Contact us for a non-obligatory consultation to review your healthcare needs. 

 

 

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