What I need to know about MediShield Life and MediShield Life Premiums?

If you have not already read it yet, a comprehensive FAQ on MediShield Life has been written. So comprehensive there are 101 questions! - Straits Times' "MediShield Life: Answers to 101 frequently asked questions".

But, "What if I don't have the time or patience to read through 101 questions?". Luckily for you, here is a list of essential 18 on MediShield Life that should serve you just fine.

1. What is MediShield Life?

It is a new compulsory basic health insured scheme administered by the Government’s Central Provident Fund Board that will help all Singaporeans and permanent residents to pay hospitalization bills. It will take effect by the end of this year, but there is no fixed date yet.

2. What are the differences between MediShield and MediShield Life?

The key differences are:

-   - MediShield provides coverage up to age 92. MediShield Life covers until death.

-   - MediShield Life offers higher claim limits for hospital bills and outpatient cancer treatments like chemotherapy.

-   - MediShield Life covers most pre-existing medical conditions like congenital problems or HIV

3. How do I get MediShield Life coverage and how do I opt out if I don’t want it?

You can’t opt out. You don’t need to apply since the scheme is compulsory. All Singaporeans and permanent residents will be covered from the time they are born to when they die.

4. What treatment and medications aren’t covered by MediShield Life?

It does not cover the cost of seeing a GP or a doctor at polyclinics or specialized outpatient clinics, scans, tests, or the medicine they prescribe. Also overseas medical treatment is excluded under MediShield Life. Pregnancy is not covered because there are already other avenues of Government support for pregnancy. The full list of excluded conditions is in Annex F of the Committee report at www.moh.gov.sg/content/moh_web/MediShield-life/mlrc-report.html

5. Will people with pre-existing conditions pay more premiums?

They will pay 30% higher premiums for the next 10 years.

6. Do I have to declare my pre-existing condition to the Government?

No, the Government will check your health records to assess your condition.

7. How do I know if I have to pay higher premiums?

You will be notified by the Government.

8. Will I get subsidies under MediShield Life?

If you belong to the lower or middle income group, you will get permanent subsidies to offset your premiums. You don’t have to do anything to qualify for subsidies, just make sure that your address is up-to-date.

9. Do I have to pay cash for my premiums?

No, they will be deducted from your Medisave account.

10. How much will my premiums cost?

To find out, just visit www.MediShieldlife.sg/calculator

11. What happens if I don't have enough money in my Medisave account?

Money can be deducted from the Medisave accounts of your immediate family members (spouse or children) to pay premiums on your behalf. Payments from/to other people will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

12. What kind of health and income records will the Government look at?

Only at records available in Government databases (e.g. records used to process claims submitted by private and public medical institutions). The Government will not look at private or commercial data, including bank accounts or credit records. You may choose to deny the Government access to your information but you will not get any Premium Subsidies as there is insufficient information to assess your eligibility. Details on how to decline access will be released later.

13. What is an Integrated Shield Plan and how are premiums paid?

It is a private insurance plan that builds on what MediShield and MediShield Life have to offer. You can pay one single premium to your private insurer using your Medisave account, subject to a certain limit. The MediShield Life portion will be sorted out at the back-end by your insurer and the CPF Board.

14. Where can I get an Integrated Shield Plan?

There are five authorized providers: Aviva, AIA, NTUC Income, Great Eastern, and Prudential.

15. If my employer gives me healthcare coverage, do I need MediShield Life?

Employees with healthcare coverage from their employers may lose such coverage when they leave employment or retire, and may not be able to re-apply for coverage thereafter if they have already developed some health conditions. MediShield Life ensures that all Singaporeans will have health insurance for life regardless of their employment status, e.g. in between jobs or after retirement.

16. How do I make claims?

In most public hospitals, just tell the staff member handling your admission that you wish to claim from MediShield Life and they will take care of the rest.

17. What are deductibles?

Are the amounts you must pay before making claims under MediShield Life. The range varies from $1,500 to $3,000, depending on your age and class of hospital ward you choose.

18. What is co-insurance?

It is the money that you have to pay on top of the deductible. The co-insurance rate varies from 3 to 10 percent of the bill.

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