Is Integrated Shield Plans a real need or a perceived need?
I tend to think it is a perceived need created by insurance companies to gain profiles. Do you really need to stay at private hospital, Class A or B1? From the way they package, it is very much like selling the idea that you need this luxury.
It is the same idea as whether you choose economy class vs business class vs first class for flights. You still get to your destination. Similarly, choice of staying in hostel, Airbnb, resort, budget hotel, or high class hotel is about the comfort level.
I don't have a IP at the moment and I have no intention of getting one (at least not one soon) because I wanted to build up my Medisave account as much as possible to the ceiling so that the excess can flow into the Special Account. That said, it does not mean that I'm not doing any precaution measures. I ensured that I have insurance to cover for accident, stay healthy, don't eat junk food, don't smoke, don't drink, exercise regularly, no genetic diseases running in my family line... Other than my wisdom tooth extraction, I've never been admitted to hospital. (Touch wood).
Key message: No point getting IP, and you still don't take care of your own health. Instead, think of how to reduce the probability of landing in hospital.