Integrated shield plans

[crazycow]

Hi all, would like to get your opinion. I signed myself and my mom up for NTUC enhanced incomeshield with rider a few years back and only got up to Gov A ward. I believe it was due to the premium cost at that point of time so didn't get private hospital. Is there any need to change to private hospital plan?

 

[SKenny]

Hi all, would like to get your opinion. I signed myself and my mom up for NTUC enhanced incomeshield with rider a few years back and only got up to Gov A ward. I believe it was due to the premium cost at that point of time so didn't get private hospital. Is there any need to change to private hospital plan?

Do you plan to use private hospital a lot? Most people don't even use the A ward when they are in govt hospital.

You can also "upgrade" to private hospital by contributing to some of the cost even when you are on the Gov A plan.

There are some additional benefits but I do not see the value for oayingt for them. YMMV.

 

[BBCWatcher]

I signed myself and my mom up for NTUC enhanced incomeshield with rider a few years back and only got up to Gov A ward. I believe it was due to the premium cost at that point of time so didn't get private hospital. Is there any need to change to private hospital plan?

Do you plan to use private hospital a lot? Most people don't even use the A ward when they are in govt hospital.

You can also "upgrade" to private hospital by contributing to some of the cost even when you are on the Gov A plan.

There are some additional benefits but I do not see the value for oayingt for them. YMMV.

I agree with SKenny. In Singapore, a private hospital Integrated Shield plan is a luxury, not a necessity. There are plenty of people who buy luxuries, and that’s perfectly fine as long as they can easily afford them and without sacrificing necessities, including insurance necessities. Labeling something a “luxury” is not a criticism.

In fact, a public hospital A ward plan is also a luxury, at least for citizens.(*) I would argue that a public hospital B1 ward plan is a necessity, but the government disagrees with me with respect to citizens. The government’s view is that MediShield Life, plus a reasonable MediSave balance, is sufficient. My point of disagreement is that I view air conditioning during a hospital stay as a necessity, and that’s only guaranteed in B2+ ward and above. B2+ ward itself isn’t widely available, and it’s no longer possible to insure at B2+ level (NTUC discontinued their Enhanced Income Shield C plan for new policyholders), so B1 ward it is. But if you disagree with me, and if you feel that air conditioning is not a necessity, that’s fine.

Hospitalization insurance is only a necessity for the middle class (perhaps upper middle class) and below. Wealthy households can afford to self-insure against these particular risks.

If you were to upgrade coverage to a private hospital plan then the higher coverage level would be subject to applicable pre-existing condition exclusions. That is, any medical condition that you became aware of, or reasonably should have become aware of, after you signed up for your current plan but before you upgrade within NTUC, would not be covered at the higher coverage level. It would only be covered at your current coverage level.

(*) Due to the way medical subsidies work in Singapore, PRs and foreigners might have to insure at this level as a practical matter. There are public hospital B1 ward Integrated Shield plans available to PRs and (occasionally) foreigners, but often they have proration factors that make them at least less suitable.

 

[crazycow]

Do you plan to use private hospital a lot? Most people don't even use the A ward when they are in govt hospital.

You can also "upgrade" to private hospital by contributing to some of the cost even when you are on the Gov A plan.

There are some additional benefits but I do not see the value for oayingt for them. YMMV.

this is good to know, im just scared of the situation of an accident where i am rushed to nearest private hospital and my insurance doesnt cover adequately

 

[Meemoosaa]

Speaking of A wards in public hospitals, apart from the AC and having your own room privacy I am just wondering what other advantages are there ?

My understanding is there is no priority for any kind of treatment or access to the doctors. The only difference is the comfort level and total privacy. Also, I was told that all other non-room charges (surgery for instance) and follow-up consultation fees are charged as "A-ward cost" without subsidy. Is that true ?

A friend who choosed to be admitted into A ward said one can also choose a senior doctor and it will always be the same doctor tending to you rather than whoever may be available.

The A ward room is around $450, close to $500. That is the equivalent to a standard private room !

Can anybody share their experiences or knowledge ?

Edit:

Just got this off from the SGH website ! Basically B1 and A ward discharges are considered as private patient. So am I right to say it's private charges without priority access ? The only "private" privilege is room comfort level ?

* Hospital fees/charges shown for B2 and C class wards are based on assumption that patient receives maximum Government subsidy (inclusive of GST).

* Patients discharged from Class A & B1 will be seen as private patients for their Specialist Outpatient appointments and all follow-up management.

* Patients discharged from Class B2 & C will be seen as subsidised patients for their Specialist Outpatient appointments and all follow-up management.

 

[Meemoosaa]

....
......My point of disagreement is that I view air conditioning during a hospital stay as a necessity, and that’s only guaranteed in B2+ ward and above. B2+ ward itself isn’t widely available, and it’s no longer possible to insure at B2+ level (NTUC discontinued their Enhanced Income Shield C plan for new policyholders), so B1 ward it is. But if you disagree with me, and if you feel that air conditioning is not a necessity, that’s fine.

Hospitalization insurance is only a necessity for the middle class (perhaps upper middle class) and below. Wealthy households can afford to self-insure against these particular risks.

..........

Wonderfully explained !! B1 for me too when I downgrade in due time !

 

[BBCWatcher]

this is good to know, im just scared of the situation of an accident where i am rushed to nearest private hospital and my insurance doesnt cover adequately

Unless you're actually physically inside a private hospital, or perhaps on their doorstep, you won't be. The SCDF ambulances transport to the nearest public hospital's A&E.

Speaking of A wards in public hospitals, apart from the AC and having your own room privacy I am just wondering what other advantages are there ?

My understanding is there is no priority for any kind of treatment or access to the doctors.

A and B1 ward patients can see particular doctors of their choosing, subject of course to those doctors' schedules. (See below.)

The only difference is the comfort level and total privacy. Also, I was told that all other non-room charges (surgery for instance) and follow-up consultation fees are charged as "A-ward cost" without subsidy. Is that true ?

Generally yes, that's true.

A friend who choosed to be admitted into A ward said one can also choose a senior doctor and it will always be the same doctor tending to you rather than whoever may be available.

Subject to the doctor's schedule, yes. B1 ward patients also have this option.

The A ward room is around $450, close to $500. That is the equivalent to a standard private room !

No, private hospital single room daily charges are currently about 40% higher. Other charges are also higher, such as doctors' fees. There's a reason the premiums are higher and rising faster.

 

[bladez87]

Just sharing. Raffles shield also offer daily cash for ward downgrades. Signed my wife under raffles option

Sent

 

[Fizzical]

Unless you're actually physically inside a private hospital, or perhaps on their doorstep, you won't be. The SCDF ambulances transport to the nearest public hospital's A&E.


A and B1 ward patients can see particular doctors of their choosing, subject of course to those doctors' schedules. (See below.)


Generally yes, that's true.


Subject to the doctor's schedule, yes. B1 ward patients also have this option.


No, private hospital single room daily charges are currently about 40% higher. Other charges are also higher, such as doctors' fees. There's a reason the premiums are higher and rising faster.

Can we pay Co insurance and deductibles using medisave? If yes, I want to let go of the full coverage rider. That alone will save me 76 dollars per month.

 

[BBCWatcher]

Can we pay Co insurance and deductibles using medisave?

As long as the charges are MediSave eligible, yes. See the "What can MediSave be used for?" section at this Ministry of Health Web site for more information.

 

[harky]

https://www.cpf.gov.sg/Assets/members/Documents/EnglishInformationBookletfortheNewlyInsured.pdf

Depend................

Can we pay Co insurance and deductibles using medisave? If yes, I want to let go of the full coverage rider. That alone will save me 76 dollars per month.

 

[BBCWatcher]

https://www.cpf.gov.sg/Assets/members/Documents/EnglishInformationBookletfortheNewlyInsured.pdf
Depend................

That’s a MediShield Life brochure, which is not directly on point to what MediSave funds can be used for. The link I provided is a better, more targeted source of information for these purposes.

 

[ktyandkyc]

Anyone has Aviva moratorium plan and successfully completed the 5 years waiting time? Just wondering whether Aviva will stick to their words to accept the coverage of pre-existing conditions after compiling with the T&C under moratorium

 

[lancer6238]

Is anyone with pre-existing conditions on the Raffles Shield Plan? I'm looking for a suitable ISP for my mum, and she has 2/3 pre-existing conditions - hypertension, (borderline) high cholesterol, (pre-)diabetes.

I read that she would need to join the Raffles Care Management Programme before they would consider covering her. So there's actually no guarantee. My mum is currently already managing her conditions with our family doctor of over 20 years, and she would prefer to stick with the doctor she trusts. Plus, I think the medical fees of a Raffles clinic is not going to be cheap.

I'm just wondering if it's worth switching to RCMP for the possibility of getting coverage.

What happens if she gets an ISP where the 3 conditions aren't covered? If she's hospitalized because of a condition that could be due to her conditions, we can't claim? That's a very high possibility since hypertension/high cholesterol could lead to strokes, heart conditions, and a plethora of other diseases. Is it still worthwhile to get an ISP then?

 

[windwaver]

Anyone has Aviva moratorium plan and successfully completed the 5 years waiting time? Just wondering whether Aviva will stick to their words to accept the coverage of pre-existing conditions after compiling with the T&C under moratorium

Agent can say anything but it's hard to tell until you make a claim.

 

[BBCWatcher]

What happens if she gets an ISP where the 3 conditions aren't covered? If she's hospitalized because of a condition that could be due to her conditions, we can't claim? That's a very high possibility since hypertension/high cholesterol could lead to strokes, heart conditions, and a plethora of other diseases. Is it still worthwhile to get an ISP then?

She’s covered up to MediShield Life limits for her pre-existing conditions. Financially speaking that means:

1. If she (or somebody who cares about her) has relatively deep pockets, she can go anywhere and pay cash (and probably use some MediSave dollars);

2. Otherwise, she should stick to the public system and always get a referral (don’t go to a specialist directly) so she’s always subsidized;

3. For public hospital admissions, stay in B2 or C ward (not air conditioned), or, if she’s willing to spend more out of pocket, KKH’s B2+ ward (the most affordable, consistently air conditioned ward).

If she does get an Integrated Shield plan and is accepted, I wouldn’t recommend anything more than a public hospital B1 ward plan due to likely pre-existing condition limitations — and then to stay in KKH’s B2+ ward or lower just in case the IP plan doesn’t help (and to avoid the biggest medical bills). Great Eastern’s B1 ward public hospital plan is currently the best in that category (for citizens).

Raffles Shield is the only possible way to get Integrated Shield coverage when you have certain well managed pre-existing conditions. But if it’s not working for your mother, then the above alternatives apply.

 

[dgenex]

Is anyone with pre-existing conditions on the Raffles Shield Plan? I'm looking for a suitable ISP for my mum, and she has 2/3 pre-existing conditions - hypertension, (borderline) high cholesterol, (pre-)diabetes.

I read that she would need to join the Raffles Care Management Programme before they would consider covering her. So there's actually no guarantee. My mum is currently already managing her conditions with our family doctor of over 20 years, and she would prefer to stick with the doctor she trusts. Plus, I think the medical fees of a Raffles clinic is not going to be cheap.

I'm just wondering if it's worth switching to RCMP for the possibility of getting coverage.

What happens if she gets an ISP where the 3 conditions aren't covered? If she's hospitalized because of a condition that could be due to her conditions, we can't claim? That's a very high possibility since hypertension/high cholesterol could lead to strokes, heart conditions, and a plethora of other diseases. Is it still worthwhile to get an ISP then?

I have diabetes and currently on Raffles Shield. Do note that only Raffles Shield A + Raffles Hospital Option is available for people with pre-existing conditions. Other riders are also unavailable.

And extra premium will be charged, up to maximum of 200% (Pay 3 times of normal premium)

I'm still in the 20-30 age group and paying 200% extra premium. Most likely downgrade to B plan with exclusions in the future and rely on Medishield if premiums are unsustainable.

For the Raffles Care Mgt, also can see Polyclinic Doc. Might want to meet an agent to clarify doubts. (Im just a policy holder so not too sure on the exact terms)

Sent from Xiaomi REDMI NOTE 7 using GAGT

 

[Bigoya]

I have diabetes and currently on Raffles Shield. Do note that only Raffles Shield A + Raffles Hospital Option is available for people with pre-existing conditions. Other riders are also unavailable.

And extra premium will be charged, up to maximum of 200% (Pay 3 times of normal premium)

I'm still in the 20-30 age group and paying 200% extra premium. Most likely downgrade to B plan with exclusions in the future and rely on Medishield if premiums are unsustainable.

For the Raffles Care Mgt, also can see Polyclinic Doc. Might want to meet an agent to clarify doubts. (Im just a policy holder so not too sure on the exact terms)

Sent from Xiaomi REDMI NOTE 7 using GAGT

Based on what you've mentioned, you are correct.

 

[Bigoya]

Is anyone with pre-existing conditions on the Raffles Shield Plan? I'm looking for a suitable ISP for my mum, and she has 2/3 pre-existing conditions - hypertension, (borderline) high cholesterol, (pre-)diabetes.

I read that she would need to join the Raffles Care Management Programme before they would consider covering her. So there's actually no guarantee. My mum is currently already managing her conditions with our family doctor of over 20 years, and she would prefer to stick with the doctor she trusts. Plus, I think the medical fees of a Raffles clinic is not going to be cheap.

I'm just wondering if it's worth switching to RCMP for the possibility of getting coverage.

What happens if she gets an ISP where the 3 conditions aren't covered? If she's hospitalized because of a condition that could be due to her conditions, we can't claim? That's a very high possibility since hypertension/high cholesterol could lead to strokes, heart conditions, and a plethora of other diseases. Is it still worthwhile to get an ISP then?

I think your mum still has a chance of getting covered. Need to see medical report to further advice.
Join RCMP, as long as her condition is well managed, there's not much reason to reject assuming the facts on medical report is pretty much as you said.

Your mum can still go to her trusted doctor, but for now, we'd still need her to visit the polyclinics to get her measurements taken. We (the advisors) are also fighting for the management to accept medical results from doctors outside the Govt. sector and Raffles, however this is still in progress, nothing's confirmed yet.

If your mum could be covered even at 200% loading, switching to RCMP would be worthy. Just think of all the possible conditions mentioned in your last paragraph, how much more money would need to be paid just because she has 0 cover apart from MSHL?

 

[lancer6238]

Thanks for the replies. Definitely something to think about and discuss with my mother.

I've another question. Are there any restrictions on buying ISP for someone who's mentally challenged? She wouldn't be able to make the health self-declaration herself.