If you are a Singapore citizen or permanent resident, you enjoy basic health insurance through MediShield Life. Yet, as you are probably aware, your MediShield Life coverage has certain limitations. You may, therefore, choose to upgrade your health insurance by opting for an Integrated Shield Plan.
Now, with so many options of Integrated Shield Plans out there, picking just one may seem like a tall task. This might be especially true if you are buying health insurance on your own for the very first time. If that is the situation you find yourself in, don’t worry. We have listed down a few handy pointers that will help you properly compare Integrated Shield Plan options.
1. Decide on the ward you prefer
Insurers have their Integrated Shield Plan options segregated by the wards the plan is targeted towards. For instance, if you prefer ward class A at a public hospital, you can opt for an Integrated Shield Plan that is pegged towards that category of wards. Likewise, if you are particular about getting treated at a private hospital, your choice of Integrated Shield Plan would also vary. Insurance providers usually have the brackets of coverage for their various Integrated Shield Plans clearly listed on their websites.
2. Calculate how much coverage you prefer
We each have varying needs from health insurance, especially when it comes to deciding the coverage limit. Make a proper estimate of how much it would cost to get treated at the hospitals you prefer. This will help you decide the coverage limit you need. Insurance providers can cover you as high as S$1 million or more in their Integrated Shield Plans. When you compare Integrated Shield Plan options, make sure to choose the insurance provider who gives you the coverage limit you need. In addition, decide whether you will need to get an Integrated Shield Plan rider to further cover your out-of-pocket expenses, which include co-insurance and deductibles. This is for those who would like to enjoy full peace of mind when it comes to medical expenses.
3. Look at additional features and value-added services
Once you have decided on the appropriate coverage limit, it is time to inspect the other features your Integrated Shield Plan offers you. Choose an insurer who provides additional coverage such as pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses. Pre-hospitalisation coverage for around 180 days and post-hospitalisation coverage for around 365 days is ideal. Do make sure to also look at customer reviews that talk about the kind of service you can expect from the insurer; choose an insurer that is known for reliable and quick claims. Some Integrated Shield Plan riders offer No Claim Discount, so that customers can get rewarded for staying healthy, which is attractive for customers who are confident about their health status. You may also want to consider the value-added services an insurer offer for its panel hospitals, to ensure a smooth experience in times of need. These include pre-authorisation, eLOG (electronic letter of guarantee), appointment booking, and even free taxi rides.
4. Check premium affordability
When you shortlist a few plans that fit your coverage needs, it is time to evaluate affordability. Compare the premiums of the various Integrated Shield Plans and see which one suits your budget. Remember that you should also have your family members insured with an Integrated Shield Plan as well. So, factor in your total expenses and choose the right plan that fits your budget requirements for health insurance. You even have the option to get an instant quote online now at your own convenience.
You may refer to MOH’s website for a comparison of Integrated Shield Plans (IPs) across all insurers, including the estimated premiums you have to pay for an IP over your lifetime.
You can also contact a Prudential Financial Consultant for any help you require when selecting personal health insurance plans. Remember to always keep your coverage active by renewing it each year so that you stay protected.
Disclaimer:
This article is for your information only and does not consider your specific investment objectives, financial situation or needs. We recommend that you seek advice from a Prudential Financial Consultant before making a commitment to purchase a policy.