IP rider changes aimed at getting back to protecting patients against large bills

We thank Mr Andrew Tan and Dr Chua Jun Jin for their letters “Increase co-payment only for policyholders who opt for private healthcare” and “Let healthcare insurance policyholders choose to keep older riders” (both Nov 28).

- Sarah Leong

Mr Tan suggested that the recently announced changes - the increase in co-payment for Integrated Shield Plan (IP) riders - should target only private healthcare. We agree with Mr Tan. In fact, this is precisely the focus of the changes, as the majority of IP rider policyholders are on private hospital plans.

Those who seek care in subsidised public hospitals incur smaller bills, with little or no out-of-pocket payment, and generally do not need IP riders.