How the new rules for Integrated Shield Plan riders will affect you

New riders, which won't cover minimum deductibles, are expected to cost a lot less

- Yap Wei Qiang Correspondent

New Integrated Shield Plan (IP) riders sold from April 1, 2026, will no longer be allowed to cover minimum deductibles patients have to pay before insurance kicks in.

IP holders with the new riders will also need to pay a larger portion of their bills, as the co-payment cap on their maximum out-of-pocket cash will be doubled from the current $3,000 to $6,000.

As a result, these new riders are expected to cost a lot less, with the Ministry of Health (MOH) estimating premiums to be about 30 per cent lower than those of existing riders with maximum coverage.

The Sunday Times looks at the impact of these upcoming changes announced by the ministry.

Q Who will be affected by the changes?

A Those who bought IPs with riders before the Nov 26 announcement will not be affected immediately, pending insurers’ decisions.

Those who intend to buy IPs with riders by March 31, 2026, have to meet MOH’s requirements.

Q What is the difference between MediShield Life and an IP?

A All Singaporeans are insured under the national MediShield Life scheme, which covers subsidised care in public hospitals and certain outpatient treatments, such as radiotherapy and kidney dialysis. Premiums can be paid for entirely from your MediSave account.

An IP is optional health coverage provided by private insurers on top of MediShield Life, typically to cover stays in Aor B1-type wards in public or private hospitals. Premiums can be paid for with MediSave up to a cap based on your age.

Today, around 71 per cent of residents here, or about three million people, have IPs.

Q What does a rider offer?

A IP insurers sell riders on top of the IP to cover the patient’s share of the bill — the deductible and the remainder of the bill not covered by MediShield Life and IPs. Premiums for riders must be paid fully in cash.