No-claim Discount on Annual MediShield Premiums
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns whether the Ministry of Health will provide no-claim discounts on annual MediShield Life premiums for those who do not file claims, as raised by Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan. Minister for Health Gan Kim Yong stated that there are no such plans, as the MediShield Life Review Committee previously deliberated and decided against this proposal in 2014. The Committee expressed concern that such discounts could lead Singaporeans to delay necessary medical treatment, resulting in worsened health outcomes and higher long-term healthcare costs. Consequently, these features are considered unsuitable for a national basic health insurance scheme aimed at ensuring Singaporeans receive timely and essential medical care. Minister for Health Gan Kim Yong noted that healthy living is instead promoted through Health Promotion Board initiatives, such as the National Steps Challenge and the Eat, Drink, Shop Healthy Challenge.
Transcript
33 Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked the Minister for Health whether the Ministry will consider providing a discount on annual MediShield premiums for those who do not file any claim within a requisite period of time.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: There are currently no plans to introduce a discount on annual MediShield Life premiums for those who do not file any claims. This idea was considered by the MediShield Life Review Committee when they conducted their review in 2014. After careful deliberation, the Committee decided against the idea.
The Committee was concerned that, with such premium discounts, Singaporeans might delay necessary medical treatment even though they are ill, which could result in worse outcomes, such as medical complications, prolonged illness and poorer health outcomes. Health conditions that are not well managed could result in higher healthcare costs to the individual in the long run. Such features may, therefore, not be suited for MediShield Life as a national and basic health insurance scheme.
Nevertheless, we understand the desire to recognise those who make an effort to stay healthy. The Ministry encourages healthy living through separate initiatives under the Health Promotion Board. For example, under the current Eat, Drink, Shop Healthy Challenge, Singaporeans who purchase healthier food options at participating outlets can earn Healthpoints, redeem them for supermarket and food and beverage vouchers, and stand a chance to win a staycation. Similarly, the National Steps Challenge also encourages participants to take more steps through vouchers and prizes.