Use of MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans for Overseas Outpatient and Inpatient Medical Treatment

35 Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for Health whether the Government is considering reviewing the use of MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans for overseas outpatient and inpatient medical treatment.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: MediShield Life is designed as a universal and basic health insurance plan. Hence, it covers subsidised bills at public hospitals in Singapore. Any expansion for medical treatments overseas will likely raise premiums and undermine the original objective of the scheme.

As for Integrated Shield Plans, most provide coverage for emergency overseas medical treatments. Such coverage is provided based on insurers' commercial considerations.