Integrated Shield Plans

I had no clear idea when people talked about integrated shield plans (IP) until recently when I had to give advice to a relative who was wondering whether he should downgrade to the new standard IP  which will come into effect in May.

I went to read up about medisave, medishield, integrated shields etc… and  I realized having MediShield Life is enough health coverage with affordable premiums paid from Medisave if we do not mind being in class B2 or Class C wards.

I asked my relative ( an ordinary employee) why he had bought the IP and he said his insurance agent told him it was good to have that and that  the premium would be paid from medisave which savings he  could not touch anyway. (A little knowledge is indeed dangerous).

My conclusions – IPs are for :

  1. People who want to be warded in B1 or class A ward. They can choose their doctors.
  2. People who want to be treated in private hospitals. 

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Interesting info from MediShield Life website:

“60% of Singaporeans have integrated shield plans but many end up not staying in the ward their coverage entitles them to.”  No reason given but I thought it was strange.

 

 

 

Author: Jassmine Teo

I came to know about the SHC from eNN (Seng Kang). My interests are varied. I write on the forum regularly to improve my writing. In my autumn years, my priority is voluntary service. Hope to meet like-minded people and help initiate a programme/project for the disabled like the hearing impaired.

4 thoughts on “Integrated Shield Plans”

  1. I think the reason people go for IP is because you can get a rider attached with the plan

    I am not sure if you can get rider for medishield life If can I sure like to downgrade Will check or does any know

    For eldershield, it is not advisable to take up IMO dyodd

  2. Hi Caroline and Terence
    Terence, I am quite knowledgeable about the IPs now (lol!) after extensive ‘review’ of my relative’s IPs. I am still going through some documents including ElderShield which can entail quite a hefty premium if you buy the supplements, value plus etc. We can discuss ElderShield policies if there is interest.

    For members who are not sure whether to buy IP, just ask yourself whether you mind staying in B2 or class C ward. If you don’t mind, then you don’t need IP which is targeted at B1 and class A ward. (The strange thing is the statement from MediShield Life website about many people with IP who ask to DOWNGRADE from the class their IP entitles them to)

    cheers!

  3. Jassmine,

    I too think the IP policies are difficult to understand. but, we all know insurance for medical is important.

    I wonder if there is any member or members around us who is knowledgeable about the various medical policies and who can talk about it, if we were to gather to discuss the issue. Someone to raise the hand?

    Terence Seah

  4. Hi Jassmine,
    thank you for sharing the information. I find it difficult to understand insurance terms and jargons so I simple take whats recommended to me. However, since my company has medical insurance, I have not committed to any other plans except the compulsory medisave/medishield scheme. I still go to C class government hospitals even though my company insurers pay for it. So I think I am fine.

    Kind Regards
    Caroline

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