MediShield Life Flashcards

What is 'co-insurance' under MediShield Life?

Answer: The percentage of the claim amount (after deductible) that the policyholder must pay, with MediShield Life covering the remainder

After the deductible is met, co-insurance applies: the patient pays a percentage (typically 3-10% depending on the bill size and ward class) and MediShield Life covers the rest.

What types of treatments are covered under MediShield Life?

Answer: Hospitalisation, day surgery, selected costly outpatient treatments (e.g., chemotherapy, dialysis), and some outpatient treatments at approved institutions

MediShield Life covers inpatient hospitalisation, day surgery, and selected expensive outpatient treatments including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, renal dialysis, and some approved outpatient procedures.

How does MediShield Life handle claims for stays in higher-class wards?

Answer: Claims are pro-rated if the patient chooses a ward class higher than B2/C, meaning the patient pays more out of pocket

MediShield Life is designed for B2/C ward (subsidised) stays. If a patient chooses a higher ward class (B1, A, or private), claims are adjusted downward (pro-rated) to the B2/C equivalent.

What is the MediShield Life claim procedure in Singapore?

Answer: Claims are typically processed directly between the hospital and CPF Board, with automatic deduction from Medisave

Most MediShield Life claims are processed seamlessly — hospitals submit claims directly to the CPF Board, and eligible amounts are deducted automatically from the patient's Medisave account.

What government assistance is available for Singaporeans who cannot afford MediShield Life premiums?

Answer: Premium subsidies, Medisave top-ups through government schemes (like GST Voucher), and Medifund for the very needy

The government provides tiered premium subsidies (up to 50% for lowest-income groups), Pioneer/Merdeka Generation benefits, Medisave top-ups through various schemes, and Medifund as a safety net for the very needy.

What is the difference between Medisave, MediShield Life, and Medifund?

Answer: Medisave is personal healthcare savings; MediShield Life is basic health insurance; Medifund is a government safety net for those who cannot afford bills even after Medisave and MediShield Life

Singapore's healthcare financing has three layers (3Ms): Medisave (personal savings in CPF), MediShield Life (basic insurance), and Medifund (government endowment fund for the needy who exhaust other options).