Preventive Health and Wellness Flashcards

What is the National Health Survey and why is it important for health insurance in Singapore?

Answer: A periodic survey measuring the health status of Singaporeans, providing data on disease prevalence that informs health insurance policy and premiums

The National Health Survey, conducted by MOH, measures disease prevalence, risk factors, and health behaviours of Singaporeans. This data helps shape health policies, insurance product design, and premium calculations.

What is Singapore's approach to managing healthcare costs through the 'co-payment' principle?

Answer: Patients share costs with the government and insurers to encourage responsible healthcare usage and prevent over-consumption

Singapore's healthcare philosophy requires patients to share costs (through deductibles, co-insurance, and co-payment) to prevent over-consumption and moral hazard while ensuring affordability through subsidies and insurance.

What is the 'war on diabetes' campaign and its implications for health insurance in Singapore?

Answer: A national campaign to combat the rising diabetes prevalence through education, screening, and prevention, affecting insurance claims and premiums

Singapore declared a 'war on diabetes' due to rising prevalence (around 1 in 9 adults). The campaign promotes prevention through diet, exercise, and screening, with implications for healthcare costs and insurance claims.

How does Singapore's ageing population affect health insurance?

Answer: An ageing population increases healthcare demand and costs, leading to higher insurance premiums, greater Medisave utilisation, and need for long-term care insurance

Singapore's rapidly ageing population (23% will be 65+ by 2030) increases healthcare needs, driving up insurance claims and premiums. This prompted CareShield Life for long-term care and Healthier SG for prevention.

What role does telemedicine play in Singapore's health insurance landscape?

Answer: Telemedicine is increasingly covered by health insurance for consultations, with regulations evolving to include teleconsultation under Medisave and MediShield Life for approved conditions

Following COVID-19, telemedicine has been integrated into Singapore's healthcare system. MAS and MOH are progressively including teleconsultation coverage under insurance schemes and Medisave for approved conditions.

What is the Medisave500/700 scheme for outpatient expenses?

Answer: A scheme allowing annual Medisave withdrawals of up to SGD 500 (under 60) or SGD 700 (60 and above) for approved chronic disease outpatient treatments

Under the Chronic Disease Management Programme, patients can withdraw up to SGD 500/year (below 60) or SGD 700/year (60 and above) from Medisave for outpatient treatment of approved chronic conditions.