Critical illnesses like cancer and heart disease are among the leading causes of death in Singapore. While medical advancements have improved survival rates, treatment costs remain a major concern. Many assume that their health insurance will fully cover these conditions, but is that really the case?

This article breaks down how health insurance covers critical illnesses, what’s included (and what’s not), and how to ensure you’re adequately protected.

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The Cost of Critical Illness Treatment in Singapore  

The cost of treating critical illnesses varies widely depending on the hospital type, severity of the condition, and required treatments. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common critical illness costs in Singapore:

Cancer Treatment Cost:

Cancer treatment often involves multiple procedures, from chemotherapy to immunotherapy, and can last for years.

Chemotherapy

• Private hospitals: S$8,318 per cycle
• Public (Unsubsidised): S$2,859 per cycle
• Public (Subsidised): S$1,142 per cycle

Radiotherapy: S$25,000 – S$30,000 per full treatment plan

• Private: S$32,471
• Public (Unsubsidised): S$15,177
• Public (Subsidised): S$5,598

• Private: S$40,000 – S$80,000
• Public: S$25,000 – S$40,000

Stroke Treatment Costs:

• Hospitalization & immediate care:
  
  • Private: S$23,335
  • Public (Unsubsidised): S$7,804
  • Public (Subsidised): S$2,601

• Rehabilitation (physiotherapy, speech therapy): S$100 – S$250 per session

These figures show how a serious illness can wipe out savings quickly, making proper health insurance coverage essential.

What Does Your Health Insurance Cover?

However, even with an IP, certain high-cost treatments like targeted therapy and immunotherapy may not be fully covered.

What About Critical Illness Insurance?

While health insurance covers medical bills, it does not replace lost income if you’re unable to work. This is where critical illness insurance comes in.

How Critical Illness Insurance Works: 

• Lump sum payout upon diagnosis of a covered illness
• Can be used for non-medical expenses (e.g., mortgage, daily expenses, childcare)
• Covers a standard list of 37 critical illnesses, including:
  
  • Major cancers
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Kidney failure
  • Liver failure
  • Severe lung disease

Without critical illness coverage, many Singaporeans struggle financially due to lost income during recovery.

Are There Any Coverage Gaps? 

Even with MediShield Life, an IP, and critical illness insurance, gaps may still exist. Here’s what to check:

1. Does it cover early-stage cancer and mild heart conditions?

Many policies only cover late-stage illnesses. Some insurers offer early-stage critical illness riders, but these come at an extra cost.

2. Are expensive drugs and alternative treatments covered?

Some high-cost cancer drugs (like immunotherapy) may not be fully covered under standard plans. If your policy caps cancer treatments at S$100,000 per year, it may not be enough for advanced treatments.

3. What is the waiting period for claims?

Most critical illness policies have a waiting period (e.g., 90 days from policy start date), meaning if you’re diagnosed early, you might not qualify for a payout.

4. Are you protected against multiple critical illnesses?

Some policies only pay once per lifetime, while others allow multiple claims if you develop different conditions.