Integrated Shield Plans (IPs) in Singapore have undergone significant adjustments, especially in cancer treatment coverage. It’s important for policyholders to be aware of these updates to make informed healthcare decisions.

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Changes in Cancer Treatment Coverage

Effective April 1, 2023, IPs now cover only outpatient cancer drug treatments listed on the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) Cancer Drug List (CDL). This shift aims to ensure that patients receive clinically proven and cost-effective treatments. Consequently, the previous “as-charged” coverage has been replaced with defined benefits for specific treatments.

Learn more: Cancer Coverage Changes

Introduction of Cancer Drug Services Benefit

Alongside the Cancer Drug Treatment benefit, insurers have introduced the Cancer Drug Services benefit. This covers services associated with cancer treatment, such as consultations, scans, lab investigations, and supportive care drugs. 

Coverage limits for these services are typically set as a multiple of MediShield Life limits.

Implications for Policyholders

Policyholders should review their current IPs to understand how much coverage they provide for cancer treatments. Since treatments not listed on the CDL may not be claimable under standard IPs, this could result in higher out-of-pocket expenses.

Some insurers offer riders that provide additional coverage for selected non-CDL treatments, but these come with their own terms and conditions.

Considerations for Downgrading Coverage

With rising premiums, some policyholders consider downgrading their IP coverage. Downgrading to a plan with lower coverage within the same insurer does not require additional underwriting. However, switching to a different insurer, even for a plan with similar or lower coverage, will require underwriting.