Choosing the right doctor is crucial for your health and wallet. The choice becomes more complicated due to the formation of panels by insurers. Here is a detailed look at the difference between seeing a doctor who is on your Integrated Plan insurance company’s panel, and one who is non-panel.
Learn More: Medical Costs In Singapore And Why Insurance Is Critical >>
What Is A Panel Doctor?
Panel doctors are those with an agreement with an insurance company to provide services at pre-negotiated rates. They may be on the panels of multiple insurance companies concurrently.
! To be considered to have seen a panel doctor, your insurer may also be require you to have the treatment carried out at their panel hospital.
Important Note
Why See A Panel Doctor?
There are many factors to be considered when choosing a doctor, particularly for treatment of serious conditions such as cancer. Factors to be considered includes the doctor’s experience and expertise, personality fit, etc. Inclusion on the panel of the patient’s insurance company is also a worthy consideration, due to the additional benefits that insurance companies provide for seeing their panel specialists.
Insurance Companies’ Panel Lists
Benefits Of Seeing A Panel Doctor
Generally, patients may expect:
- Smaller Bills: Panel doctors charge rates that are pre-negotiated with your insurance company. These rates will typically be in the lower range of MOH’s benchmark fee guidelines.
- Lower Copayment: In Singapore, as of Jan 2025 there is a S$3,000 copayment cap when edibility conditions for seeing a panel doctor are met. Copayment is otherwise typically 5% of the medical bill either without cap or with a significantly higher cap.
- More Comprehensive Coverage: Insurance plans may cover a higher percentage of the cost for services, offering more comprehensive coverage
- Cashless / Waiver Of Upfront Deposit: You can request for a Letter of Guarantee on your medical claims and enjoy a waiver of upfront deposit. Letter of Guarantees issued for seeing a panel doctor will be of a higher quantum for one who is non-panel.
- Lower Premium Increase: Your insurance premiums may be increased following a claim. Insurers will usually increase the premium less if the patient sees a panel doctor.
- Direct Billing: These doctors typically handle billing directly with your insurance company, saving you from the hassle of paperwork.
- Insurance Company Medical Concierge Service: Insurance companies often provide some concierge service for clients wishing to book an appointment with their panel specialists.
The benefits of seeing a panel doctor may vary from insurance company to company, and from policy to policy. In addition, insurance companies have “Extended Panels”, which essentially comprises doctors who are on the main panels of other insurers in Singapore, but not on their own main panel. Seeing a doctor that is on the Extended Panel may also qualify the patient for some of the benefits of seeing an actual panel doctor.
You should check your policy documents for details of the benefits of seeing a panel doctor, or consult your finance advisor for assistance.
Why You Might Instead Choose A Non-Panel Doctor?
Patients are not excluded from going outside the insurer’s panel. You may for instance, choose to see an outside doctor if the patient you find that the doctor’s expertise is an overriding selection criterion. Since most rates agreed with insurance companies are at the lower range of MOH guidelines, specialists that charge a premium for their expertise might be excluded from panels as result.
However, you should be aware of these disadvantages:
- Higher Co-Payment: Insurers typically do not cap copayments to S$3,000 (unless pre-authorised) for seeing non-panel doctors. Copayments may be charged at 5% of the bill.
- Lower Coverage: Insurers may have a lower limit for claims for treatments by a non-panel doctor.
- Higher Premium Increase: Your insurance premiums may be increased following a claim. Insurers will usually increase the premium more if the patient sees a non-panel doctor.
Resources
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Disclaimer: This article is provided “as is” and is for your general information. It does not constitute financial advice. Always consult your insurer / financial consultant and healthcare provider before committing to any medical service.
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This article is informative only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.