When choosing an Integrated Shield Plan (IP) to supplement MediShield Life, it’s crucial to balance coverage with lifelong affordability. The Ministry of Health (MOH) recently published comparative lifetime premium data for Singaporeans—tracking the total cash premiums from birth to age 100 as of 1 January 2025*. The results reveal significant differences among private insurers.
What is Integrated Shield Plan (IP)?
An Integrated Shield Plan (IP) is a type of health insurance that combines your basic MediShield Life coverage with additional private insurance for better protection. It helps cover large hospital bills and higher-class wards (like A/B1 or private hospitals), offering more choice and higher claim limits than MediShield Life alone.
IPs are offered by private insurers and paid using MediSave and/or cash.
What to Watch Out For
When purchasing your Integrated Shield Plan (IP), it’s important to review:
Coverage Details
Check ward class limits (A/B1/private), per‑year caps, pre/post‑hospitalisation benefits, and specialist panels.Riders & Out-of-Pocket Cost
Adding riders (e.g. deductible or co‑payment coverage) may raise premiums but protect you from large bills—not always free with MediSave.Claim Limit
Review annual claim limits and benefit caps. Higher limis tive peace of mind in severe cases or long stay.- Portability & Underwriting
Switching insurer later may require re-underwriting especially those with pre-existing conditions. Consider locking in while healthy. - Lifetime Premiums
Some plans are cheaper upfront but increases more steeply later. Hence, don’t just look at current cost – check lifetime premiums estimates.
How Raffles Shield Private Stands Out
If you’re seeking strong coverage plus cost efficiency, Raffles Shield Private is the most affordable option with up to 52% cheaper than other insurers.Â
*Premiums exclude future inflation, and are summed across all ages as of 1 January 2025.
As a health insurance provider, Raffles Health Insurance is keen to promote healthy lifestyles and provide comprehensive health coverage for you and your loved ones. Click here to get a quote on our Raffles Shield Plans!
You can also check out our other health blog articles here!
This article was originally published on 16th July 2025.
