Singapore is fortunate to have a strong national safety net for healthcare. However, the “basic” level of protection might not always match our individual expectations for comfort, speed, and specialist selection, as many of us find out when confronted with a medical emergency. At this point, the Integrated Shield Plan (IP) becomes an essential part of a comprehensive financial plan.
To put it simply, an IP is a private insurance policy that “integrates” with MediShield Life. It sits on top of the government program rather than replacing it, offering improved benefits that MediShield Life cannot provide on its own. Knowing how an IP operates is crucial for people who appreciate having the freedom to select their physician or who would rather be in the privacy of a Class A or private hospital ward.
The Operation of an Integrated Shield Plan
The fundamental MediShield Life component and an extra private insurance component make up an IP. The integration eliminates the worry of paying twice for the same benefits or having duplicate coverage. To handle your claims and premiums, your private insurer serves as the only point of contact, working in tandem with the CPF Board.
The substantial increase in claim limits is the main benefit of this “upgrade.” An IP expands your coverage to higher-class wards and even private hospitals, whereas MediShield Life is designed for public hospital subsidized wards (Class B2 or C). This feature guarantees that your insurance will pay for the majority of your bills rather than your personal savings if you need surgery or a lengthy hospital stay.
The Benefit of "As Charged"
The “As Charged” benefit is one of the most useful aspects of many Integrated Shield Plans. There are stringent sub-limits on the amount you can claim under basic MediShield Life for particular items, like daily ward charges or surgical procedures. Should your bill exceed these caps, you will be responsible for covering the difference.
An IP eliminates many of these sub-limits. This offers significantly more assurance during a trying time by ensuring that the insurer covers the actual hospital charges (subject to deductibles and co-insurance). Furthermore, IPs usually provide comprehensive coverage both before and after hospitalization. This covers the price of follow-up care for several months after you are released from the hospital, diagnostic tests like MRIs, and specialist consultations—all of which are frequently high and not covered by basic national insurance.
Adapting Your Insurance to Your Way of Life
Raffles Health Insurance understands that healthcare is not a universal solution. For this reason, we built flexibility into the very foundation of Raffles Shield, our Integrated Shield Plan. We provide a range of coverage tiers so you can select a plan that meets your needs and budget while still getting the care you want.
The Raffles Shield A with the Raffles Hospital Option is one of our best-selling options. This special feature enables policyholders to access the first-rate amenities and reduced wait times at Raffles Hospital, our private tertiary care facility, while still enjoying the advantages of a public hospital Class A plan. This package provides the benefits of both private hospital quality and public hospital affordability.
A Smooth Healthcare Environment
Our integration within the Raffles Medical Group is what distinguishes our strategy. We run a fully integrated healthcare organization and are the only private medical provider owned by Singaporeans. As an RHI policyholder, you receive support from a comprehensive ecosystem that encompasses our hospital, family medicine clinics, and dental clinics.
Your healthcare provider and insurer’s affiliation results in a more seamless and well-coordinated experience. We ensure that your entire focus is on your recovery, from seeking a second opinion from a specialist to managing the final discharge and claims process.
Use the Raffles Advantage to Protect Your Health
Choosing the best Integrated Shield Plan is about more than just the numbers; it’s about ensuring you or your loved ones get the best care right away when they’re sick. At Raffles Health Insurance, we make use of our vast medical network to offer you fully integrated healthcare financing options. Our plans are designed to safeguard your future, regardless of your preference for the specialized care of Raffles Hospital or the accessibility of public hospitals. Are you prepared to improve your defenses? Consult a Raffles Health Advisor to discover Raffles Shield Plans.
