What MediShield coverage may exclude

ST Forum. Sep 11, 2009.

IN HIS letter, 'Parents further distraught by MediShield exclusion letter' (Sept 2), Mr Leslie Ong asked why Basic MediShield coverage was not extended to his child who has been diagnosed with suspected cysts in her lungs.

We are sorry for giving Mr Ong the impression that his daughter would be excluded from Basic MediShield coverage because of her health condition. As Mr Ong's daughter is still undergoing treatment, we are unable to insure her under MediShield at this point. We have since contacted Mr Ong and advised him on the process of re-application once he obtains the relevant medical reports.

The Ministry of Health introduced auto-cover for all newborn Singapore citizens in 2007 as it is important for children to be covered by insurance while they are healthy. We encourage all parents to secure early MediShield coverage for their children before the onset of illness. MediShield will then cover any medical illness that develops later in their lives.

Children with pre-existing health conditions can still join MediShield, but like other medical insurance schemes, MediShield could impose exclusion of certain pre-existing medical conditions from claim while still offering coverage. This is to ensure viability of the insurance scheme and to keep premiums affordable for existing members who generally enter the scheme in good health.

Karen Tan (Ms)
Director, Corporate Communications
Ministry of Health

Chang Long Kiat
Director (Housing and Health Care)
CPF Board


Comments:

It is only a "suspected" cyst and it has resulted in problems for her application. Many often take their good health for granted, they do not see the importance and urgency of having proper protection.

They become defensive when the topic of insurance is brought up and feel that the insurers/agents are desperate for their business to earn the commission from them. They also get upset when insurers do not accept their case as standard due to what they feel are minor medical conditions or surgery.

Having such a mindset will only result in suffering during and after a crisis occurs.