Average Life Expectancy of Disabled Persons Receiving Payouts under ElderShield

Mr Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Health (a) what is the average life expectancy of disabled persons who received or are receiving payouts under ElderShield; and (b) what is the expected average life expectancy of persons who are able to claim and receive payouts under CareShield Life on the basis of their disabilities once the scheme comes into operation in 2020.

Mr Gan Kim Yong: As of 2017, the average duration of claim by ElderShield claimants is 2.8 years. About one-third of claimants have claimed for the full duration of five and six years for ElderShield 300 and ElderShield 400 respectively. Hence, the average duration of disability will be higher than the average duration of claim of 2.8 years.

The average life expectancy of Singaporeans who are severely disabled would likely increase in the future. Three in 10 severely disabled individuals are expected to remain in severe disability for 10 years or more. CareShield Life will provide payouts for as long as the policyholder remains severely disabled, which will provide Singaporeans greater assurance and better protection against their cost of long-term care.