MediShield Policyholders Who Reach Policy Year and Lifetime Limits

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Health in each of the last 10 years, how many MediShield policyholders reached (i) the $50,000 policy year limit; and (ii) the $200,000 lifetime limit.

Mr Gan Kim Yong: The MediShield policy year and lifetime limits were last increased in July 2005 from $30,000 to $50,000 and from $120,000 to $200,000 respectively.

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The number of MediShield policyholders who reached the policy year and lifetime limits each year is less than 0.1% of MediShield policyholders. The breakdown is shown in the table below.

Those who have reached the MediShield policy year or lifetime limit and face difficulty with their medical bills can approach the medical social workers at public healthcare institutions for financial assistance such as Medifund.

The Ministry will continue to review how we can affordably improve MediShield benefits, including the policy year and lifetime limits, over time, to ensure that Singaporeans are adequately covered against catastrophic illnesses.