Singaporeans permanently located overseas can apply for MediShield Life premium payment suspension
As a Singaporean living outside Singapore permanently with no intention to reside in Singapore, you can apply for and be granted the suspension of MediShield Life premium collection, if you meet the eligibility criteria as listed below. However, any outstanding premiums prior to the start of the Suspension Period1 must still be paid.
The length of the Suspension Period
The suspension of premium collection will last as long as you continue to meet the criteria. As soon as you no longer fulfil the criteria or you move back to Singapore permanently, the arrangement will cease. You will have to pay the accumulated sum of premiums not paid previously, with compound interest2. However, you will not have to pay additional premiums for health conditions developed during the Suspension Period1.
Overseas Singaporeans who choose to return will have the same rights to apply for subsidies and financial assistance for MediShield Life payments as any other Singaporean and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Claims when seeking medical treatment while visiting Singapore
If you seek medical treatment in Singapore during suspension of MediShield Life premium collection, you can choose to claim and benefit from MediShield Life payouts. However, once you do, the suspension of MediShield Life premium collection will cease and you will have to pay the full sum of the premiums not paid previously, with compound interest2.
1 If your application is approved, the Suspension Period will start prospectively from the next policy year based on the date of receipt of the application by the Board. The suspension period will end when the Insured’s MediShield Life Scheme cover ends or the suspension of premium collection is earlier ceased by the Board.
2 The interest rate is currently 4% per year and will be subject to applicable laws as may be amended from time to time. Interest will be imposed and computed on a compounded basis on full policy years that have passed.
Eligibility Criteria
Those who meet all of the following criteria are eligible for the suspension of premium collection:
a) Singapore Citizen
b) Living outside Singapore permanently with no intention to reside in Singapore, based on the following supporting indicators:
i. [For individuals aged 21 years and above] Possess a valid permanent residency permit in their country of residence and do not possess any citizenship other than a Singapore citizenship3;
ii. [For individuals below 21 years old] Possess a valid permanent residency permit in their country of residence, or other foreign residency documents permitting them to reside in their country of residence permanently with no end date;
iii. Resided outside Singapore for at least five years immediately preceding the date of receipt of the application by the CPF Board, except for short visits4;
iv. Have completed their full-time National Service obligation, or are not required to serve full-time National Service; and
v. Are able to afford healthcare treatment in their country of residence, and declare that they do not need to rely on MediShield Life in Singapore5.
3 Persons aged 21 years old and above who are also in possession of foreign citizenship must resolve their citizenship status with ICA prior to applying for suspension. Adult dual citizens will not have their suspension applications processed until this is completed.
4 Visits to Singapore during the 5 years should not exceed 140 days in total. For minors below 5 years old, their overseas residency qualifying period eligibility criteria will be correspondingly reduced, according to their age.
5 Applicant should not have benefitted from MediShield/MediShield Life payouts in the 5 years prior to the start of Suspension.
How do I apply for the suspension of MediShield Life premium collection?
If you meet the eligibility criteria and wish to apply for the suspension of MediShield Life premium collection, please use this link.
Frequently Asked Questions
For frequently asked questions for MediShield Life coverage for overseas Singaporeans, please use this link.