28 Mar 2019
28 March 2019
Licensees of Hospitals and Medical Clinics Providing Assisted Reproduction Services
REMOVAL OF REQUIREMENT FOR COMPULSORY PURCHASE OF NEONATAL CARE INSURANCE UNDER THE LICENSING TERMS AND CONDITIONS ON ASSISTED REPRODUCTION SERVICES FROM 1 APRIL 2019
Under the Licensing Terms and Conditions on Assisted Reproduction Services, all couples who wish to undergo in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) procedures in Singapore, where (i) at least one member is a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident, or (ii) the foreign couple intends to deliver in Singapore, are required to purchase insurance for neonatal care.1
2 The Assisted Reproduction Programme (ARP) insurance scheme was introduced in 1992 to provide protection against unexpected costs of neonatal care incurred by babies conceived via IVF. Since 1994, couples who enrol for IVF have been required to purchase ARP insurance. The ARP insurance scheme is currently being administered by Great Eastern Life.
3 Following the introduction of MediShield Life and the MediSave Grant for Newborns, the Ministry has decided to remove the requirement for couples to purchase ARP insurance for neonatal care before undergoing IVF. This change will take effect from 1 April 2019.
4 Notwithstanding the removal of the requirement, couples who wish to have additional coverage beyond MediShield Life and MediSave may still purchase ARP insurance or other maternity insurance plans in the private insurance market to meet their needs.
5 AR centres should ensure that any communication channels (e.g. websites, brochures) are updated to accurately reflect that ARP insurance is no longer a requirement for those enrolling in IVF procedures after 1 April 2019.
6 We have also included some FAQs (see Annex) to guide you in your communications with your patients regarding the removal of this ARP insurance.
7 Should you require further clarification, please send us your queries via email at eLIS@moh.gov.sg
Thank you.
ADJ ASSOC PROF (DR) RAYMOND CHUA
GROUP DIRECTOR, HEALTH REGULATION GROUP /
DIRECTOR (COVERING), REGULATORY COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION
for DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL SERVICES
The full document can be downloaded below:
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