Financing for Genetic Tests and Downstream Interventions

What is genetic testing?

Genetic tests are used to identify an individual’s pre-disposition to specific diseases and/or diagnosis of genetic conditions. Genetic testing is often performed on a blood sample, saliva, or other tissue types.

Clinicians may refer index patients (“probands”) and/or their relatives (“cascades”) assessed to be at higher risk of genetic pre-disposition to specific disease or genetic conditions to undergo genetic testing.

Those with genetic mutation for specific gene(s) would be recommended for relevant follow-up treatment or services (“downstream interventions”). These could include pharmacological treatment, intensified surveillance and/or surgeries.

What genetic tests and downstream interventions are subsidised today?

For eligible patients, MOH will extend subsidies to genetic tests and recommended downstream interventions for specific indications that are assessed to be clinically relevant and cost-effective that are referred through approved clinical pathways. MediSave use will also be allowed for these genetic tests under the MediSave500/700 scheme (to be renamed to the “MediSave Chronic and Preventive Care” scheme from January 2027).

What are the benefits and who are eligible?

Genetic tests

Subsidised patients would be charged no higher than the pre-subsidy prices stated in the Genetic Tests List. Singapore Citizens (SCs) and Permanent Residents (PRs) are eligible for means-tested subsidies of up to 70% under the Specialist Outpatient Clinic (SOC) subsidy framework. PG/MG seniors will receive an additional 50/25% subsidies off their subsidised bills, respectively.

To be eligible for subsidies, SCs and PRs must fulfil all of the following criteria:

1. Receive a genetic test for a clinical indication listed on the Genetic Test List;

2. Fulfil the clinical criteria in the Genetic Test List for any of the relevant target genes[1];

3. Receive a referral from an eligible referral source*.

*For probands, an eligible referral source includes:

a. CHAS GP clinics (for CHAS/PG/MG cardholders only); or

b. Polyclinics; or

c. Subsidised SOCs in Public Healthcare Institutions (PHIs)

Cascades may be subsidised if they were asked to undergo testing following a proband who tested positive for any of the target genes, regardless of whether the proband is subsidised. SCs and PRs can also tap on MediSave to pay for the above genetic test.

Downstream interventions

For downstream interventions such as intensified surveillance and surgeries, setting-specific subsidies will only be extended to individuals with a positive gene mutation and who meet the subsidy criteria for the specific indication, where applicable.

Subsidies for drugs, cell, tissue and gene therapies, and implants apply to products on the MOH List of Subsidised Drugs, Cell, Tissue and Gene Therapy Product List, and Implant Subsidy List, respectively, subject to the individual meeting the relevant clinical indication, if any.

Where applicable, MediSave and MediShield Life coverage for downstream interventions would be stated.

How do I apply?

Subsidies will automatically be accorded based on your means-test status. You may approach the Public Healthcare Institution you receive care at to enquire more about whether MediSave and MediShield Life are applicable.

Should you require further financial assistance, please approach the medical social worker at any subsidised PHI, and they will be able to assist you accordingly.

[1] Target genes refer to genes associated with a particular indication that confer increased risk. Genetic testing and downstream interventions arising from a positive mutation of these genes will be subsidised.