Parliamentary QA
No Claim Discount for MediShield Life
13 July 2016
This article has been migrated from an earlier version of the site and may display formatting inconsistencies.
Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye
MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC
Question No. 360
To ask the Minister for Health whether the Ministry can consider granting a “No Claim Discount” on MediShield Life premiums for senior citizens who do not make any claims for a consecutive period of three years.
Written Reply
1 The idea of a “No Claim Discount” on MediShield Life premiums was considered by the MediShield Life Review Committee when they conducted their review in 2014. After careful deliberation, the Committee decided against the idea.
2 The Committee felt that having a “No Claim Discount” may lead Singaporeans to delay seeking essential treatment even though they are ill. This may result in worse outcomes such as medical complications, prolonged illness and even larger hospital bills down the road.
3 Furthermore, a person could take good care of his health, and still require medical treatment. For example, he may encounter an accident. Introducing a “No Claim Discount” may unduly “penalise” such individuals who are hospitalised for reasons beyond their control.