No claim discount on annual MediShield Life premiums

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan
MP for West Coast GRC 

Question No. 584 

To ask the Minister for Health whether the Ministry will consider providing a discount on annual MediShield premiums for those who do not file any claim within a requisite period of time.

Written reply

1        There are currently no plans to introduce a discount on annual MediShield Life premiums for those who do not file any claims. This idea 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 was concerned that, with such premium discounts, Singaporeans might delay necessary medical treatment even though they are ill, which could result in worse outcomes such as medical complications, prolonged illness, and poorer health outcomes.  Health conditions that are not well managed could result in higher healthcare costs to the individual in the long run.  Such features may therefore not be suited for MediShield Life as a national and basic health insurance scheme.

3        Nevertheless, we understand the desire to recognise those who make an effort to stay healthy.  The Ministry encourages healthy living through separate initiatives under the Health Promotion Board.  For example, under the current Eat, Drink, Shop Healthy Challenge, Singaporeans who purchase healthier food options at participating outlets can earn Healthpoints, redeem them for supermarket and F&B vouchers, and stand a chance to win a staycation.  Similarly, the National Steps Challenge also encourages participants to take more steps through vouchers and prizes.