Why it is important to insure child early under MediShield

11 Sep 2009, The Straits Times

Question

Name of the Person: Leslie Ong

Parents further distraught by MediShield excision letter

My first child was born with suspected cysts in her lungs, according to the paediatrician and the paediatric surgeon who monitored her. At the same time, my wife and I were told that new laws offered MediShield coverage for babies like mine.

We duly filled the requisite forms for coverage and expected possible exclusions for my daughter's condition. Two months later, the Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board denied our daughter MediShield coverage, citing the higher insurance risk posed by her pre-existing health condition.

We were flabbergasted, given the promise from the Health Ministry that every Singaporean will enjoy basic MediShield coverage unless he or she chooses to opt out.

The least we expected was basic MediShield coverage, with an exclusion for our daughter's pre-existing condition. In fact, we were even prepared to pay higher premiums.

All parents want healthy babies. Having a baby born with some health complications is a tormenting experience, be it financially or mentally.

While the CPF Board suggested that we reapply pending treatment and confirmation of our daughter's condition, the bluntness of its reply was cold comfort and the last thing we expected as first-time parents burdened by the anxiety of our daughter's condition, which was diagnosed during pregnancy.

Reply

Reply from MOH 

In "Parents further distraught by MediShield exclusion letter", Mr. Leslie Ong (ST, 2 Sep) asked why basic MediShield coverage was not extended to his child who has been diagnosed with suspected cysts in her lungs.

We are sorry for giving Mr Ong the impression that his daughter would be excluded from Basic Medishield coverage because of her health condition. As Mr Ong’s daughter is still undergoing treatment, we are unable to insure her under MediShield at this point. We have since contacted Mr Ong and advised him on the process of re-application once he obtains the relevant medical reports.

MOH introduced auto-cover for all newborn Singaporean citizens in 2007 as it is important for children to be covered by insurance, while they are healthy. We encourage all parents to secure early MediShield coverage for their children before the onset of illness. MediShield coverage will then cover any medical illness that develops later in their lives. For children with pre-existing health conditions, they can still join MediShield but like other medical insurance schemes, MediShield could impose exclusion of certain pre-existing medical conditions from claim while still offering coverage. This is to ensure viability of the insurance scheme and to keep premiums affordable for existing members who generally enter the scheme in good health.