All Singapore citizens, PRs to have lifelong health insurance from Nov 1

THE national lifelong insurance scheme MediShield Life will begin on Nov 1 and cover hospital admissions for all Singapore citizens and permanent residents, the Singapore Ministry of Health announced on Sunday.

All Singapore households will receive an introductory booklet in August.

The compulsory scheme, which was first announced in 2013, will notably provide coverage for currently uninsured individuals with serious pre-existing conditions, albeit at a higher premium, as well as those who would typically be too old to purchase private policies.

Those with serious pre-existing conditions may be asked to pay 30 per cent additional premiums for 10 years. To identify such individuals, the CPF board will access existing medical information in government administrative databases and with medical institutions. Uninsured individuals who do not wish to have their medical information checked may submit a form through the CPF Board's website to keep their medical information private.