Integrated Shield Plans

Integrated Shield Plans should be selected based on (1) Desired comfortability of Ward & (2) Ability to select Doctor.

Desired comfortability of Ward

• Prefer B2 & C - I would forfeit comfort & avoid Private hospital/class A/B1 as they are much more expensive than B2/C class which are govt-subsidized. Even after being discharged from hospital, subsequent outpatient treatment for ward B1 & above are charged as private patient. I would rather save that money & use it to enjoy a nice holiday vacation!

Ability to select Doctor

• Experienced doctor for critical surgeries - The ability to choose your Doctor becomes critical for surgeries related to spine, heart, brain & other major organs. I definitely want an experienced & steady hands to perform these surgeries for me which is only available if I go for ward B2 & above.

Consideration on Shield Plans Vs Cost

• Protection Vs Money - Insurance premium gets higher when we select a higher shield plan and it continues to get more expensive as we grow older too. 

Coverage of Integrated Shield Plan

• Inpatient hospital treatments - Hospitalization warding & medical-related services expenses such as surgical procedures (including Day Surgery), organ transplants & ICU expenses.
• Outpatient hospital treatment - Medical expenses for chemotherapy & radiotherapy for cancer, renal dialysis and drugs approved under MediShield Life for chronic renal failure or organ transplant.
• Pre- and post- hospitalisation treatment - Pre- and post- hospitalisation expenses for eligible medical treatment, up to 90 days before admission and 90 days after discharge.
• Emergency overseas treatment - Emergency inpatient hospital treatment expenses while overseas.
• Example of detailed coverage (More info).

Personal decision

• NTUC Income Enhanced IncomeShield Plan Basic - This plan actually covers up to ward B1. In most hospitalization circumstances, I would still opt to stay in B2/C class to save on overall medical cost. However, should I require major surgery, I would then select ward B1 to be able to choose my doctor. This will be the balanced approach I'll be taking.