If you are thinking of getting an integrated shield plan — 2026 marks a significant change in coverage.
The Ministry of Health Singapore has introduced new rules that will significantly change how riders work, including removing full deductible coverage and increasing out-of-pocket costs.
While premiums are expected to fall, policyholders will now need to take on a greater share of their healthcare expenses — a deliberate move to rein in rising medical costs and insurance claims.
The changes in 2026 to integrated shield plan will directly impact how much you pay for premiums; how much you pay for medical cost, potential changes down the road (for policyholders signed before April 2026) and how you plan for your own insurance coverage.
1) More out of pocket medical cost
For new policyholders (Riders signed after April 2026):
- You must pay the deductible first (Depending on type of ward stay, ranging from $1500 to $3500)
- Co-insurance of 5-10%, capped at $6000 per year
For existing policyholders (Riders signed before Nov 2025):
You continue to be covered by the current rider plans which means
- Deductible covered
- Co-insurance of 5-10%, capped at $3000 per year
*Insurers are expected to phase in changes over time (TBD)
For existing policyholder (Riders signed after Nov 2025, and before April 2026)
- Your policy will be subjected to the new riders upon renewal
2) Premiums are expected to go down
- New riders are expected to be 30% lower than the previous rider.
3) Having a contingency plan for large hospital bills due to Critical illness
With higher out-of-pocket exposure, having just a Shield Plan is no longer enough.
You will need to think about:
- Setting aside an emergency medical fund
- Reviewing your critical illness coverage to ensure your own savings does not dwindle into paying medical treatment cost
( Panel Doctor )
| Insurer |
Income (EIS preferred with Optima Care Rider) |
Income (EIS preferred with Essential Care Rider) |
Hsbclife (Shield Plan A with Enhanced Care II) |
Raffles Shield (Raffles Private with Choice and Premier Rider) |
Singlife (Plan 1 with Health Plus) |
| Deductible |
Not covered |
Not covered |
Not covered |
Not covered |
Not covered |
| Co-insurance |
1) 5%, Capped at $6000 (Panel) 2) 8%, capped at $6000 (Extended panel) |
1) 7%, Capped at $6000 (Panel) 2) 10%, capped at $6000 (Extended panel) |
5%, capped at $6000 |
5%, capped at $6000 |
5%, capped at $6000 |
| Pre hospitalisation treatment |
180 days |
180 days |
180 days |
180 days |
180 days |
| Post hospitalisation treatment |
365 days |
365 days |
365 days |
365 days |
365 days |
( Non Panel Doctor )
| Insurer |
Income (EIS preferred with Optima Care Rider) |
Income (EIS preferred with Essential Care Rider) |
Hsbclife (Shield Plan A with Enhanced Care II) |
Raffles Shield (Raffles Private with Choice and Premier Rider) |
Singlife (Plan 1 with Health Plus) |
| Deductible |
Not covered |
Not covered |
Not covered |
Not covered |
Not covered |
| Co-insurance |
8%, no cap |
10%, no cap |
5%, no cap |
5%, no cap |
5%, no cap |
| Pre hospitalisation treatment |
100 days |
100 days |
90 days |
90 days |
90 days |
| Post hospitalisation treatment |
180 days |
100 days |
180 day |
180 day |
180 day |
The shift in Integrated Shield Plan riders reflects a broader truth about healthcare systems worldwide — when costs rise unchecked, change becomes inevitable.
MOH approach is clear: preserve access to quality care, while reintroducing personal responsibility into the equation.
As premiums, coverage, and personal responsibility evolve, what matters most is having a plan that continues to support your needs — not just today, but years down the road.
If you’re unsure how these changes affect your current plan, it may be a good time to review your coverage and explore your options with your financial advisor.
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