My 62 yo Dad, currently covered under NTUC IncomeShield Standard Plan, was recommended to upgrade to an Enhanced Plan. However, he was recently diagnosed with Type II diabetes. Should he still do it?

Hi anon,

You face a tricky situation.

If his ISP has no exclusions, upgrading to Enchanced Incomeshield will require medical underwriting and most likely you will face exclusions or a decline.

You may wish to try Raffles ISP with preliminary underwriting to see if a favourable outcome can be offered. If the coverage terms match existing, then you may consider the switch. This really depends on the exact details of your dad's health, such as his HbA1c levels, etc.

If less favourable terms are offered, know that a switch will actually reduce your scope of coverage even if you can go to a better hospital. You should consider this very carefully.

Oooooo is this the same servicing agent? Did s/he know of your dad's condition?
I ever shared with my agent that my mother may have diabetes years ago due to her pregnancy, would she be able to apply for health insurance and my agent said unlikely as if underwriters see diabetes, is like straight reject? Haha. But she did say can try if mum is not on any medications now but I haven't gotten round to talking to my mother.
Anyway, I think at that age should look at the premium table and see if your dad can even afford to pay the yearly premium especially after retirement? If he thinks is ok, then can consider to upgrade but perhaps you could try to speak to the agent to hear his viewpoints for the suggestion. Otherwise no point. I would rather stick to current plan especially if all conditions are currently being covered under the standard plan