Should the "panel of specialists" in hospitalisation plans today be a concern for those thinking about upgrading their "old" hospitalisation plan?

Hi Anon,

I think that really depends on what you are looking at. 1 of the main reasons why we would want to upgrade our coverage to that of private hospitals is usually because in private hospitals, we have the option to choose our doctors and also treatment as well. And sometimes in such a case, the panel of specialists in the hospitalistion plan might not even come into play.

Also with the change to coverage for up to private hospitals, usually the annual claimable limit is increased drastically, as compared to public hospitals. Also when you select coverage to that of private hospitals, you have the options to choose public healthcare if you would like to, but if your coverage is only for public healthcare and should you decide to choose treatment in a private hospital instead, there will be a pro-ration factor I believe. So you got to see what suits you and makes the best sense to you​​​

Hi Anon,

I'm an IFA and personally also using NTUC incomeshield.

Yes if you are upgrading to private plan, your Assist Rider will have to change to classic rider.

Good part is, Classic rider is about 10-20% cheaper than assist rider because of the panel limitations. Bad is there's non-panel specialists limitations to claims as you are aware.

Few points to clarify on NTUC Rider panels:

For consultation fees, medicines, examinations and tests for outpatient hospital treatment claim, we will not apply the co-payment limit if the insured’s stereotactic radiotherapy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy (if it applies) or outpatient renal dialysis is not provided

by our panel1.

For each claim that meets the limits on special benefits (if it applies) or limit in each policy year of your policy, the co-payment for that claim will not be added towards the co-payment limit of $3,000 for each policy year.

With this rider, you will have to make an additional non-panel payment of up to $2,000 in each policy year for inpatient hospital treatment, pre-hospitalisation treatment, post-hospitalisation treatment or special benefits claim(s) (if it applies) if the treatment during the insured’s stay in hospital is not provided by our panel1.

Should that be a factor for me to consider?

This is a tough questions. If you chose advantage plan at the start, perhaps you were more inclined to government hospitals at the start? If government hospital claim, then the panel issue is a non-factor.

It's only a factor if you now have a preferred specialist that is not in NTUC's panel (more than 200 specialist) over here https://www.income.com.sg/specialist-panel .

If you've further questions or need policy servicing, do contact NTUC's hotline or email to [email protected]. Take care