The MediShield Life Council has reviewed the issue of MediShield Life coverage for overseas Singaporeans and now recognises that there is a small and distinct group of overseas Singaporeans who have chosen to live abroad permanently, have no intention to reside in Singapore, and feel that they will not benefit from MediShield Life.
MOH has accepted the MediShield Life Council’s recommendation that an administrative arrangement for this group of overseas Singaporeans where they can apply for suspension of MediShield Life premium collection.
Administrative Arrangement for Overseas Singaporeans who have Permanently Relocated Abroad
Overseas Singaporeans who live abroad permanently with no intention to reside in Singapore can apply for and be granted the suspension of MediShield Life premium collection, if they meet the eligibility criteria. The suspension will continue for each person as long as he continues to fulfil all the criteria.
Cessation of the Suspension of Premium Collection
Should a successful applicant (a) choose to relocate back to Singapore or (b) no longer meet the eligibility criteria for suspension of premium collection, the arrangement will cease. He will have to pay the accumulated sum of premiums not paid previously, with compound interest. He would not need to pay additional premiums for health conditions developed during the suspension of MediShield Life premium collection.
Seeking MediShield Life Coverage for Treatment in Singapore
If a successful applicant seeks medical treatment in Singapore during suspension of MediShield Life premium collection (e.g. while visiting), he can choose to claim and benefit from MediShield Life payouts. Similarly, once he does so, his suspension of MediShield Life premium collection will cease and he will have to pay the full sum of the premiums not paid previously, with compound interest.
Eligibility Criteria
Those who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply for the suspension of premium collection:
- Singapore Citizen
- Live abroad permanently with no intention to reside in Singapore*, based on the following supporting indicators:
- Possess a valid permanent residency permit in their country of residence;
- Resided outside Singapore for at least five years immediately preceding their application for suspension of premium collection, except for short visits**; and
- Able to afford healthcare treatment in their country of residence, and declare that they do not need to rely on MediShield Life in Singapore***.
* Only those who have completed their full-time National Service or have been informed by the Ministry of Defence that they need not serve full-time National Service are eligible.
**Visits to Singapore during the five years should not exceed 140 days in total. The period of assessment will be for the five years preceding 1 Nov 2015 for those who wish to apply for a refund of MediShield Life premiums from the start of MediShield Life.
***Applicants should not have benefitted from MediShield or MediShield Life payouts in the five years prior to the start of the suspension of premium collection.
—
For more information on the detailed eligibility criteria for specific groups, e.g., for minors, please click here.
Applications will be opened from 7 October 2016 and will be made available HERE.
Refunds of MediShield Life premiums (if eligible) will be provided only for complete applications received by the Central Provident Fund Board by 31 July 2017. If you do not wish to receive a refund, please submit a written request to the Board together with the application.