Singapore – Implementation of Enhanced Medical Insurance for Foreign Employees to Better Support Employers

From 1 July 2023, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will enhance the minimum medical insurance (MI) required for all new and existing Work Permit (including migrant domestic workers) and S Pass holders.

These enhancements better protect you against large medical bills incurred by the foreign workers. Under the current S$15,000 coverage limit, more than 5% of bills incurred exceed this limit and could put these employers under financial strain. As medical costs rise, this proportion will increase further over time. The higher annual claim limit of S$60,000 will cover larger and more bills. This will minimise out-of-pocket expenses by employers, especially considering rising medical costs. MOM estimate that more than 99% of bills will fall within the new coverage and employers can have peace of mind.

 

Phased Implementation Approach

MOM will implement these enhancements in two stages on 1 July 2023 and 1 July 2025 for insurance policies, renewals or extensions that have a start date effective on or after these dates:

1 July 2023 (Stage 1) – This applies to policies with start date effective on or after 1 July 2023.

  • Introduction of a co-payment element * for employers and insurers for amounts above S$15,000, up to an annual claim limit of at least S$60,000

*Co-payment of 75% by insurers (and 25% by employers) for claim amounts above the first S$15,000.

1 July 2025 (Stage 2) – This applies to policies with start date effective on or after 1 July 2025.

  • Standardisation of allowable exclusion clauses
  • Introduction of age-differentiated premiums for those aged 50 and below, and those aged above 50
  • Requirement for insurers to reimburse hospitals directly upon the admissibility of the claim

Employers are encouraged to contact their insurers early to understand the MI products available and cost before renewing their policies.

Details on the requirements can be found on MOM’s website at https://go.gov.sg/momenhancedmedicalinsurance.