Assisted Reproduction Programme Insurance

NOTICE PAPER NO. 763

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER 

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 2 OCTOBER 2017 

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang 

MP for Nee Soon GRC

Question No. 1327

To ask the Minister for Health whether the Ministry will consider making neo-natal insurance for in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) compulsory at the point of a positive pregnancy blood test rather than at the point of embryo transfer.

Answer

1    The Assisted Reproduction Programme (ARP) insurance scheme provides protection against possible high costs in neonatal bills incurred by babies conceived via in-vitro fertilisation (IVF). This is in recognition of the higher risks and costs that these babies potentially face at birth. For example, couples undergoing IVF run a higher risk of multiple pregnancies, and this may result in the premature birth of babies who may need neo-natal intensive care.

2    Couples are currently required to purchase ARP insurance at the point when they enroll for IVF. This makes the insurance premiums more affordable for all couples using IVF.

3    MOH is currently reviewing this policy. If the requirement to purchase insurance is deferred to a later stage, such as upon successful pregnancies from IVF, the risk pool will be smaller and insurance premiums higher.