Raising the Medishield Maximum Coverage Age

25 Sep 2005

With effect from 1 Jan 2006, MediShield's maximum coverage age will be raised from 80 to 85. At the same time, the Medisave withdrawal limit for paying the premiums of Medisave-approved medical insurance will be raised from $660 to $800.

MediShield's Maximum Coverage Age

When MediShield was introduced in 1990, the scheme insured policyholders up to a maximum age of 65 years. Since then, the maximum coverage age has been periodically reviewed. It was raised to 70 in 1992, then to 75 in 1996, and most recently to 80 in 2001. The adjustments are in tandem with rising life expectancy and relevant claims experience as the scheme matured.

As part of the MediShield Reform, the Ministry of Health, in consultation with the CPF Board, has reviewed the current MediShield maximum coverage age of 80 and decided to raise it to 85. This will take effect from Jan 1, 2006.

The MediShield premiums for age 81 to 85 are as follows:

The maximum entry age for MediShield will remain at age 75.

Medisave Withdrawal Limits

In line with this extension, the Medisave withdrawal limits for Medisave-approved medical insurance premiums will be raised from $660 to $800 per year. This will also take effect from Jan 1, 2006. This will allow all CPF members who have purchased Medisave-approved medical insurance schemes to withdraw more Medisave to pay for their premiums.