Does Mental Health Insurance Exist?
Mental health insurance does exist in Singapore and is becoming more widely available. Mental health coverage is usually bundled within health insurance plans rather than offered as a standalone product. Both public and private health insurance schemes are gradually expanding their coverage for mental health conditions, reflecting growing recognition of the importance of mental wellness in overall healthcare.
Key Takeaways
- Inpatient mental health treatment is well-covered, however outpatient therapy has lower limits and less consistency.
- International health insurance plans offer broader mental health coverage than local plans, but at higher premiums cost.
- Always check your policy's coverage limits, conditions, eligibility, and premium impact.
Coverage Under MediShield Life and Private Plans
All Singaporeans and Permanent Residents are covered by MediShield Life, the national health insurance scheme. MediShield Life covers inpatient mental health treatment in approved hospitals, with claim limits per year.
Our financial advisor explains the breadth of coverage available:
“So, of course, within MediShield Life, within the supplementary IP plans, integrated plans, right? Even private healthcare plans. They do have certain provisions for mental healthcare."
Edwin Ooi, Senior Financial Advisory Manager
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Coverage
When it comes to hospital stays for mental health treatment, coverage is generally available:
"If you are admitted to the hospital, yes, your health insurance will generally cover you up to a certain limit..."
Edwin Ooi, Senior Financial Advisory Manager
"The challenge comes when you are discharged and then you need to go for follow-up outpatient wise... there will be limits and generally the limits are quite low..."
Edwin Ooi, Senior Financial Advisory Manager
Localised vs. International Health Insurance
When considering mental health coverage options, it's important to understand the distinction between local health insurance and international health plans.
International health insurance does have a “bigger provision" for mental health coverage compared to localised plans. They typically offer more extensive outpatient mental health benefits and higher claim limits, though usually at a premium cost.
Additional Mental Wellness Support
Some specialised protection plans exist to cover specific mental health diagnoses such as major depressive disorder or schizophrenia, typically offered as enhanced benefits or riders.
Beyond traditional coverage, some insurers provide mental wellness support programmes offering access to digital self-assessment tools, mental wellness resources, or a limited number of coaching or counselling sessions.
The aim is to support mental well-being holistically, not just through hospitalisation or insurance payouts.
Next Steps: How to Choose Mental Health Insurance in Singapore?
If you're interested in learning more about options for mental health coverage, there are resources to help you compare plans and see how insurance works in real life situations. You can explore which options fit your needs before committing.
- Compare Integrated Shield Plans. Review which insurers or types of insurance plans tend to offer more robust outpatient mental health coverage in Singapore (i.e. higher outpatient mental health limits and better psychiatric care coverage). Look for plans with dedicated mental wellness benefits.
- Explore MediSave usage. How can you practically use MediSave funds for psychotherapy or counselling services to treat mental health conditions? Calculate potential savings on outpatient counselling costs.
- Would an international health insurance plan better suit your mental health coverage needs?
- Review mental wellness programmes. Some insurers include complimentary counselling sessions, digital mental health tools, or telehealth psychiatry services as part of your coverage.
Get the right plan for you today!
Not sure which health insurance plan suits you best? Our Financial Advisors are here to give you unbiased advice and help you make a confident decision, at no extra cost to you.
FAQs About Mental Health Insurance in Singapore
Does Singapore have mental health insurance?
Yes. Mental health coverage is available through:
- MediShield Life (National health insurance covering inpatient psychiatric treatment)
- Integrated Shield Plans (Private plans that supplement MediShield Life with enhanced mental health benefits)
- International health insurance (Broader outpatient coverage at higher premiums)
Coverage is bundled within standard health insurance policies, not sold separately.
Is mental health covered by MediShield Life?
- Yes, but only for inpatient treatment. MediShield Life covers psychiatric ward admissions at approved hospitals and related medical expenses during hospitalisation, subject to annual claim limits. Outpatient mental health care has minimal coverage under standard MediShield Life.
Can I use MediSave for therapy or counselling?
Yes, but only for specific conditions:
- Schizophrenia
- Major depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Dementia
- Anxiety disorders
Withdrawals apply to approved treatments at public healthcare facilities. Check with your provider for eligibility and limits.
What is the difference between local and international health insurance for mental health?
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Health Insurance Comparison Local health insurance plans International health insurance plans Basic mental health coverage Higher therapy session limits Lower outpatient limits Broader outpatient psychiatric coverage More affordable premiums Mental wellness programmes included Significantly higher costs Do Integrated Shield Plans cover outpatient mental health treatment?
- Yes, but coverage varies by insurer and plan level. Most Integrated Shield Plans (IPs) offer outpatient mental health benefits beyond MediShield Life, though limits are generally lower than inpatient coverage and co-payment requirements differ. Review your specific plan for outpatient psychiatric coverage limits and approved treatments.
Are mental wellness programmes covered by insurance?
Some insurers offer mental wellness programmes as complimentary benefits or add-on riders:
- Digital self-assessment tools
- Telehealth counselling sessions
- Mental health coaching
- Wellness resources and apps
Check with your insurer whether these are included or require additional riders.