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Income Health Insurance

Founded in 1970 as a co-operative social enterprise, Income has built over 50 years of trust serving Singaporeans individuals, families, businesses, and institutions. With Income health insurance, you get comprehensive private hospital coverage, public ward options with Medisave payment, and even specialised plans for foreigners—all designed to match your actual needs and budget, not force you into one-size-fits-all protection.
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Income Health Insurance: Integrated Shield Plans (IPs) & MediShield Life

Income's core health insurance comes under its Enhanced IncomeShield series—an Integrated Shield Plan (IP) that layers private insurance coverage on top of MediShield Life (Singapore's basic, compulsory national insurance scheme). This structure gives you higher coverage limits and access to private hospitals beyond what MediShield Life alone provides.

MediShield Life at a Glance

Who’s covered

All Singaporeans & PRs. Foreigners are strictly not eligible.

Coverage scope

Inpatient stays, day surgeries, and key outpatient treatments (e.g., cancer therapy, dialysis).

Claim limits

Specific limits per treatment type:

  • $830/day for normal wards
  • $5,140/day for ICU
  • Up to $9,600/month for cancer drugs

Subject to a maximum policy year limit of $200,000, with no lifetime cap. 


Also subject to annual deductibles and co-insurance, varying by age and hospital ward.

Exclusions

Treatments such as cosmetic surgery, most dental procedures (unless due to an accident), infertility treatments, and non-approved drugs.

Meet our financial advisors

You don’t need to do this alone. Our advisors are here to help you plan it right.
Our advisors aren’t here to push plans. They’re here to understand your life, answer your questions, and help you protect what matters most.
Meet our MDRT-qualified specialist and his team.
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Edwin Ooi
Senior Financial Advisory Manager, MDRT-qualified specialist
‘My focus is to always provide advice through a “needs-based” approach, and help clients integrate their insurance plans with their overall financial planning.’
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Estelle Lim
Financial Advisory Specialist
‘I’m all about making money matters feel less scary and way more doable. I love getting to know people, keeping things real, and making sure you feel totally supported (and never overwhelmed) when it comes to planning for your future.’

Speak to our Financial Advisors
How IncomeShield Plans Upgrade Your Medishield Life Coverage Infographic

Key Enhancements with IncomeShield

Besides Singaporeans and PRs, foreigners with a valid pass (e.g. Employment Pass, S Pass, or Long Term Visit Pass) can purchase any IncomeShield tier and riders, even though they're not usually eligible for the underlying MediShield Life component. Here's how the structure is like:

Feature / Plan

Enhanced IncomeShield Preferred

Enhanced IncomeShield Advantage

Enhanced IncomeShield Basic

IncomeShield for Foreigners (Preferred)

+ Classic Care Rider

+ Deluxe Care Rider

Hospital eligibility

Private hospitals, public Class A wards

Public Class A wards and below

Public Class B1 wards and below

Private hospitals, public Class A wards

Add-on to main plan

Annual claim limit

Up to $1.5 million

Up to $500,000

Up to $250,000

Up to $1.5 million

Follows main plan

Deductible

Varies by age/ward (e.g., $3,500 for private)

Waives deductible up to benefit limits

Co-insurance

10% (reduced with rider)

10% capped at $3,000/year at panel providers

5% capped at $3,000/year at panel providers

Eligibility

Singaporeans/PRs only

Non-SG citizens, non-PRs only

Singaporeans/PRs primarily

Pre-existing conditions & exclusions

Exclusions apply; must declare. Standard Income exclusions apply

Best for

Private hospital users wanting maximum coverage (S$1.5M limit, low co-insurance with riders)

Public hospital Class A users seeking good balance of coverage and premiums

Budget-conscious public hospital users (Class B1 wards)

Expats/non-citizens seeking comprehensive standalone coverage equal to Preferred tier

Those wanting lower out-of-pocket costs and non-panel hospital access

Those wanting minimum co-insurance (5%) and no non-panel penalties

MediShield supplement & rider options

To customise your coverage further, Income offers targeted riders such as Deluxe Care and Classic Care. Below are their respective coverage features:

Feature

Deluxe Care Rider

Classic Care Rider

Cover deductible & co-Insurance

Yes, up to benefit limits

Yes, up to benefit limits

Co-payment Limit

Lowered from 10% → 5% (capped at S$3,000 for panel clinics; no cap for non-panel)

Standard 10% co-insurance applies

Extended panel / Non-panel payment

No additional charges for non-panel clinics

Up to S$2,000 supplementary coverage for non-panel hospitals

Daily cash benefit

S$80/day for ward upgrades

Additional Cancer Drug Treatment (Outpatient)

Covers CDL-listed and non-CDL cancer treatments with 10% co-payment (CDL) or 20% co-payment (non-CDL); limits vary by base plan tier

✅ Best for

Minimising out-of-pocket costs at both public and private hospitalisation

Families or patients seeking additional flexibility and supplementary non-panel coverage



Key things to note about riders:

  • Classic Care and Deluxe Care Riders must be paired with a main IncomeShield plan to mitigate out-of-pocket costs and broaden hospital access. 
  • Pre-existing medical conditions are also subject to underwriting.
  • Premiums can be paid by family members’ MediSave (if the family member is a Singaporean or PR) or by cash.

Why choose Enhanced IncomeShield?

The premium for IncomeShield is relatively lower than average for most of the plan types, even with the riders included. 

For Enhanced IncomeShield plans with the Classic Care Rider (age 1 to 75):

  • The Basic and Advantage plans are very competitively priced, ranging from $112—$654
  • However, the Preferred plan is relatively more expensive, ranging from $369—$5,460.

For Enhanced IncomeShield plans with the Deluxe Care Rider (age 1 to 75):

  • The Basic and Advantage plans are fairly affordable, ranging from $168—$2,529.
  • Meanwhile, the Preferred plan starts at a markedly higher rate of $850—$10,862.

IncomeShield’s annual coverage limits scale based on the level of ward or hospital access you choose. In practical terms, this means:

  • Enhanced C plan: Annual coverage starts from around $150,000.
  • Enhanced Basic (Class B1 wards): Higher annual limit than Enhanced C.
  • Enhanced Advantage (Class A wards): Significantly higher policy year limit.
  • Enhanced Preferred (Private hospitals): Up to $1.5 million per policy year. 

These limits represent the maximum total amount claimable, regardless of whether you claim across hospitalisation, surgery, or other covered treatments.

Enhanced IncomeShield’s pre- and post-hospitalisation coverage is typically much more extensive when treatment is received through approved providers:

  • Pre-hospitalisation treatment: Up to 180 days before admission
  • Post-hospitalisation treatment: Up to 365 days after discharge

These timeframes facilitate continued, subsidised patient care for consultations, diagnostic tests, and follow-up treatment related to a covered hospitalisation.

Enhanced IncomeShield offers comprehensive coverage without fixed dollar sub-limits, where claims are paid according to the actual bill amount. “As charged” treatments include:

  • Inpatient hospitalisation expenses
  • Surgical procedures
  • Certain specialised outpatient treatments

However, these are not unlimited. Claims are still subject to:

  • Your plan’s policy year limit
  • Deductible and co-insurance requirements
  • Any policy terms or exclusions

IncomeShield Exclusions: What’s Not Covered

Understanding what IncomeShield doesn't cover is just as important as knowing what it does. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of common exclusions and limitations to avoid surprises when you need to claim.

Disclaimer: This is a non-exhaustive list of common exclusions. Always check with your policy wording or Income directly if you’re unsure whether a specific treatment or service is covered, especially before proceeding with major medical procedures.

Hospital admission & pre-existing conditions

Outpatient & general medical services

Birth defects, pregnancy & fertility

  • Hospital stays before your policy start date
  • Pre-existing illnesses, diseases, or conditions (unless declared and accepted without exclusions at application; MediShield Life may still cover if you're eligible)
  • General outpatient expenses (unless covered under pre- or post-hospitalisation treatment)
  • Medical check-ups, health screenings, primary prevention (except cancer surveillance screening ordered by a doctor)
  • Vaccinations
  • Genetic testing for health screening or risk evaluation
  • Birth defects, hereditary conditions, congenital abnormalities (unless covered under the congenital abnormalities benefit)
  • Pregnancy, childbirth, miscarriage, abortion, lactation complications (unless covered under pregnancy-related complications benefit)
  • Infertility treatments, assisted conception (IVF, IUI), and contraceptive procedures

Mental health & substance abuse

Cosmetic & elective procedures

Dental treatment

  • Psychological, personality, and behavioral disorders (unless inpatient psychiatric or brain stimulation treatment is covered)
  • Gambling or gaming addiction
  • Drug or alcohol abuse and related injuries
  • Cosmetic surgery and treatments to improve appearance (except breast reconstruction after mastectomy or surgery due to accident)
  • LASIK, spectacles, contact lenses, and hearing aids
  • Weight management treatments (gastric bands, liposuction)

Dental procedures are excluded unless accident-related and require inpatient care

Alternative & complementary medicine

High-cost & specialised medications

Medical Equipment & Experimental Treatments

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), chiropractic, acupuncture, homeopathy, naturopathy, and related treatments are not covered.

  • Outpatient cancer drugs not on the Cancer Drug List (CDL), unless covered by a rider
  • Cell, tissue, and gene therapy products not on MOH's approved list, unless covered by a rider
  • High-cost drugs (HCDs) used for conditions already covered by MediShield Life
  • Home medical equipment (wheelchairs, dialysis machines, etc.) and prostheses not surgically required
  • Experimental or unapproved medical techniques and devices

Other Income Health Insurance Plans

Income Care Secure & Secure Pro

These are CareShield Life supplements that provide:

  • Enhanced disability coverage + guaranteed $5,000 payout (if loss of ≥ 2 Activities of Daily Living)
  • Up to 600% increase in support benefits
  • Lump sum death benefit
  • Can pay premiums via MediSave

Hospital Care Insurance

Features a daily hospital cash plan:

  • Up to $200 per day for hospitalisation (including Covid-19)
  • Up to $600 per day for ICU stays
  • Day surgery coverage
  • Up to $750 for emergency outpatient expenses
  • Up to $500 for ambulance costs

Co-Pay Assist Plan

A group insurance policy only available for public officers covered under the Comprehensive Co-payment Scheme (CCS). It reduces out-of-pocket costs by covering: 

  • Co-payment by up to 7.5% for employees and up to 20% for dependents
  • Inpatient and outpatient treatments, including medical expenses incurred during overseas job postings

Premiums can be paid via payroll deduction in the form of cash/cheque for the first year.

IPs for public officers

This is a discounted health insurance scheme for MINDEF and SAF servicemen and their families. It covers hospitalisation, surgery, and select outpatient treatments. Premiums can be paid via MediSave and coverage continues beyond public service tenure

Income Corporate & Group Health Plans

Income offers a comprehensive suite of group insurance products for SMEs and corporates (minimum 2 employees), covering both Singaporean/PR and expat staff:

Category

Plan

Coverage

Health & Medical

Employees FlexCare

Customizable group health plan with flexible coverage tiers

WorkMedic

Outpatient and hospitalization coverage

Group Hospital and Surgical Insurance

Hospitalization, surgeries, ICU stays

Personal Accident

Group Personal Accident

Accidental death, disability, and medical expenses

Short-term Group Personal Accident

Temporary PA coverage for projects or events

Group Personal Accident for MOE Personnel

PA coverage for Ministry of Education staff

Life Insurance

Group Term Life

Death and total permanent disability coverage

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Which Income Health Insurance Plan to Choose

How to apply for your Health Insurance plan

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Applying for a Health Insurance plan through MoneySmart

Step 1

Reach out to our expert advisors

Click on our “Compare Now” or “Get a Quote” buttons on this page to answer a personalised questionnaire on your current health insurance coverage, gaps, and pending needs.
Step 2

Submit questionnaire

Upon completion, our MDRT-licensed advisor and his team will reach out to you within a few working days. Together with you, they’ll assess your health insurance portfolio, understand your coverage needs, and advise on the best IncomeShield plan fit all within a tailored consultation.
Step 3

Apply & purchase health insurance

Once you’ve spoken to our insurance specialists and considered your options against your budget, apply for your preferred IncomeShield health insurance plan through our online portal!

Not Sure Which Shield Actually Shields You? 🛡️

IncomeShield is one option, but it may not be the only one that fits your needs. Our licensed advisors can walk you through the differences, from coverage limits to pre- and post-hospitalisation benefits, so you choose with clarity—not guesswork.

How to Make an IncomeShield Health Insurance Claim?

To understand how to navigate the claims process under Enhanced IncomeShield Preferred, Advantage, Basic, or IncomeShield for foreigners, you’ll need to know the common pitfalls as well as the various claims scenarios for panel/non-panel hospitals, riders, and foreigners.

Common claims mistakes to avoid

  • ncomplete documentation (signatures, bills, reports)
  • Late filing (past Income’s deadline)
  • Panel confusion (verify your provider's panel status)
  • Outdated medical disclosures
  • Non-English documents without certified translations


Panel vs non-panel hospital claims

Rider & supplement claims

Expat and foreigner claims

Panel hospitals: Submitted as electronic claims by hospitals for faster processing and lower out-of-pocket costs


Non-panel hospitals: Submitted manually with supporting documents like medical bills and invoices.

Riders (Deluxe Care, Classic Care) are processed automatically with your main claim—no separate submission needed. 


Just verify your co-insurance cap and non-panel coverage match your hospital choice and to include all supporting documents.

Submit copies of:


  • Passport and valid work/visit pass
  • Certified English translations of non-English documents
  • Payments via MediSave (subject to CPF limits) or cash; riders require cash only.

Step 1

Verify your hospital’s panel status

Confirm if your hospital is part of Income’s panel network by either checking Income’s website directly or asking the hospital’s billing department.

If panel, submit e-claims. If non-panel, submit manual claims.
Step 2

For panel provider claims (e-submission)

Once you’ve confirmed your hospital is on the panel, just take note of:

  • To receive statement showing covered and non-covered amounts
  • Claims processing takes 5–10 business days
  • Only need to pay co-insurance/deductible at discharge
Step 3

Non-provider claims (manual submission)

For non-panel hospitals, you’ll need to submit claims by yourself.

  • Download the claim form from Income's website or collect at a branch
  • Gather supporting documents:
    • Original bills and receipts
    • Discharge summary with diagnosis details
    • Referral letter (if applicable)
    • Medical/lab reports (if requested)
    • For expats: passport, work/visit pass, and certified English translations of non-English documents
Step 4

Submit claim within deadline

Whether e-claim or manual submission, ensure to do so within 90–180 days of hospital discharge. Refer to your Income policy for the exact deadline.
Step 5

Track claims progress

Once submitted, monitor claim’s status through Income’s online portal or by calling their helpline.


Expect processing to take between 2–4 weeks for straightforward claims, or longer for claims requiring extra documentation or medical review.

Step 6

In case of rejection, appeal!

In the event your claim is rejected or partially denied, remember you have the right to appeal with additional information and documents!


💡 Always keep copies of everything submitted, including submission receipt or tracking number.

IncomeShield Premiums, Payment Options & Cost-Saving Tips

Singaporeans and PRs:

Pay main plan premiums via MediSave (up to CPF-approved limits). Riders must be paid in cash.

Foreigners / expats:

Access “Preferred for Foreigners” plan only. Pay via cash or MediSave from a Singaporean/PR family member (subject to withdrawal limits).

Do note that non-citizen foreigners are not eligible for MediShield Life, so the plan will operate as a standalone private IP.

How to pay with MediSave?

  1. Apply for IncomeShield with the help of our licensed financial advisors.
  2. Select CPF/MediSave payment at checkout (main plan only).
  3. Set up auto-deduction (GIRO) or pay once.
  4. For expats/mixed families, use an eligible family member's MediSave or pay cash.

IncomeShield cost-saving tips

  • Right-size your coverage: Select an IncomeShield plan tier that aligns with your typical hospital coverage preference. Avoid over-insuring for private hospitals if you’re happy with public wards.
  • Review riders carefully: Only add riders like Deluxe Care (reduces co-insurance to 5%, removes non-panel penalty) or Classic Care (extra cash benefits, non-panel cover) if the extra out-of-pocket protection justifies the added premium cost.
  • Reassess annually: As premiums increase with age, re-evaluate yearly if your current tier still fits your budget and hospital preferences.
  • Compare at renewal: During policy renewals, don’t shy away from the idea of “shopping around” for other plans. Other IPs may offer better rates or coverage for your profile.
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Pick Your IncomeShield Plan in 3 Steps

FAQs About Income Health Insurance in Singapore

Can expats or foreigners get Income health insurance?

Yes. Foreigners (non-citizens, non-PRs) can apply for IncomeShield Preferred for Foreigners, which covers:

  • Private hospitals and public Class A wards
  • Optional riders (Classic Care, Deluxe Care) to reduce out-of-pocket costs

Premiums are payable via cash or a Singaporean/PR family member's MediSave (within CPF limits). Riders are cash-only.

What's the difference between the main Income health insurance plan and its riders?

Main plan: Core coverage for hospitalization, surgery, and major outpatient treatments.

Riders (add-ons): Optional enhancements that reduce co-insurance and add non-panel hospital access:

  • Deluxe Care: Lowers co-insurance to 5% (capped $3,000 per year), covers non-panel penalties
  • Classic Care: 10% co-payment cap ($3,000 per year), non-panel flexibility

How do I upgrade or switch my Income health insurance plan?

To upgrade or switch your plan:

  1. Review your hospital preferences and coverage needs
  2. Check eligibility (SG/PR can access all tiers; foreigners only Preferred for Foreigners)
  3. Submit change form during renewal (30 days before) or mid-term
  4. Undergo medical underwriting for upgrades
  5. New coverage takes effect once approved

Do also note the following caveats:

  • Upgrades to higher tiers require health assessment; new conditions may be imposed.
  • Downgrades don't require fresh health checks. However, exclusions at inception are maintained. 
  • Riders can only be changed at renewal
  • 12-month waiting period may apply to upgraded benefits and pre-existing conditions

Can I use MediSave or CPF to pay my premiums?

  • Singaporeans/PRs: You can use MediSave to pay for main plan premiums, up to CPF Board limits. Riders must be paid in cash.
  • Foreigners: Main plan premiums can be paid by cash, or via a Singaporean/PR family member’s MediSave (within CPF limits). Riders are strictly cash-only.

For an in-depth walkthrough, refer to our CPF and MediSave insurance guide.

Which hospitals are considered “panel” and why does it matter?

Panel hospitals partner with Income for direct medical billing and preferred rates. Using them means:

  • Lower out-of-pocket costs
  • Claims will be e-filed, as advised by the hospital’s business office prior to admission
  • Capped co-insurance (especially with riders)

Non-panel hospitals may incur higher charges unless you hold the Deluxe Care rider.

How do I make an Income health insurance claim? What documents are needed?

Panel hospitals:Claims will be e-filed as advised by hospital admin

Non-panel/manual claims:

  • Completed claim form (from NTUC Income website)
  • Original bills and receipts
  • Hospital discharge summary and medical reports
  • For expats: Passport, work pass copies, certified English translations (if needed)

How can I apply for Income health insurance plans?

The easiest way to apply is to get a personalised review from our team of MDRT-licensed financial advisers. Whether you’re a Singaporean, PR, or expat, they’ll assess your current health insurance portfolio, explain your options, and help you choose the right Income plan for your needs.


Request a free health insurance review and our experts will guide you through the application process, paperwork, and any required medical checks.

Are there waiting periods or exclusions for pre-existing conditions?

Yes. Pre-existing medical conditions declared at application may be excluded entirely, subject to loading (higher premiums), or waived if properly disclosed (subject to underwriting assessment). Upgrades to higher tiers trigger new medical underwriting and may exclude recently developed conditions.

What happens if I want to downgrade or remove a rider?

You can usually downgrade during renewal or mid-term without fresh health checks. However:

  • You may lose certain benefits
  • Any health conditions developed since policy start may face new exclusions

Check with our MoneySmart financial advisors or Income directly for mid-term downgrade availability

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