First autism insurance scheme sees ‘solid’ start

SINGAPORE — The first insurance scheme here designed for children and young adults with autism has seen some 50 applications since its launch last week, as well as sparked calls urging insurers to consider schemes for those with mental illnesses, other intellectual disabilities and epilepsy.

NTUC Income, which rolled out the SpecialCare (Autism) scheme in collaboration with the Autism Resource Centre, called the number “a solid start” and said the scheme paved the way for “explor(ing) solutions for the special needs community”.

Other insurance companies that TODAY contacted, however, gave no indication of plans to roll out similar policies.

Mr David Ng, Senior Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer of Prudential Singapore, said the insurer’s “current whole life plans such as PRULife and endowment plans such as PRUSave offer coverage for people with mental disabilities”, subject to terms and conditions.

He said certain riders may be granted, “depending on the person’s physical impairments, mental ability and intellectual functioning”, adding that a full doctor’s report would be required.

AIA Singapore would only say it “supports efforts to bridge the under-insurance gap” and is committed to serving “customers’ evolving needs”.

Earlier this week, NTUC Income also said it has offered insurance to some people suffering from mental illnesses, in response to a letter published in The Straits Times urging coverage for this group.

Queried by TODAY, NTUC Income did not reveal the criteria used to assess one’s suitability for coverage, but said: “Over time, NTUC Income will accumulate experience from SpecialCare (Autism) and be in a better position to study the viability of special needs products.”

Mr Keh Eng Song, Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore CEO said NTUC Income’s move is a good first step, but added: “There are other disabilities that are not covered and we hope that down the road, something can be done about it.”

Mr Goh Keng Hwee, Executive Director of Epilepsy Care Group (Singapore), said personal accident insurance would help offset medical costs for epileptics who sustain injuries during seizures, especially those who are low-income.

“We are all citizens of Singapore, if they can pay (the premiums), they should be given insurance coverage.”