SINGAPORE — While Singaporeans living abroad will continue to benefit from MediShield Life, those permanently settled overseas may be exempted from paying premiums if they have lived outside the Republic for at least five years before applying to suspend paying premiums, among other criteria.

The Ministry of Health said this in a press statement on Friday (Sept 30), as it accepted the MediShield Life Council’s recommendations on coverage for overseas Singaporeans.

Under its recommendations, the council had acknowledged that there was a “small and distinct” pool of Singaporeans who have chosen to make their home overseas permanently and have no plans to live in Singapore. As such, these Singaporeans feel that they would not benefit from the health insurance scheme.

These citizens would be able to apply for a suspension of MediShield Life premium collection, if they hold a valid permanent residency permit in the country where they live and have lived outside Singapore for at least five years before the application, barring short visits not exceeding 140 days over the five-year period.

They must also be able to afford healthcare treatment in their country of residence and declare that they would not have to rely on MediShield Life when they receive medical treatment here.

Applications would be granted if they meet these criteria, and the suspension of premium collection would continue as long as the individual meets the requirements.

Those who eventually decide to return to Singapore or no longer meet the criteria would have to foot the accumulated sum of premiums not paid previously, with compound interest.

Likewise, Singaporeans who are granted suspension but seek medical treatment in the Republic while visiting and choose to claim MediShield Life payouts would also have to do the same.

The MediShield Life Council, in its review, sought input from Singaporeans based here and overseas, and the recommendations bear out the council’s “assessment after extensive deliberations and careful consideration of the many good ideas and suggestions received”.

Said the council’s chairperson, Mrs Fang Ai Lian: “This was a complex issue and the council took into consideration the varying circumstances of different groups of Singaporeans.

“Ultimately, our aim is to ensure that MediShield Life continues to meet the healthcare needs of all Singaporeans”.

Overseas Singaporeans who meet the eligibility criteria for suspension of premium collection may put in their applications to the Central Provident Fund Board from Oct 7.