Note: This first appeared in the monthly newsletter (Pinnacle Wealth series) to my clients.
(1) How/Where should I submit my claim?
For Singaporean & Permanent Residence, you are advised to do it via electronic filing, commonly known as E-File. You may request the admission office of the hospital you’re admitted in to do the electronic filing. This process only facilitates a direct billing to your insurer. It must not be mistaken as an approval of the admission claims.
For Foreigners, unless your health insurer provides a direct billing facility, you’re required to pay the bill on your own and, subsequently submit the claim for reimbursement.
(2) How may I request for a Letter of Guarantee if the hospital requires one?
Most Insurers provides electronic Letter of Guarantee, kindly speak with the hospital admission officer and they shall check and advise you on this. Most insurer works directly with hospitals for eLOG issuance. Please be aware that eLOG is by no means a claimsubmission or approval. It is simply a letter to reduce the upfront cash deposit by patients during admission and/or surgeries.
(3) Who should I submit my claim first?
While MOH FAQs recommends that you claimfrom your employer benefit insurance first before your ISP personal medical plans, based on our experience, e-filing under your ISP first often provides a seamless claim process.
(4) When should I submit my claim?
Upon discharge from the hospital. For day pre & post hospitalisation treatment or day surgeries, you can submit the claim after the procedure is done. However, it is best to do it within 3 months.
(5) What documents do I need to keep/submit?
Minimally, you should submit/keep the following documents:
- Discharge Summary Letter
- Hospital/Clinic’s Invoices & receipts
- Duly signed Claim Form, if any
- Duly signed Doctor Report, if any
Lastly, if you hold multiple health insurance policies, do note that:
- You may claim from multiple policies as long as the total amount of reimbursement across all insurers shall not exceed total bill paid.
- In the event there is any overlapping claimreimbursement across insurer, the insurer with first payor status shall reimburse the insurer with last payor status.
- Medishield Life, Integrated Shield Plan reserve the last payor status, while company health insurance has the first payor status.
If you’re unsure about your entitlement/insurance benefit, do reach out to me via whatsapp/email.
Shield Plans: NTUC Income Incomeshield, Singlife Myshield, HSBC Shield, AIA Healthshield, Raffles Shield, Prushield, GE Supremehealth.
Yvonne Lim
Representing IFA, Financial Alliance
https://engage.fa.com.sg/yvonnelim/
CFP, representing Financial Alliance 