Important Updates on Shield Coverage

The following are some updates on AIA HealthShield Gold Max A.

In line with the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) announcement, on the 24^th March 2020, Singapore Residents, meaning Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents; as well as Long-Term Pass holders, will not be able to claim under MediShield Life, or Integrated Shield Plans for treatments at both public and private hospitals if they leave Singapore from the 27^th March 2020, in disregard of prevailing travel advisories; are admitted for suspected COVID-19; and have onset of symptoms during such travel within 14 days of returning to Singapore.

AIA Singapore is aligned with the government’s position on this matter, and support efforts to minimise the spread of COVID-19.  This includes discouraging actions which run counter to the government’s containment and mitigation efforts.  Hence with immediate effect, AIA HealthShield Gold Max will not provide cover for those insured who meet the above criteria.

With effect from 03^rd June 2020, all outbound Singapore Citizen and Permanent Resident, as well as Long-Term Pass holder travellers approved under the Green Lane arrangement with Chinese provinces and municipalities (Chongqing, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Tianjin and Zhejiang) and Singapore will now be able to claim under MediShield Life, or Integrated Shield Plans for treatments at public or private hospitals in Singapore.

With effect from 07^th August 2020, for future permitted travel arrangements, including Reciprocal Green Lane and Special Green Lane Fast or Green Lane arrangements, all outbound MediShield Life, or Integrated Shield Plans travellers approved under these arrangements, will be subject to the regular healthcare financing arrangements for inpatient COVID-19 bills should they have onset of symptoms within 14 days of returning to Singapore.

This means Singapore Citizen and Permanent Resident travellers will be eligible to receive prevailing Government subsidies for their treatment and also be eligible to claim under MediShield Life, or Integrated Shield Plans, but be responsible for any remaining co-payment.  Long-Term Pass holder holders may tap on their prevailing financing arrangements as well.

Public hospitals and private hospitals, in Singapore, will be able to identify travellers who will be able to claim from MediShield Life, or Integrated Shield Plans.  When they see such patients, they will e-file their claims.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. If the Insured is travelling under the Reciprocal Green Lane and Special Green Lane Fast or Green Lane arrangements or has been granted the approval for the travel by the MOH, does AIA HealthShield Gold Max pay for admission due to COVID-19 in Singapore or overseas?

Yes, subject to the policy conditions. 

2. On the 24^th March 2020, the Ministry of Health announced measures against Singapore Residents and Long-Term Pass Holders who disregard travel advisories.  How does this affect my AIA HealthShield Gold Max coverage for COVID-19?

The Ministry of Health announced on the 24^th March 2020 that Singapore Residents or Long-Term Pass holders will be charged at unsubsidised rates for their inpatient stay at public hospitals, unless they are eligible for exemption as described above, if they leave Singapore from the 27^th March 2020, in disregard of prevailing travel advisories; are then admitted for suspected COVID-19; and have onset of symptoms during such travel and within 14 days of returning to Singapore.

Singapore residents and Long-term Pass Holders meeting the above criteria will not be able to claim from MediShield Life or Integrated Shield Plans – such as AIA HealthShield Gold Max, for treatments at public or private hospitals.

However, if they are eligible for exemption under the Reciprocal Green Lane and Special Green Lane Fast or Green Lane arrangements, AIA HealthShield Gold Max will provide cover subject to the policy conditions. 

3. Will I be able to claim for miscellaneous benefits such as Daily Hospital Incentives if I violate the travel advisory?

Obviously, no. 

4. Will I be able to claim under my AIA HealthShield Gold Max’s Emergency Overseas Medical Treatment Benefit if I am hospitalised overseas due to COVID-19, having left Singapore from 27^th March 2020, in violation of the Ministry of Health’s travel advisory?

Again, obviously no.