Best Mental Health Insurance Coverage in Singapore – Which Insurers Cover It?
In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of mental health. Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
In fact, mental health conditions are more common than we think and have become a growing concern in Singapore, with an estimated 1 in 7 people in Singapore having experienced a mental health disorder in their lifetime and 1 in 3 young people between the ages of 11 to 18 experiencing mental health disorder symptoms. Mental health disorder conditions can range from mild to severe and can profoundly impact our lives. But there is hope. With early intervention and treatment, most people with mental health conditions can get better and lead productive lives.
Additionally, the Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the mental health of many Singaporeans. The stress and anxiety of living through a global pandemic can be overwhelming, and the isolation and loneliness of social distancing can take a toll on even the most resilient people. For many, the pandemic has triggered mental health conditions such as major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health issues. The good news is that there is help available. Mental health professionals can provide support and guidance to help people cope with the challenges of the pandemic.
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The Importance of Mental Health Services
With the right mental health services and treatments, many can lead healthy, functioning lives, just like with physical illnesses. This is where mental health insurance coverage comes in. In Singapore, there is increasing mental health awareness and growing treatment options and accessibility for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents.
This increased awareness and accessibility regarding mental health treatments have been a welcome development, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. In recent years, there have been rapid movements in this direction, with the destigmatisation of mental health issues and decriminalising attempted suicide.
Mental Health and Singapore’s Healthcare System
While the healthcare options and coverage may not be as comprehensive as for physical illnesses, there are some options and a system in place for mental health treatments within the Singapore healthcare system. There is a Chronic Disease Management Programme which is put in place by the government, and this programme not only covers chronic physical illnesses, but also mental health conditions like schizophrenia, major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder through MediSave.
The Chronic Disease Management Programme is available at public hospitals, Specialist Outpatient Clinics (SOCs), polyclinics and more than 1250 GP clinics and private specialist clinics in Singapore. Outpatient coverage is capped at S$500 per year, with a 10% co-pay. You can even choose to use your MediSave to pay for psychiatric hospitalisation, with a S$150 limit per day and S$5000 limit per year.
Private Insurance Coverage for Mental Health
In 2019, AIA Singapore became the first insurer to cover mental health conditions in a policy with the AIA Beyond Critical Care Insurance Plan. This has gone a long way towards acknowledging mental health as real conditions that require treatments and support, as well as breaking down the stigma associated with mental illnesses. With proper coverage and claims, people in Singapore can get more timely and appropriate treatments.
The AIA Beyond Critical Care Insurance Plan offers premium coverage and claims on top of the basic protection against mental illnesses as well as major stage critical illnesses (CIs) and relapse. It also comes with optional add-ons that offer greater coverage. The plan enables people to get proper access to trusted medical support services and comprehensive benefits so that they have proper treatments and support throughout their journey.
The AIA Beyond Critical Care Insurance Plan provides Mental Well-being Benefit, Holistic Critical Illness Protection, 100% Refund of Premium Benefit and more. With the Mental Well-being Benefit, you can get an additional 20% of the coverage amount (up to S$50,000 per claim) until age 75 for five prominent mental illnesses such as major depressive disorder (MDD), schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and Tourette syndrome (up to age 21).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can people with depression buy insurance?
- While you can buy insurance if you have depression, the policy currently would not cover mental health conditions such as depression, even if you do not have pre-existing conditions. As of now, the AIA Beyond Critical Care Insurance Plan covers five major mental illnesses such as major depressive disorder (MDD), schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and Tourette syndrome (up to age 21).
Does MediShield cover mental health conditions?
- Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents are covered by MediShield Life, the government’s healthcare insurance plan. With this plan, you can utilise up to 35 days of psychiatric inpatient care per year, with a claim limit of up to S$100 per day. MediShield Life payouts apply to B2 or C wards in public hospitals. If you use any ward classes above that, you’ll have to factor in additional out-of-pocket costs.
Can I upgrade my Medishield Life health insurance plan for mental health treatments?
- Yes, you can upgrade your Medishield Life health insurance plan by purchasing an Integrated Shield Plan, which will allow you to make more claims for mental health treatments such as psychiatric hospitalisation, outpatient treatment, and diagnosis received before and after hospitalisation. Depending on your Integrated Shield Plan, you may also be able to use B1 or A wards, or private hospitals. You will still need to co-pay a certain portion with additional out-of-pocket costs.
Will I be able to use my MediSave to pay for mental health treatments?
- Yes, but only to a certain extent. Under the Chronic Disease Management Programme that is available at public hospitals, Specialist Outpatient Clinics (SOCs), polyclinics and private specialist clinics in Singapore, you'll be able to enjoy outpatient coverage is capped at S$500 per year, with a 10% co-pay, and use your MediSave to pay for psychiatric hospitalisation, with a S$150 limit per day and S$5000 limit per year.