What You Need to Know About the Coverage for Special Access Jabs like Sinovac in Integrated Shield Plan

With over 30% of the population fully vaccinated, and with vaccination slots now open to the last population group, it’s good to know how you will be protected in the case of an adverse reaction to the vaccine.

In fact, it was declared back in January that all seven insurance firms were extending their coverage to include hospitalisation resulting from COVID-19 vaccination complications.

However, that only covers the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines that Singapore has approved. What about those who have decided to opt for Sinovac after it has been approved for private healthcare use?

IP Will Cover Hospitalisation After Vaccine Jab

On Thursday (17 Jun), the Life Insurance Association (LIA) announced that policyholders with Integrated Shield Plans (IP) will now be covered if they are hospitalised as a result of complications from COVID-19 vaccines—ones that are under Singapore’s pandemic special access route (SAR).

So far, the only vaccine to be approved under this scheme is Sinovac.

As the China-made vaccine is not part of our national vaccination programme, it is not eligible for the Vaccine Injury Financial Assistance Programme (Vifap) should individuals develop any adverse reactions.

Those who still want to get the vaccine should discuss the risks and benefits with their doctors at their selected private healthcare institutions before making a decision. They may contact the providers directly from 18 June 2021.

The new move will provide reassurance to those who wish to take the alternative vaccines.

President of the LIA, Mr Khor Hock Seng, said: “We understand that some Singaporeans may wish to receive vaccination under the special access route and hope that our member insurers’ proactive commitment in extending in-patient hospitalisation benefits for complications can provide assurance that Integrated Shield Plans policyholders will be covered.”

LIA noted that the extension of this coverage will be provided by all seven IP insurers in Singapore. More specifically, these are:

• AIA,
• Aviva,
• AXA,
• Great Eastern Life,
• NTUC Income,
• Prudential
• Raffles Health Insurance.

In addition, the special insurance coverage of all COVID-19 vaccinations in Singapore (including the ones under SAR) will be provided till the end of the year.

The association would continue to monitor the situation and will assess whether there is a need to extend the duration of the coverage.

What is an Integrated Shield Plan?

According to CNA, an Integrated Shield Plan consists of two components. One is MediShield Life, which is managed by the Central Provident Fund Board. The other is an additional private insurance coverage run by insurance companies.

The latter covers hospitalisation in A- and B1-type wards in public hospitals as well as private hospitals.

To read more about the initial coverage of the Integrated Shield Plan, click here!

Featured Image: PhotobyTawat/ Shutterstock.com