The Multi-ministry Task Force (MTF) announced on August 6 that those who travel overseas under current approved essential travel arrangements may claim for medical subsidies if they require treatment for Covid-19.

The revised policy will start on August 7 (Friday).

For permitted arrangements

Health minister Gan Kim Yong shared that the Multi-ministerial Task Force (MTF) has reviewed the charging policy for Covid-19 treatment for travellers.

Currently, the government bears the cost of in-patient medical bills for Singaporeans, Permanent Residents (PRs), and long-term pass holders who require treatment for Covid-19.

Singaporeans, PRs, and long-term pass holders who have travelled overseas from Mar. 27 onwards are required to pay for their own inpatient medical bills in full should they have onset of symptoms within 14 days of returning to Singapore.

However, from Aug. 7, all outbound Singaporeans, PRs and long-term pass holders who travel abroad under permitted travel arrangements, such as the bilateral travel arrangements with Malaysia and China, will qualify for medical subsidies, said Gan.

This includes the Green/ Fast Lanes schemes that are currently in place, as well as any permitted travel arrangement that may be implemented in the future.

These travellers will be able to tap on the regular health care financing arrangement for their in-patient medical bills, if they show symptoms of Covid-19 within 14 days after returning to Singapore and require hospital admission for the suspected infection.

Gan said,

"This means that Singaporeans and PRs will be eligible for government subsidies and MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plan coverage. Long-term pass holders may utilise their prevailing financing arrangements, such as the foreign worker insurance. Any remaining co-payment will be paid by the patient."

Those who breach existing travel advisories will continue to pay for own treatment if they contract Covid-19

Those who are not under permitted travel arrangements and breach existing travel advisories will continue to pay for their Covid-19 in-patient medical bills.

Short-term pass holders entering Singapore without the permitted travel arrangements will remain responsible for their medical bills should they test positive for Covid-19 within 14 days of arrival in Singapore, Gan added.

"While our community numbers have remained low, we must continue to be vigilant," Gan reiterated.

He added that Singapore should learn from the experience of other countries who are currently facing their second and third waves of the outbreak, after restrictions were lifted.

Gan shared that the MTF has been taking a cautious approach in easing restrictions, but has also been taking in feedback on the resumption of activities.

"That is why we've recently eased restrictions on two significant life events, weddings, and wakes and funerals. We recognise that these are key milestones in life that Singaporeans commemorate, and that memories of these events stay precious, long after the Covid-19 pandemic is over.

We'll continue to assess the situation, and allow the gradual resumption of other events, including wedding receptions and some religious rites."

However, most events should remain virtual for now, Gan added.

Top image by Hugh Llewelyn via Flickr