Debated in Parliament on 8 May 2024.
Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Minister for Health (a) whether the Ministry has evaluated the available healthcare insurance policies in the market, including employer-provided insurance and Integrated Shield Plans, for the extent of coverage of fertility preservation therapy for cancer patients undergoing medically necessary treatment where the side effects may affect fertility; and (b) if so, what have been the findings.
The Ministry of Health does not evaluate private insurance coverage of fertility preservation therapy, as these are optional products subject to insurers' commercial considerations.
MediShield Life does not cover fertility related treatments as it was designed as a basic health insurance scheme, covering large bills due to treatment of diseases in subsidised public hospitals. Nevertheless, patients can tap on MediSave for fertility treatments, including egg freezing on medical grounds, subject to the assisted reproductive treatment lifetime withdrawal limit of $15,000 per patient.
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