Private shield plan can cost up to $3,500 per year

Customers compare the coverage offered by private shield plans. They think that the higher coverage, the better the plan.

Here are a few important facts:

- in most cases, the higher coverage is not needed, especially if the patient is treated in the appropriate ward in a restructured hospital.

- a plan that offers a higher coverage can cost up to 60% more in premium.

For example, under plan A, a plan that pays "as charged" will cost $3,500 per year at age 80. NTUC Income offers a similar plan that charges a premium of about $2,100 at age 80, ie $1,400 lower. Our plan pays the same amount for most of the typical hospital stays.