Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has introduced enhanced medical insurance (MI) requirements for Work Pass and S Pass holders, aimed at providing stronger financial protection for both employers and migrant workers. These changes are being implemented in two stages.
Stage 1: Effective 1 July 2023
- Increased annual coverage: Minimum MI coverage elevated from S$15,000 to at least S$60,000 per year per worker.
- Co-payment structure: Employers must co-pay 25% of any claim amount above the initial S$15,000, while insurers cover the remaining 75%, up to the new limit of S$60,000.
- As a result, most large medical bills are sufficiently covered, reducing the risk of unexpected expenses.
Stage 2: Effective 1 July 2025
- Standardisation of exclusion clauses: Clear baseline exclusions will be legislated across insurers to enhance transparency.
- Age-differentiated premiums: Premium rates will be structured based on two age bands—50 years and below, and above 50—helping to make premiums more equitable.
- Direct hospital reimbursement: Upon claim admissibility, insurers will pay hospitals directly, easing cash-flow burdens on employers.
Transition Deadlines
- Existing policies established before 1 July 2023 can remain under the old S$15,000 coverage, until they are renewed or extended.
- However, policies must transition as follows:
- Stage 1 compliance: By 30 June 2025
- Stage 2 compliance: By 30 June 2027
Who These Rules Apply To
- These mandatory changes cover all Work Pass and S Pass holders — including migrant domestic workers and those employed in sectors such as construction, marine, manufacturing, and services.
Employment Pass (EP) holders are not affected, and their insurance is at the discretion of employers or individuals.
Summary at a Glance
| Feature | Before 1 Jul 2023 | From 1 Jul 2023 | From 1 Jul 2025 |
| Annual MI Coverage | S$15,000 | S$60,000 minimum | S$60,000 minimum (unchanged) |
| Co-payment Structure | Employers paid full | 25% employer / 75% insurer | 25% employer / 75% insurer |
| Exclusion Clauses | Varies | Unstandardized | Standardized across insurers |
| Premium Structure | Uniform | Uniform | Age-differentiated (≤50 vs >50) |
| Claim Settlement | Employer upfront pay | Employer upfront pay | Insurer pays hospital directly |
Take Note:
- Employers should engage insurers early to ensure smooth compliance with upcoming requirements.
- Workers should verify with their employers that their policies are up to date and aligned with the updated rules.