SINGAPORE: All Singaporeans, permanent residents and long-term pass holders who travel abroad under permitted travel arrangements with certain countries will be able to tap regular healthcare financing for their medical bills should they have symptoms of COVID-19 within 14 days of their return to Singapore.
“This means that Singaporeans and PRs will be eligible for government subsidies and MediShield Life integrated shield plan coverage," said Minister for Health Gan Kim Yong on Thursday (Aug 6).
AdvertisementAdvertisement“Long-term pass holders may tap on their prevailing financing arrangements, such as the foreign worker insurance. But any remaining co-payment will continue to be paid by the patient.”
This takes effect from Aug 7.
Currently, those who travel overseas against the travel advisories are required to pay for their own COVID-19 treatment in full should they have symptoms of the disease within 14 days of their return.
But as Singapore gradually allows essential travel through various arrangements with certain countries, authorities have reviewed the charging policy for these travellers, Mr Gan said at a multi-ministry task force press conference.
AdvertisementAdvertisementThe government subsidies and use of MediShield Life will apply to those who travel under green or fast lanes, as well as any permitted travel arrangement that may be implemented in the future, said the Ministry of Health (MOH).
"Short-term pass holders entering Singapore under permitted travel arrangements will remain responsible for their medical bills, should they test positive for COVID-19," the ministry added.
[h=3]READ: COVID-19: Most foreign workers to be able to return to work by end-August, says Lawrence Wong[/h]The Government will continue to closely monitor the number of imported cases, he added.
Mr Gan noted that the pandemic in other parts of the world “continues to accelerate”, and some countries that managed to control the initial wave of COVID-19 infections are now facing a resurgence in cases.
“In Asia, there have been worrying uptick in some areas, including Hong Kong, India, Japan, and Vietnam. Many Singaporeans are understandably concerned about imported cases,” said Mr Gan.
“But keeping our borders sealed is not a sustainable strategy, as many countries have also come to realise.”
[h=3]READ: Singapore reports 301 new COVID-19 cases, including 4 in the community[/h]Adding that Singapore has “taken a cautious approach” to facilitate the return of Singaporeans, PRs, long-term pass holders and work-pass holders who are employed here, Mr Gan noted that all travellers receive stay-home notices upon their arrival and are tested before the end of their confinement period.
“All of our recent imported cases so far have been isolated or placed on SHN (stay-home notice). The risk of transmission to the community therefore continues to be very low,” said Mr Gan.
“But we will continue to monitor the imported cases very closely, as well as the global situation and adjust and update our border measures accordingly.”
[h=3]BOOKMARK THIS: Our comprehensive coverage of the coronavirus outbreak and its developments[/h]Download our app or subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak: Telegram: Contact @cnalatest
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