We all love the peace of mind that comes with knowing our medical bills are 100% covered from the very first cent. But if you’ve been shopping around recently, you might have noticed that finding a zero-deductible plan is more complicated than it used to be.
For standard local health insurance, the answer is no. However, zero-deductible options do still exist if you look outside of the standard local market.
Let’s break down exactly what’s going on in Singapore’s health insurance landscape right now and where you can still find those elusive zero-deductible options.
A. Integrated Shield Plans (IPs)
If you are looking at Integrated Shield Plans (the standard private health insurance for Singapore residents), zero-deductible riders are no longer available.
Under new Ministry of Health (MOH) regulations that took effect on April 1, 2026, insurers are no longer permitted to sell riders that cover your deductible completely. (Source: Ministry Of Health)
- The Mandatory Deductible: All new IP riders require you to pay a mandatory out-of-pocket deductible before the insurance coverage kicks in. This minimum deductible ranges from $1,500 to $3,500, depending on your chosen hospital ward class.
- The 5% Co-Payment: Even after you pay the deductible, you must pay at least a 5% co-payment on the remainder of your bill. The minimum annual cap for this out-of-pocket co-payment has also increased to $6,000.
Read our guide on deductibles and co-payment or co-insurance to learn more.
B. Health Insurance Plans With Zero Deductibles
While local private Integrated Shield Plans have phased out zero deductibles, you can still find “first-dollar” coverage (where the insurer pays from the first cent) in a few specific areas:
1) Employer Group Insurance
Many companies in Singapore offer fantastic group health insurance benefits for their employees. These corporate plans often cover inpatient hospitalizations, surgeries, and even GP visits from the very first dollar. This means absolutely zero deductible for you.
It’s always a great idea to check with your HR department to see exactly how comprehensive your company’s coverage is.
2) International Health Insurance
If you’re willing to step outside the local Integrated Shield Plan system, many international private health insurers (like Cigna, Bupa, or Allianz) offer premium global health plans. These are highly customizable, and you can often select a S$0 deductible option.
The catch? The premiums for these plans can be significantly higher than local IPs, but they offer incredible flexibility and first-dollar coverage.
3) Personal Accident Insurance
If you’re looking for zero-deductible coverage for everyday mishaps, Personal Accident (PA) plans are your best friend. While they won’t cover major illnesses, they offer “first-dollar” reimbursement for accidental injuries (like a sprained ankle or a kitchen burn) and even certain infectious diseases like dengue fever or food poisoning.
This means insurers will reimburse your medical expenses without applying any deductible.
If you visit a GP or A&E for an accident, your PA plan covers the bill from the very first cent, no deductibles or co-payments required!
4) A “Legacy” IP Rider
If you bought your IP rider before November 27, 2025, you are essentially “grandfathered” into the old system. As long as you don’t change or downgrade your plan, your existing rider will continue to cover your deductibles just like it always has. Hold onto it if zero out-of-pocket costs are a top priority for you!
C. Conclusion
While buying a brand-new, zero-deductible Integrated Shield Plan is no longer an option under the new regulations, you aren’t totally out of luck. Between strong employer benefits, and premium international insurance, zero-deductible coverage still exists in pockets.
If you’re ever in doubt about what your current plan covers or what your next move should be, it’s always a good idea to sit down with a trusted financial advisor to review your specific needs.
