AIA Singapore has launched AIA Beyond Critical Care, the country's first critical illness insurance plan that covers mental illnesses.
According to a Singapore Mental Health Study by the Institute of Mental Health and Nanyang Technological University, one in seven Singaporeans experienced a mental disorder in their lifetime, an increase from one in eight in 2010. And of those who have experienced a mental disorder in their lifetime, the majority - about 75% - did not seek professional help.
To tackle the stigma of mental conditions head-on and to encourage timely and appropriate treatments, the policy provides coverage for five mental illnesses:
- Major Depressive Disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar Disorder
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Tourette Syndrome
The plan also stands out for including coverage for five rediagnosed or recurred CIs which are amongst the leading cause of death and top disease burdens in Singapore:
- Major Cancer
- Recurred Heart Attack
- Recurred Stroke
- Repeated Heart Valve Surgery
- Repeated Major Organ/ Bone Marrow Transplantation
Other features of the product include up to 200% coverage for 43 major stage CI and 100% refund at the end of the policy term for policyholders who remain in the pink of health. Notably, AIA Beyond Critical Care is also the only plan in the market that offers coverage for both 43 major stage CIs and 5 rediagnosed, recurred or repeated CIs.
Beyond traditional insurance
Mr Patrick Teow, CEO, AIA Singapore, said, “AIA Beyond Critical Care is the result of thinking outside the box and beyond traditional insurance to see what we can do for society. This year, AIA marks our centennial year. We will continue to help people live healthier, longer and better lives with innovative solutions.”
(Mr Patrick Teow (C) and Ms Ho Lee Yen (2nd from Left) with Panellists Mr Kelvin Chan, Personal Wealth Manager, AIA Singapore; Ms Siti Norman, Caregiver of three chronically ill; and Ms Anthea Indira Ong, Mental Health Advocate, Member of the Social Service Innovation Advisory Panel of the National Council of Social Service Singapore (NCSS))
More than just providing pay-outs should a policyholder be diagnosed with a covered condition, the policy also offers benefits which help policyholders prevent the onset of CI conditions with the award-winning health and wellness AIA Vitality programme, provides access to independent and global expert medical advice through Medix for personal medical case management service should a policyholder be diagnosed with a CI, and an AIA Critical Assist hotline for policyholders to seek expert advice from healthcare practitioners and seek recommendations on reliable health, home and care services.
Ms Ho Lee Yen, Chief Customer and Marketing Officer, AIA Singapore, said, “There was no insurance product in the market which covered mental illnesses, and a top concern among many CI survivors is the recurrence of a CI. AIA Beyond Critical Care fills the gaps in protection, providing comprehensive coverage for previously unprotected areas and supports the insured through their life journey.”
The new policy was launched amongst invited guests who learned more about the gaps that exist when it comes to CI coverage and support in Singapore through an Escape Room educational game. The launch of AIA Beyond Critical Care is part of the overarching centennial celebrations in 2019, focused on building its 100-year journey for the next hundred.
More information on AIA Beyond Critical Care can be found here.
You can also watch the summing up 3 real-life stories in one line — We all deserve to have our needs seen and heard – here: Filling the gaps in protection
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(Pictures courtesy of AIA Singapore)
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