Singapore Will Not Cover Covid-19 Medical Bills for Those Unvaccinated by Choice

The full vaccination rate in Singapore has reached 85% which is one of the highest worldwide, but the hospitalization rate of Covid-19 patients remains high. As it provides free Covid-19 treatments for all, the medical and financial burden became an issue for the country.

On November 8, Singapore’s Ministry of Health had a change of heart, saying that they will no longer cover medical bills for those who are unvaccinated by choice. The decision will take effect from December 8.

“This was to avoid financial considerations adding to public uncertainty and concern when Covid-19 was an emergent and unfamiliar disease. For the majority who are vaccinated, this special approach for Covid-19 bills will continue until the Covid-19 situation is more stable,” a statement read.

Most Hospitalized Covid-19 Patients are Unvaccinated

Singapore has a great record in Covid-19 vaccine inoculation. It has over 85% citizens who are fully vaccinated, 86% who received one shot, and 18% who received boosters. Additionally, 94% of seniors in the 60 to 69 age group and 90% of seniors aged 70 years and above have completed their first full vaccination regime, while 82% of eligible seniors aged 60 years and above have received boosters.

However, the Singaporean government said the “unvaccinated persons make up a sizeable majority of those who require intensive inpatient care and disproportionately contribute to the strain on our healthcare resources.” Also, the hospitalized rate of Covid-19 patients did not falter. Currently, there are 1,725 hospitalized cases. 301 cases require oxygen supplementation in the general ward, 62 are unstable and under close monitoring in the intensive care unit (ICU), and 67 are critically ill and intubated in the ICU. The ICU utilization rate is 68.5% which takes up a large portion of the medical resources. Most occupants are unvaccinated.

No More Free Covid-19 Treatment for Those Unvaccinated by Choice

Singapore has made the call to have the unvaccinated pay for their medical bills if they happened to contract Covid-19. As for those who only got one shot, they would need to receive the second dose before the year ends to maintain the privilege. This is because Singapore would only cover the vaccinated Singaporeans, permanent residents, and long-term pass holders starting from January 1, 2022. Those who were infected after overseas travel were excluded from the list.

But there is an exception. Medical bills from those who are ineligible for vaccination such as children under 12 years old or medically ineligible citizens will still be covered.

Currently, Singapore has approved Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, Moderna vaccine, and CoronaVac by China’s Sinovac.

Author

Tyler Chen

"Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died."- Erma Bombeck