Modern Australian
The Times

Prudential launches more affordable Integrated Shield Plan riders with additional benefits

Premiums for the new supplementary plans, PRUExtra Care series, are at least 30 per cent lower compared to the previous suite of riders; new critical illness and retrenchment benefits added

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 1 April 2026 - Prudential Singapore ("Prudential") has launched a refreshed suite of Integrated Shield Plan ("IP") supplementary plans ("riders") that provide comprehensive medical protection at lower premiums. The three new riders are at least 30 per cent more affordable than the previous suite across all age groups and plan types, with some having even larger differences.

In particular, PRUExtra Preferred Care, the new rider for Prudential's preferred list of private healthcare institutions, is at least 45 per cent more affordable across all age groups compared to its previous corresponding rider, with some groups seeing a 55 per cent difference.

The three new riders – PRUExtra Premier Care, PRUExtra Preferred Care, and PRUExtra Plus Care (known as the "PRUExtra Care series") – replace Prudential's previous suite of riders, and align with the new rider requirements announced by the Ministry of Health (MOH) in November 2025.

PRUExtra Premier Care is a rider for private healthcare institutions, PRUExtra Preferred Care is a rider for Prudential's preferred list of private healthcare institutions under the PRUPanel Connect programme, and PRUExtra Plus Care is a rider for restructured hospitals (up to Class A wards).

The PRUExtra Care riders offer new benefits including additional policy year limits of up to $100,000 if hospitalisation is due to critical illness, and a 12-month premium waiver during retrenchment.

Dr Sidharth Kachroo, Chief Health Officer, Prudential Singapore, said: "By balancing more affordable premiums with meaningful enhancements, the PRUExtra Care riders lower the barrier to comprehensive medical protection for individuals. It also supports the long-term sustainability of private healthcare protection for customers in Singapore."

IP main plans offer broader coverage by giving individuals more choice, including higher ward classes, access to private healthcare, and the flexibility to choose their doctor. Prudential's riders complement its IP main plans by providing additional coverage for out-of-pocket expenses and treatments that MediShield Life and IP main plans may exclude, including coverage for non-cancer drug list treatments and non-listed cell, tissue and gene therapy products (CTGTP).

Dr Kachroo added: "Everyone wants peace of mind that they are protected against large hospital bills, and this fortunately is covered for citizens and permanent residents by MediShield Life in Singapore. Integrated Shield Plans (IPs) add value by providing individuals with a wider choice in the type of care they receive. When coupled with a rider, it expands that set of options and the breadth of coverage for the consumer, especially those who want private care. For foreigners who don't have MediShield Life, IPs provide access to more healthcare options while they reside in Singapore."

Enhanced critical illness limits and new retrenchment benefit

A critical illness (CI) diagnosis often requires intensive medical treatments and prolonged recovery periods. In view of rising incidences of CIs such as cancer[1], heart attack[2], and stroke[3] in Singapore, Prudential has introduced an early-to-late CI benefit in its PRUExtra Care series. Should a customer be hospitalised or require surgery due to a covered early, intermediate, or late-stage CI, their policy year limit will be increased by up to $100,000.[4]

Dr Kachroo said: "Our PRUExtra Care customers get up to $100,000 added to their policy year limits should they be hospitalised due to critical illness. Managing a critical illness usually involves complex treatments and repeated procedures, which can quickly put pressure on customers' annual limits. By increasing policy year limits for early to late-stage critical illnesses, they can be assured that their coverage can keep pace with their treatment needs, allowing them to focus fully on recovery and healing.

"We also recognise that health security is tied to financial stability. An unexpected job loss can make it challenging for customers to maintain regular insurance premium payments, and result in a lapse in health protection when it's needed most. To prevent this, we have introduced a retrenchment waiver benefit to ease their financial burden and give them some time to get back on their feet."

Under the new retrenchment waiver benefit for PRUExtra Premier Care​ and PRUExtra Preferred Care customers, those who remain unemployed for a continuous period of six months can apply for a waiver on their rider premiums for the next 12 months. The waiver continues to apply even if the customer secures new employment during the waiver period.

More affordability with use of panel providers and no-claim discount

Customers with PRUExtra Premier Care who are treated by panel[5] and extended panel specialists at panel healthcare institutions can keep their premium level the same at the next policy renewal under the claims-based premium pricing framework.[6]

In addition, PRUExtra Premier Care customers enjoy a 20 per cent discount ("PRUWell Reward") on their standard level premium (the lowest premium tier within their age band) when their policy is issued with no special terms and conditions, as well as at their next policy renewal if no claims are made.

Importance of reviewing protection needs with a financial representative

As individuals move through different life stages, their healthcare needs and financial circumstances can change. Customers are encouraged to review their protection with a financial representative to assess their overall needs and determine the appropriate level of coverage before making any decision to downgrade or drop their riders.

Dr Kachroo said: "We understand that customers need to strike a balance between premium affordability and protecting themselves from potentially high medical costs in the future. While they may enjoy immediate cost savings when they switch to a plan that offers lower premiums, they also need to consider what they might need to pay in cash from their own savings when they require hospitalisation given that the deductible is no longer covered and the co-payment cap has increased. This is a personal choice, and our role as an insurer is to ensure that our customers fully understand the coverage and benefits that they enjoy with their plans, as well as the implications of downgrading or dropping coverage, so that they can make an informed decision."



[1] Between 1968-1972 and 2019-2023, the crude incidence rate (CIR) of cancer approximately tripled for males and quadrupled for females. Source: https://www.nrdo.gov.sg/docs/librariesprovider3/default-document-library/singapore-cancer-registry-annual-report-2023.pdf?sfvrsn=a4703e8e_2

[2] The number of acute myocardial infarction episodes increased from 9,124 episodes in 2012 to 13,137 episodes in 2022. Source: https://www.nrdo.gov.sg/docs/librariesprovider3/default-document-library/smir-annual-report-2022_web_final.pdf?sfvrsn=31b0f9c1_1

[3] The Singapore Stroke Registry showed that the number of strokes increased from 6,143 episodes in 2011 to 9,680 episodes in 2021. Source: https://www.nrdo.gov.sg/docs/librariesprovider3/default-document-library/ssr-annual-report-2021_web.pdf?sfvrsn=7d63ee29_0

[4] Extra Cover for Early to Late Critical Illness benefit​:
PRUExtra Premier Care: $100,000 additional limit per policy year​
PRUExtra Preferred Care: $100,000 additional limit per policy year​
PRUExtra Plus Care: $50,000 additional limit per policy year​

[5] To qualify for a panel claim, treatment must be received at a private panel healthcare institution where the attending doctor is listed as a participating specialist, as indicated in the PRUPanel Connect listing on this page: https://www.prudential.com.sg/ppc-specialists

[6] For more information on claims-based premium pricing, please visit: https://www.prudential.com.sg/products/health-insurance/medical/claims-based-pricing


Hashtag: #PrudentialSingapore





The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Ltd (Prudential Singapore)

Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Ltd is one of the top life and health insurance companies in Singapore, serving the financial and protection needs of the country's citizens for 95 years. As at 31 December 2025, it has S$66.3 billion funds under management. The company has an 'AA' Financial Strength Rating from leading credit rating agency Standard & Poor's and delivers a suite of well-rounded product offerings in Protection, Savings and Investment through multiple distribution channels including a network of 5,400 financial representatives.

Vista Cruises Enters "Two-Flagship Era" as Vista Aurora Completes Inaugural Voyage

Vista Aurora Sets Sail along the Yangtze. (Photo courtesy of the company)YICHANG, China — August 5, 2026 — Vista Aurora, a high-end interprovinc...

A Digital Preparation Checklist For International Medical Conferences

An international medical conference compresses many responsibilities into a few days. A delegate may need to present research, move between venues, ...

The Growing Popularity of Lab Grown Diamonds in Sydney and Hong Kong

The diamond industry has changed significantly in recent years as more buyers seek ethical, affordable, and sustainable alternatives to mined diamon...

Modern AI SEO Agency vs Traditional SEO: What’s the Difference

Search engine optimisation has changed dramatically over the past few years. Search engines have become smarter, user behaviour has evolved, and bus...

Caravan Travel for Modern Australian Getaways: Plan a Comfortable Holiday

A family road trip is one of the best ways to explore Australia together. And, travelling by caravan gives you the freedom to take your time, stop a...

Mini Excavator and Trailer Package for Sale: What I Buy as One Deal in 2026

The first client who asked me for a mini excavator and trailer package for sale wasn’t trying to save a few hundred dollars on shipping. They we...

Make Dad a Guest in His Own Home This Father’s Day

Father’s Day can accidentally turn Dad into the unpaid event manager of his own celebration. He lights the barbecue, finds extra chairs, checks wh...

Where to Enjoy Your Off-Road Caravan on the Gold Coast

With a caravan, you can travel anywhere and everywhere without battling the rush of the peak holiday season or last-minute reservations. While the r...

How Osteopathy Supports Recovery from Sciatica and Nerve Pain

Sciatica isn't just annoying. It's genuinely painful. It sits deep in your glute and shoots straight down the back of your leg. It turns something as...

The Winter Jewellery Edit: Five Pieces You'll Wear All Season

As wardrobes shift to cosy knits, tailored coats and rich seasonal textures, jewellery becomes the finishing touch that pulls every winter outfit to...

7 Signs It's Time to Upgrade Your Piston Air Compressor

If you run a workshop, panel shop, or fabrication business anywhere around Perth, you already know what heat and dust do to equipment over a few sum...

How Long Do Bathroom Renovations Melbourne Take? Step-by-Step Process Explained

Planning a bathroom renovation is exciting, but one of the biggest questions homeowners ask is, "How long will it take?" While every project is uniq...

Why Your Skin Breaks Out: The Science of Acne Explained

Acne is the most common skin condition in the world. An estimated 85% of people experience it at some point between the ages of 12 and 24, and a gro...

10 Swimwear Trends Australian Women Are Wearing This Summer

Every Australian summer brings a fresh wave of swimwear trends, but some styles have much greater staying power than others. While fashion constantly ...

Why Regular Skills Updates Are Essential for Licensed Security Officers

A guard at a Brisbane shopping centre gets a call about a shoplifter who's turned aggressive.  They’ve done the job for six years. But their de-...

10 Benefits of Choosing Professional Tutoring Penrith Services

Every student has unique learning strengths, challenges, and academic goals. While classroom teaching provides essential knowledge and structure, so...

Sunshine Coast Baby Classes Prove Big Hit Among First-Time Mums

There's a movement gaining traction on the Sunshine Coast, providing a village of support, socialisation and relief for first-time mothers and babie...

Father's Day Gift Ideas for Men Who Are Hard to Buy For

Some dads are easy to buy for. Others do not want anything, already have everything, or give you the classic "don't worry about me" answer every yea...