LIA Singapore launches extended panel initiative for IP policyholders

This allows policyholders access to over 1,000 private specialists.

The Life Insurance Association of Singapore (LIA Singapore) has implemented the Multilateral Healthcare Insurance Committee (MHIC)’s recommendations for the Extended Panel (EP) initiative.

The EP initiative enhances a patient's continuity care as policyholders with Integrated Shield Plan (IP) riders can gain access to a private specialist who is on another insurer's panels, as long as the specialist complies with the policyholders' insurers' terms, including fees.

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It also gives a specialist, who is currently not on the patient’s IP insurer main panel, an opportunity to establish a working relationship with the insurer.

The EP has been implemented by insurers since 1 April. In addition, IP insurers have generally expanded their panels beyond their committed size of at least 500 private specialists for each panel. They also enhanced their standardised pre-authorisation form to further streamline the process.