Author
Bowtie Team
Updated on
2025-05-27
Disclaimer: This article is translated with the assistance of AI.
The Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS) has sparked discussions among netizens since its launch. Bowtie’s insurance team researched Threads and compiled answers to 5 popular questions to help overcome knowledge gaps!
1. Can I get 100% reimbursement as long as there is a medical need?
Claims approval criteria do not solely depend on Medical Needs . Insurance companies also consider the Reasonable and Customary principle when processing claims.
For example, as per a case in the Insurance Complaints Bureau’s 2023/24 annual report , the bureau agreed with the insurance company rejecting the claim for excessive doctor’s fees that were not reasonable and customary (the remaining $240,000 in doctor’s fees).
Furthermore, some group medical insurance and VHIS plans have specific reimbursement limits. If the claim amount exceeds these limits, it is unlikely to be fully reimbursed.
2. Which VHIS is best for my elderly parents?
Individuals aged 60 to 65 are nearing retirement, so when selecting insurance products, evaluate your long-term ability to afford premiums, as medical inflation may lead to premium adjustments. Some VHIS plans have specific reimbursement limits (such as Bowtie VHIS Flexi Plan ), which may result in relatively lighter premium increase pressure.
In addition to premium levels, before making a decision, carefully read the policy terms to ensure you understand the coverage scope. It is recommended to use the official VHIS website or other neutral insurance comparison platforms to compare different product features.
Finally, understand the product’s claims approval rate. However, not all insurance companies disclose this data. For Bowtie’s VHIS, the claims approval rate is 98.3%*.
- * The above is the average approval rate for claims of Bowtie’s VHIS “Standard Plan”, “Flexi – Regular”, “Flexi – Plus”, and Bowtie Pink as of February 2025.
3. Are There Any Pitfalls in Buying VHIS with an Additional Rider?
“ Savings Insurance + additional VHIS” combination has some potential risks. If you are forced to surrender the savings insurance early due to financial difficulties, the attached VHIS will also become invalid.
At that time, if your health condition has changed, when you reapply for VHIS, the insurance company may charge Additional Premium (Loading) or directly refuse coverage. Therefore, this “bundled” structure will greatly reduce your flexibility.
4. Is VHIS the Same as Medical Insurance? Do You Need a Full Reimbursement Plan?
Both provide reimbursement on an actual expense basis for hospitalisation costs. However, VHIS is a government-recognised medical insurance plan with certain basic coverage thresholds and tax-deductible benefits, while general medical insurance has no minimum coverage thresholds.
The price differences among VHIS plans are mainly due to variations in coverage. The key factors affecting premiums include:
- Ward Level (standard room/semi-private room/private room)
- Coverage region (e.g., Asia, worldwide)
- Deductible (higher deductible means lower premiums)
As for plans with “no limit” or “full reimbursement,” these typically refer to premium health insurance products. The advantage is that you don’t have to worry about exceeding most item-specific reimbursement limits when hospitalised, but the premiums are relatively higher. Consumers should choose the appropriate coverage level based on their budget and medical needs.
Generally speaking, full reimbursement means there are no per-item reimbursement limits, but payouts are subject to any remaining deductible (if applicable), annual coverage limits, lifetime limits, and other terms. For details, please refer to the coverage table and policy terms.
5. Should I Simply Opt For The Most Affordable Premiums?
VHIS is divided into two main categories: “Standard Plan” and “Flexible Plan”.
- Standard Plan : Provides basic coverage; all insurance companies’ standard plans are roughly the same. Therefore, if you want to choose a standard plan, you can directly compare the premiums.
- Flexible Plan: On top of the standard plan, it adds extra coverage items, such as upgraded wards, higher compensation limits, Additional Medical Protection (SMM) , and more. Since each insurance company’s flexible plans vary, you shouldn’t choose solely based on premiums. Consumers should understand their personal needs and the coverage details of various plans.
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