Insurance breakdown
What each kind of cover does, and what yours looks like in Sum.
Curated by the MAS-licensed financial planners on the Sum team.
Hospital bills
MediShield Life covers every citizen and PR for large bills in B2 and C wards. An Integrated Shield Plan adds A wards and private hospitals, paid partly from MediSave.
If you can't work again
9× yearly income, MoneySense's guide
Death and total permanent disability cover replaces income for the people who depend on you. MoneySense's guide is about 9 times yearly income.
A serious illness
4× yearly income, MoneySense's guide
Critical illness cover pays a lump sum on diagnosis, for treatment and time off work. MoneySense's guide is about 4 times yearly income.
Care in later life
S$689 a month for life, for a 2026 claim
CareShield Life pays S$689 a month for life to someone who becomes severely disabled in 2026, more for later claims. Supplements can raise that amount.
What it costs
15% of take-home pay, a common ceiling for all premiums
MoneySense's guide is to keep all premiums together within 15% of take-home pay. Term cover usually costs far less than whole life for the same sum.
Already yours through CPF
MediShield Life and CareShield Life come with CPF, and the Dependants' Protection Scheme gives basic life cover to most working members.