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...