Best Critical Illness Insurance Plans In Singapore
CIn an era where medical costs are soaring and health risks are increasingly unpredictable, critical illness insurance is no longer a luxury — it is a necessity. For many Singaporeans, a critical illness diagnosis not only poses a physical and emotional challenge, but also places immense financial strain on families. Having a robust critical illness plan can offer a crucial safety net, providing a lump sum payout upon diagnosis of covered conditions, enabling recovery without the stress of financial insecurity.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore the best critical illness insurance plans available in Singapore in 2025, comparing them based on coverage, premiums, unique features, and suitability for different life stages and profiles.
What Is Critical Illness Insurance?
Critical illness insurance is a policy that pays out a lump sum when the policyholder is diagnosed with a critical illness listed in the policy, such as cancer, stroke, or heart attack. The payout can be used for anything — treatment costs, income replacement, daily living expenses, or alternative therapies.
This type of insurance is distinct from hospitalisation or health insurance, which reimburses medical bills. Instead, it gives policyholders financial freedom to manage their needs after a major health shock.
Why You Need Critical Illness Coverage in Singapore
While Singapore boasts excellent healthcare facilities, treatment costs — especially for long-term care — are expensive. For example:
- Cancer treatment can cost upwards of $100,000.
- Stroke rehabilitation may involve extended therapy and loss of income.
- Heart surgeries can set one back by tens of thousands of dollars.
Even with MediShield Life or Integrated Shield Plans, there are limits on what can be claimed. Moreover, these schemes typically do not cover indirect costs like loss of income or overseas treatment. Hence, a critical illness plan fills the gap.
Key Criteria When Comparing Critical Illness Plans
Before diving into the best options, here are the key criteria to consider:
| Criteria | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Coverage Amount | Determines how much financial support you receive. Most experts recommend at least 5 years of annual income. |
| Number of Critical Illnesses Covered | Some plans cover 37 standard CI conditions, while others go up to 100+ including early/intermediate stages. |
| Early Stage Coverage | Useful for early detection and intervention, helping avoid full-blown crises. |
| Multi-Payout Capability | Some illnesses, like cancer, can recur. Plans that allow multiple claims are highly valuable. |
| Premium Affordability | Balance between comprehensive coverage and affordability. |
| Premium Waiver Riders | In the event of a claim or disability, future premiums are waived — easing financial burdens. |
| Policy Term | Whether the coverage is term-based (e.g., till age 65) or whole-of-life. |
Best Critical Illness Insurance Plans in Singapore (2025)
1. AIA Absolute Critical Cover
Why it stands out: Early to advanced stage protection, multi-claim capability, and customisable riders.
- Coverage: Over 150 conditions including early, intermediate, and severe stages.
- Multi-Payout: Up to 5 claims, with a reset period.
- Special Features: Covers juvenile conditions, mental illnesses (like schizophrenia), and diabetic complications.
- Entry Age: 2 weeks to 65 years
- Policy Term: Up to age 100
Ideal for young adults and families looking for comprehensive, long-term protection.
2. Great Eastern GREAT Life Advantage with Critical Care Advantage Rider
Why it stands out: Offers a good balance of affordability and early-stage coverage.
- Coverage: 53 critical illnesses and 30 early stage conditions.
- Early Payouts: Up to 100% for early and intermediate stages.
- Multi-Claim Option: Available via additional riders.
- Special Riders: Premium waivers upon diagnosis of CI or total disability.
Great for first-time buyers seeking entry-level critical illness coverage with flexibility to upgrade.
3. Prudential PRUActive Protect with Early Stage Crisis Waiver Rider
Why it stands out: Highly customisable modular plan.
- Coverage: 37 standard CI + optional early stage add-ons.
- Unique Edge: Early Stage Crisis Waiver Rider waives all future premiums.
- Premiums: Very competitive for younger age groups.
- Bonus: Includes lifestyle conditions and women-specific diseases in optional modules.
Good for young professionals who prefer affordable, custom-built protection.
4. Singlife with Aviva – My MultiPay Critical Illness Plan IV
Why it stands out: Industry-leading multi-pay feature and high coverage for recurring conditions.
- Coverage: 132 conditions, including early and late stages.
- Multi-Claim: Up to 6 claims with a max of $1.5 million payout.
- Reset Period: 12 months between claims.
- Special Feature: Covers recurrence of same condition (e.g., second heart attack or cancer).
Best suited for individuals with family history of recurring conditions.
5. NTUC Income – Complete Critical Protect
Why it stands out: No-frills plan with straightforward coverage and competitive pricing.
- Coverage: 37 critical illnesses.
- Add-Ons: Early stage CI and premium waiver riders available.
- Term-Based: Flexible terms of 10 to 40 years, or till age 74.
- Premiums: Affordable for entry-level protection.
Great for those with budget constraints or looking for short-to-mid-term coverage.
6. Manulife – Ready CompleteCare (II)
Why it stands out: Robust plan with advance stage and early stage coverage, plus up to 500% total payout.
- Coverage: 150 conditions across early, intermediate, and severe stages.
- Multi-Claim Feature: Up to 5 claims.
- Mental Health Benefits: Covers major psychiatric conditions.
- Children Coverage: Automatically covers child for 18 juvenile conditions at no extra cost.
Excellent for parents and long-term planners looking for broad, high-value cover.
Comparison Snapshot (2025)
| Plan | Early Stage Cover | Multi-Claim | Max Payout | Covers Mental Illness | Unique Perk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIA Absolute Critical Cover | ✅ | ✅ (5x) | Up to $350K per claim | ✅ | Juvenile & diabetic coverage |
| Great Eastern | ✅ | ✅ (with rider) | Up to sum assured | ❌ | Strong early-stage focus |
| Prudential | ✅ | ❌ | Up to sum assured | ❌ | Modular design |
| Singlife My MultiPay | ✅ | ✅ (6x) | $1.5M | ✅ | Same illness recurrence payout |
| NTUC Income | ✅ (with rider) | ❌ | Up to sum assured | ❌ | Low premiums |
| Manulife CompleteCare II | ✅ | ✅ (5x) | Up to 500% sum assured | ✅ | Free child cover |
Key Considerations Before Purchasing
- Evaluate Your Financial Responsibilities
Those with dependents, loans, or single-income households may require higher coverage.
- Know Your Family Medical History
If you have a family history of cancer or heart disease, opt for multi-claim plans that allow repeated payouts.
- Check for Overlap
If you already own life or hospitalisation insurance, ensure your CI policy complements — not duplicates — benefits.
- Balance Cost and Coverage
Opt for early-stage riders if budget allows, but prioritise core late-stage CI cover as a minimum.
- Review Annually
As your life stage changes (marriage, children, mortgage), your coverage needs may change too.
Final Thoughts
Critical illness insurance is one of the most important — yet often overlooked — components of financial planning. In Singapore, where medical expenses can spiral quickly, the right CI plan offers more than just a payout; it offers peace of mind, allowing you to focus on recovery rather than finances.
Whether you’re a fresh graduate starting out, a parent protecting your children, or a retiree safeguarding your golden years, there is a critical illness plan tailored for you. The plans listed above are among the top in 2025, but the best one for you depends on your life stage, medical history, and financial goals.
Be sure to consult a qualified financial adviser to assess your needs and compare quotations before committing.
