Help And Support

Insurance - GREAT CareShield

Frequently asked questions
  • Understanding the policy

    1. What is CareShield Life? How is that different from this policy?

      CareShield Life

      CareShield Life is a Long-term care government insurance scheme that provides basic financial support in the event of a severe disability (i.e. unable to perform 3 or more Activities of Daily Living).

      Check your coverage and premium.

      GREAT CareShield

      GREAT CareShield is a supplementary plan provided by Great Eastern if you want to have more comprehensive coverage in addition to your CareShield Life scheme

    2. Can I start receiving benefits once assessed to be unable to perform Activities of Daily Living?

      No, you will only start receiving the benefits if you are still unable to perform Activities of Daily Living after a 90-day deferment period starting from, and inclusive of, the date of your disability assessment.

      Your disabilities do not have to be certified at the same time for you to claim the benefits of this plan.

  • Before you apply

    1. Do I need to go for a medical examination in order to apply for GREAT CareShield?

      It depends on the sum of your monthly payout coverage amount across long-term care insurance plans from GREAT Eastern (if you have any). See the table below.

      Sum of your monthly payout coverage amount from the following policies:

      GREAT CareShield, LifeSecure and ElderShield

      Below 3,000 SGD 3,000 SGD and above
      Answer 3 simple health declarations
      No medical examination required Medical examination required
    2. How long do I have to pay premiums for?

      The payment terms depend on entry age:

      If you are 30 to 47 (age last birthday) when you purchase GREAT CareShield:

      Choose to pay until 67 or 95 (age last birthday).

      If you are 48 to 64 (age last birthday) when you purchase GREAT CareShield:

      Choose to pay until 95 (age last birthday) or for 20 years.

    3. How can I pay for GREAT CareShield?

      Payment options

      Online Offline
      • Credit card
      • Debit card
      • MediSave funds
        (Up to a limit of 600 SGD per calendar year)
      • Cash
      • Credit card
      • Debit card
      • GIRO or cheque / banker's order
      • MediSave funds
        (Up to a limit of 600 SGD per calendar year)

      For usage of MediSave, the limit of 600 SGD per person per year is shared across any ElderShield and CareShield Life supplementary plans.

      GIRO is only available for renewal premiums.

    4. Can I use the MediSave of one of my family members?

      Yes, you may use the MediSave of any of your following family members to pay for your CareShield Life premiums (subject to CPF’s approval):

      • Spouse
      • Parents
      • Siblings;
      • Children; or
      • Grandchildren.

      You can only use your own MediSave if you purchase GREAT CareShield via the online sales portal. If you wish to use the MediSave of your spouse, parents, children, or grandchildren, please approach your Personal Financial Consultant.

    5. My premium is more than 600 SGD. Can I still pay with MediSave?

      If your premium is more than 600 SGD and you have chosen MediSave as one of your premium payment options, you will be prompted and offered other options to pay the balance:

      Payment options

      Online Offline
      • Credit card
      • Debit card
      • Cash
      • Credit card
      • Debit card
      • GIRO or cheque / banker's order
    6. I have previously opted out from ElderShield. Can I purchase GREAT CareShield as a standalone plan?

      No. GREAT CareShield may only be purchased if you have an existing CareShield Life or ElderShield policy.

      Find out how you can get covered under CareShield Life scheme here.

    7. I have an existing ElderShield supplement. Can I still purchase GREAT CareShield?

      Yes, you can purchase to top-up your existing ElderShield supplement coverage.

  • After you buy this policy

    1. If I need to make a claim, what should my family member(s) or I do?

      In the event of a claim, please get your family member(s) to follow these steps.

    2. What should I expect after I file a claim?

      Depending on the severity of disability, Great Eastern will reach out to you to arrange for periodic assessments.

      If you are certified to be unable to perform 2 or more Activities of Daily Living after already being unable to perform 1, your monthly payout will increase from 50% to 100%. If you fulfill the necessary criteria, you will also receive payouts for caregiving expenses and having children under age 22.

      This is provided that you are still unable to perform the Activities of Daily Living after a 90-day period starting from, and inclusive of, the date of the disability assessment.

    3. In what case will my claim be rejected?

      Great Eastern will not pay the benefit for claims that are directly or indirectly caused by, or resulting from:

      • A pre-existing condition
      • Self-injury
      • Suicide or attempted suicide, or acts that endanger your life
      • Alcoholism
      • Drug addiction
      • War
      • Disability that happens within a 90-day period starting from and inclusive of the commencement date of your policy (other than a disability due to accident occurring after the commencement date).
    4. What happens if I stop paying for this policy?

      If you are 61 years old or above and have maintained the policy for at least 10 years, the policy will continue without your payment. However, your coverage amount will decrease.

      Otherwise, the policy will be terminated if you don’t pay your premiums.

    5. Can I cancel the policy? Are there any fees?

      Yes, you may cancel the policy by submitting a written notice of cancellation to us.

      If the date falls within 60 days from the date you receive your policy documents, you will get back the premiums you have paid, after deducting any medical fees and other expenses. If the date falls after the 60 days, you will lose all of your premiums paid.

      If your policy document is sent by post locally, we will assume it has been delivered and received 7 days after the date of posting.