An Integrated Shield plan — or IP for short — supplements the existing MediShield Life plan that’s mandatory for all Singaporeans and PRs. Unlike the government-issued health insurance plan, however, Integrated Shield is not compulsory. And, while MediShield Life is managed by the Central Provident Fund Board, the IP component is managed by selected private insurers in Singapore. Their primary purpose: to cover you for treatment in Class A or Class B1 wards. So: should you get an IP? That really depends on your needs, because MediShield Life is in itself a bare-bones plan. It’s designed to be affordable for the masses, which means its coverage is likewise minimal. Here’s a quick look at whether it’s worth getting an IP....