Should You Switch Your IP Rider? Here is a case study on navigating the new IP rider changes from 1 April 2026, which we hope will provide you with a practical framework on how it would apply to you, as a working adult. Background: What Changed and Why It Matters From 1 April 2026 onwards, the Ministry of Health (MOH) introduced new rules for Integrated Shield Plan (IP) riders, the add-on that reduces what you pay out of pocket when you’re hospitalised. The key changes are:

• New riders can no longer cover your minimum deductible (the first $3,500 you pay before insurance kicks in for private hospital plans).
• The co-payment cap has doubled from $3,000 to $6,000 per year.
• In return, new rider premiums are, on average, 30% cheaper than old riders.

If you already have an old rider (bought before 27 November 2025), you can keep it, but note that premiums have gone up. So, the question is: Is the extra coverage of your old rider worth...