I was saddened to read of Ms Wendy Tan’s story (“Disabled from waist down but insurance claim denied”; last Tuesday).
My friend had a massive stroke last year. The front part of her skull was removed and temporarily covered with a titanium plate as the malformation in her brain had not shrunk despite treatment. She is scheduled for another operation this year and needs a full-time caregiver.
Her Dependants’ Protection Scheme (DPS) insurer is Great Eastern Life.
Her claim was denied because her doctor wrote “cognitive function is intact, unlikely to perform professional job”, implying that my friend is still capable of some form of work.
He has certified that she cannot perform all six activities of daily living unassisted. Nonetheless, going by the report, she did not fulfil the criterion of “permanent incapacitation where he or she cannot work”.
There was no mention of her constant severe headaches, mood swings, occasional fits and memory loss.
This permanent incapacitation clause existed long before DPS was privatised in 2005. Great Eastern Life and NTUC Income were appointed to merely administer the scheme and abide by the terms and conditions laid down by the Government.
I urge the Government to look into adopting the definition of total and permanent disability used by private insurers, so that those who are genuinely in need will be able to claim on their insurance.
Being a national scheme, the DPS has a larger premium pool, which brings premiums down.
But what is the use of having cheap insurance if it does not pay when it is needed most?
Catherine Choong (Madam)
* Letter first appeared in ST Forum (9 Sep)
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