What Most People Assume Insurance Covers — But Often Doesn’t

You may think that health or wellness-related items or services can be claimed under your outpatient, Personal Accident Plan or Corporate Insurance benefits in Singapore. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

Here are some items that typically aren’t covered under most private or corporate insurance plans:

• Over-the-counter supplements bought without a doctor’s prescription — even if they’re from a pharmacy.
• Vitamins, unless they are prescribed specifically for a medically diagnosed deficiency or chronic health condition.
• Health tonics, bird’s nest, collagen drinks, and similar wellness boosters that aren’t tied to a clinical condition or diagnosis.

Why the exclusions? Insurers typically classify such products as lifestyle or preventive wellness expenses rather than necessary medical treatments. They fall under the category of self-care and general well-being, which aren’t considered valid grounds for claims unless tied to a specific illness or medical need.

While probiotic drinks and immune-boosting supplements can be great ways to support overall health, most health insurance plans in Singapore don’t cover them. That’s why taking a more preventive approach to health, such as going for regular screenings and staying informed about your coverage, can make all the difference.

What Might Be Claimable — Depending on Your Health Insurance Plan

That said, not all is lost when it comes to claiming supplements or alternative treatments. Some insurance policies in Singapore, especially those with outpatient riders or corporate health policies with flexible benefits, do provide some coverage under specific conditions.

Here’s what might be claimable:

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Consultations and Treatments

If you regularly seek TCM for chronic pain, stress, or digestion issues, you’ll be glad to know that many outpatient benefit insurance Singapore plans offer limited coverage for TCM.

The catch? TCM treatments must be provided by a MOH-registered TCM practitioner, and your policy must explicitly include TCM in its coverage.

Corporate Outpatient Plans with Flexi-Benefits

Some employers offer Corporate Insurance Policies that come with flexible benefits that offer you a sum of cash. These can usually be used for healthcare services that are not already included in the policy, such as prescribed supplements, health screenings, dental, TCM or physiotherapy, gym memberships, spectacles, sports-related attire and equipment, among others.

Always check the terms of use for your corporate flexi-benefits to see if supplements fall within the allowable expenses.

Prescribed Supplements by a Doctor

This is where things become clearer. If a GP or specialist prescribes a supplement for a diagnosed medical condition, it is often considered a valid outpatient treatment expense.

Examples include:

• Iron supplements for anaemia
• Vitamin D for patients with bone density issues
• Folic acid for pregnant women during early gestation

To qualify, the supplement must be medically necessary, documented in your diagnosis, and accompanied by a receipt or prescription.

 Notes:

•  = Covered (with conditions, e.g. prescription, documentation)
•  = Not covered
• TCM = Traditional Chinese Medicine
• CAM = Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Why Knowing Your Policy Fine Print Matters

The line between wellness and treatment can be thin — and that’s where your insurance policy wording becomes crucial.

Health insurance policies in Singapore can vary widely, especially when it comes to outpatient benefits. Some cover TCM and prescribed supplements, while others only reimburse you for consultations or medication.

Here are a few key tips to help you make sense of your policy:

• Check if a GP referral is required before seeing a specialist or buying supplements.
• Ensure the provider is on your insurer’s approved panel.
• Review your benefits summary or policy schedule. Look under sections for “alternative treatments,” “supplementary medication,” or “outpatient treatment.”
• If you’re under a Corporate Insurance Plan, check with your HR department about flexi-benefits or wellness wallets.

In most cases, insurers require proper documentation—including receipts, diagnosis codes, or medical memos—to process a claim successfully.

Check Your Coverage Before Spending More on Pills You Can’t Claim

There’s no doubt that supplements can support your health journey, but they can also add up in cost. And not all of them will qualify for insurance reimbursement.

Not everything that seems ‘healthy’ is claimable. And not everything claimable is obvious.

If you spend hundreds of dollars a year on vitamins or TCM remedies, it’s worth taking a few minutes to understand your entitlements. Especially if you are covered under your Corporate Insurance Plan, there may be perks you are not fully utilising.

Before your next pharmacy or online shopping spree, take these steps:

• Revisit your insurance policy documents
• Ask your HR team about any wellness allowances or outpatient subsidies
• Use our Coverage Checker to get clarity on what your current personal plan covers

Knowing your coverage helps you make smarter health choices and avoid unnecessary out-of-pocket expenses.