Forum: Insurers' restriction of patient choice undermines trust in system

Straits Times

5 hours ago

A s both an obstetrician and gynaecologist in private practice, and a paying health insurance policyholder, I am deeply concerned by the growing trend among insurers to restrict patient choice, first by limiting access to their preferred panels of doctors, and now, increasingly, to selected hospitals as well.
Increasingly, and often led by market leaders, the industry is shifting towards narrower hospital and doctor panels, citing cost containment as justification.
However, these measures appear to be geared towards protecting company profits rather than easing the financial burden on consumers.
While policyholders are being told to accept fewer options for care, insurers continue to report strong financial performance, with some even awarding record bonuses to senior executives.
If the goal is to manage rising healthcare costs, why are the savings not reflected in better coverage or more affordable premiums?
Patients often discover these restrictions only at the point of crisis – when they are ill or in urgent need of care.
This forces difficult and often distressing decisions, especially for those unable to afford out-of-pocket alternatives.
As a doctor, I find it increasingly troubling from an ethical standpoint to practise in a system where clinical decisions are constrained by corporate arrangements.
As a consumer, I feel betrayed – paying more each year for less flexibility, less transparency, and less peace of mind.
These changes undermine trust in the healthcare system and create inequality in access.
I urge the authorities to scrutinise these practices more closely.
Access to appropriate, timely care should never be compromised by commercial interests.
Dr Tan Eng Loy
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