Response to TODAY Forum Letter on "Provide NSmen With Comprehensive Insurance"

MINDEF's Compensation Framework for National Servicemen

We thank Tan Yih Han for his letter "Provide NSmen With Comprehensive Insurance" on 10 September 2012 and his concern for National Servicemen.

The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) will compensate any serviceman who sustains death or injury due to service. The computation of the compensation quantum is consistent with the principles adopted by the Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA) and the civil courts. If the death or injury is sustained as a result of military training or operations, a higher quantum is awarded. Under this compensation framework, National Servicemen are treated no differently from regulars.

MINDEF's compensation framework should not be confused with the SAF Group Term Life (GTL) insurance which provides additional personal insurance cover at an affordable price. This added financial protection extends beyond activities in service with the SAF. The SAF GTL is optional and the National Service allowance was increased by $20 in January 2009 to help pay for the monthly premium.

As a matter of policy, MINDEF does not disclose the compensation quantums awarded to our servicemen.

Tan Kok Yam
Director Manpower
Ministry of Defence

MINDEF's reply was published as "MINDEF's compensation framework for NSmen", TODAY, 14 Sep 12