Response to The Straits Times Online Forum Letter on "Who pays medical expenses of NSmen injured overseas?"

Medical Coverage for NSmen on Overseas Training

We thank Mr Gerard Ong for his feedback ("Who pays medical expenses of NSmen injured overseas?" dated 29 Oct 2013).The safety of our servicemen is of utmost importance to the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). As with any SAF exercise, safety is emphasised before any serviceman is sent for overseas training.Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) can seek fully-subsidised treatment for both service and non-service related injuries from the medical facilities in the overseas training centres. Should NSmen seek medical treatment elsewhere, we will consider reimbursing the medical expenses based on the circumstances of the case.NSmen with service-related injuries will be given compensation.

This includes injuries sustained during training as well as non-training activities such as travelling between the servicemen’s residence and workplace. We will cover the medical expenses for service-related injuries as long as necessary for full recovery.Servicemen may also choose to take up the SAF Group Term Life Insurance, which provides additional personal insurance cover at an affordable price. It covers servicemen’s participation in SAF activities including local and overseas military training, and extends to activities outside of the SAF. The Committee to Strengthen National Service will consider all feedback carefully, including Mr Ong's suggestion to enhance the welfare provisions for NSmen who are sent for overseas training. 

Teo Eng Dih
Director Manpower
Ministry of Defence

MINDEF's reply was published as "Medical coverage for NSmen on overseas training", The Straits Times, 07 Nov 2013