How it works
LIA's standard definitions stop at the severe stage. Its framework standardises 37 critical illnesses at that stage only. Its FAQ says insurers are free to define the other stages, and calls early-stage cover a recent market development that needs more claims experience before it could be standardised. So "early" in one policy isn't "early" in another.
How the payouts are shaped varies too. MoneySense notes that some CI policies pay a smaller amount for early-stage cancer, or pay several times for different illnesses, within the sum insured or the policy's limits.
What to find in the wording:
- the definition of each early stage the policy pays on
- how much each stage pays, as a share of the sum insured or a set amount
- whether an early claim reduces what's left for a later, severe-stage claim
- whether it's a standalone policy or a rider, and whether the rider accelerates the base policy
- the waiting period
LIA's 2024 update to the severe-stage definitions didn't touch existing early-stage policies or riders. They're assessed on their own wording.
Worked example, with made-up figures: a client's policy pays 25% of a S$200,000 sum insured at an early stage, and the rest at the severe stage. An early diagnosis that meets the policy's definition pays S$50,000. If the illness later reaches the severe stage, the policy pays the remaining S$150,000, not a fresh S$200,000.
Where it shows up in your week
It comes up when a client lays two early CI plans side by side. The CRM keeps what they asked and what you sent them on their page, so the next conversation starts there.
Related terms
Questions advisors ask
Sources
- LIA Singapore, LIA CI Framework industry FAQ, 11 October 2024: why only the severe stage is standard, existing early-stage policies, read 27 September 2026
- LIA Singapore, LIA Critical Illness (CI) Framework 2024, read 27 September 2026
- MoneySense, Understanding critical illness insurance: smaller early-stage payouts and multiple payments, last updated 2 July 2026, read 27 September 2026