Most hospital plans list a limit for each type of cost: so much for room and board, so much for surgery, so much for intensive care. An as-charged plan drops those item limits and pays the bill as it is charged, provided the costs are eligible, medically necessary and reasonable.
As-charged does not mean unlimited. The plan still has an overall yearly limit and a ward entitlement. For example, some top hospital plans pay as charged up to a private single room, with an overall limit of S$200,000 a year.
As-charged plans are usually at the top of an insurer’s range and cost more. Their advantage is fewer surprises: an employee is less likely to face a shortfall because one item went over its own limit.