1 August 2014

LIA CRITICAL ILLNESS (CI) FRAMEWORK 2014

STANDARD DEFINITIONS FOR SEVERE STAGE OF 37 CRITICAL ILLNESSES: VERSION 2014

Industry list of all 37 critical illnesses:

1 Major Cancers
2 Heart Attack of Specified Severity
3 Stroke
4 Coronary Artery By-pass Surgery
5 Kidney Failure
6 Aplastic Anaemia
7 End Stage Lung Disease
8 End Stage Liver Failure
9 Coma
10 Deafness (Loss of Hearing)
11 Heart Valve Surgery
12 Loss of Speech
13 Major Burns
14 Major Organ / Bone Marrow Transplantation
15 Multiple Sclerosis
16 Muscular Dystrophy
17 Parkinson’s Disease
18 Surgery to Aorta
19 Alzheimer’s Disease / Severe Dementia
20 Fulminant Hepatitis
21 Motor Neurone Disease
22 Primary Pulmonary Hypertension
23 HIV Due to Blood Transfusion and Occupationally Acquired HIV
24 Benign Brain Tumour
25 Viral Encephalitis
26 Bacterial Meningitis
27 Angioplasty & Other Invasive Treatment For Coronary Artery
28 Blindness (Loss of Sight)
29 Major Head Trauma
30 Paralysis (Loss of Use of Limbs)
31 Terminal Illness
32 Progressive Scleroderma
33 Apallic Syndrome
34 Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with Lupus Nephritis
35 Other Serious Coronary Artery Disease
36 Poliomyelitis
37 Loss of Independent Existence
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1 Major Cancers

A malignant tumour positively diagnosed with histological confirmation and characterized by the
uncontrolled growth of malignant cells with invasion and destruction of normal tissue.

The term malignant tumour includes leukemia, lymphoma and sarcoma.

For the above definition, the following are excluded:

 All tumours which are histologically classified as any of the following:
Pre-malignant;
Non-invasive;
Carcinoma-in-situ;
Having borderline malignancy;
Having any degree of malignant potential;
Having suspicious malignancy;
Neoplasm of uncertain or unknown behavior; or
Cervical Dysplasia CIN-1, CIN-2 and CIN-3;
 Any non-melanoma skin carcinoma unless there is evidence of metastases to lymph nodes or
beyond;
 Malignant melanoma that has not caused invasion beyond the epidermis;
 All Prostate cancers histologically described as T1N0M0 (TNM Classification) or below; or
Prostate cancers of another equivalent or lesser classification;
 All Thyroid cancers histologically classified as T1N0M0 (TNM Classification) or below;
 All tumours of the Urinary Bladder histologically classified as T1N0M0 (TNM Classification) or
below;
 All Gastro-Intestinal Stromal tumours histologically classified as T1N0M0 (TNM Classification)
or below and with mitotic count of less than or equal to 5/50 HPFs;
 Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia less than RAI Stage 3; and
 All tumours in the presence of HIV infection.

2 Heart Attack of Specified Severity

Death of heart muscle due to obstruction of blood flow, that is evident by at least three of the
following criteria proving the occurrence of a new heart attack:
 History of typical chest pain;
 New characteristic electrocardiographic changes; with the development of any of the
following: ST elevation or depression, T wave inversion, pathological Q waves or left bundle
branch block;
 Elevation of the cardiac biomarkers, inclusive of CKMB above the generally accepted normal
laboratory levels or Cardiac Troponin T or I at 0.5ng/ml and above;
 Imaging evidence of new loss of viable myocardium or new regional wall motion
abnormality. The imaging must be done by Cardiologist specified by the Company.

For the above definition, the following are excluded:

 Angina;
 Heart attack of indeterminate age; and
 A rise in cardiac biomarkers or Troponin T or I following an intra-arterial cardiac procedure
including, but not limited to, coronary angiography and coronary angioplasty.

Explanatory note: 0.5ng/ml = 0.5ug/L = 500pg/ml

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3 Stroke

A cerebrovascular incident including infarction of brain tissue, cerebral and subarachnoid

haemorrhage, intracerebral embolism and cerebral thrombosis resulting in permanent neurological
deficit with persisting clinical symptoms. This diagnosis must be supported by all of the following
conditions:
 Evidence of permanent clinical neurological deficit confirmed by a neurologist at least 6 weeks
after the event; and
 Findings on Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Computerised Tomography, or other reliable imaging
techniques consistent with the diagnosis of a new stroke.

The following are excluded:

 Transient Ischaemic Attacks;
 Brain damage due to an accident or injury, infection, vasculitis, and inflammatory disease;
 Vascular disease affecting the eye or optic nerve; and
 Ischaemic disorders of the vestibular system.

Permanent means expected to last throughout the lifetime of the Life Assured.

Permanent neurological deficit with persisting clinical symptoms means symptoms of dysfunction in
the nervous system that are present on clinical examination and expected to last throughout the
lifetime of the Life Assured. Symptoms that are covered include numbness, paralysis, localized
weakness, dysarthria (difficulty with speech), aphasia (inability to speak), dysphagia (difficulty
swallowing), visual impairment, difficulty in walking, lack of coordination, tremor, seizures, dementia,
delirium and coma.

4 Coronary Artery By-pass Surgery

The actual undergoing of open-chest surgery or Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass
surgery to correct the narrowing or blockage of one or more coronary arteries with bypass grafts.
This diagnosis must be supported by angiographic evidence of significant coronary artery obstruction
and the procedure must be considered medically necessary by a consultant cardiologist.

Angioplasty and all other intra arterial, catheter based techniques, ‘keyhole’ or laser procedures are
excluded.

5 Kidney Failure

Chronic irreversible failure of both kidneys requiring either permanent renal dialysis or kidney
transplantation.

6 Aplastic Anaemia

Chronic persistent bone marrow failure, confirmed by biopsy, which results in anaemia, neutropenia
and thrombocytopenia requiring treatment with at least one of the following:
 Blood product transfusion;
 Marrow stimulating agents;
 Immunosuppressive agents; or
 Bone marrow transplantation.

The diagnosis must be confirmed by a haematologist.

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7 End Stage Lung Disease

End stage lung disease, causing chronic respiratory failure. This diagnosis must be supported by
evidence of all of the following:
 FEV1 test results which are consistently less than 1 litre;
 Permanent supplementary oxygen therapy for hypoxemia;
 Arterial blood gas analyses with partial oxygen pressures of 55mmHg or less (PaO 2 ≤ 55mmHg);
and
 Dyspnea at rest.

The diagnosis must be confirmed by a respiratory physician.

8 End Stage Liver Failure

End stage liver failure as evidenced by all of the following:

 Permanent jaundice;
 Ascites; and
 Hepatic encephalopathy.

Liver disease secondary to alcohol or drug abuse is excluded.

9 Coma

A coma that persists for at least 96 hours. This diagnosis must be supported by evidence of all of the
following:
 No response to external stimuli for at least 96 hours;
 Life support measures are necessary to sustain life; and
 Brain damage resulting in permanent neurological deficit which must be assessed at least 30 days
after the onset of the coma.

Coma resulting directly from alcohol or drug abuse is excluded.

10 Deafness (Loss of Hearing)

Total and irreversible loss of hearing in both ears as a result of illness or accident. This diagnosis must
be supported by audiometric and sound-threshold tests provided and certified by an Ear, Nose,
Throat (ENT) specialist.

Total means “the loss of at least 80 decibels in all frequencies of hearing”.

11 Heart Valve Surgery

The actual undergoing of open-heart surgery to replace or repair heart valve abnormalities. The
diagnosis of heart valve abnormality must be supported by cardiac catheterization or
echocardiogram and the procedure must be considered medically necessary by a consultant
cardiologist.
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12 Loss of Speech

Total and irrecoverable loss of the ability to speak as a result of injury or disease to the vocal cords.
The inability to speak must be established for a continuous period of 12 months. This diagnosis must
be supported by medical evidence furnished by an Ear, Nose, Throat (ENT) specialist.

All psychiatric related causes are excluded.

13 Major Burns

Third degree (full thickness of the skin) burns covering at least 20% of the surface of the Life Assured’s
body.

14 Major Organ / Bone Marrow Transplantation

The receipt of a transplant of:

 Human bone marrow using haematopoietic stem cells preceded by total bone marrow ablation;
or
 One of the following human organs: heart, lung, liver, kidney, pancreas, that resulted from
irreversible end stage failure of the relevant organ.

Other stem cell transplants are excluded.

15 Multiple Sclerosis

The definite occurrence of Multiple Sclerosis. The diagnosis must be supported by all of the following:
 Investigations which unequivocally confirm the diagnosis to be Multiple Sclerosis;
 Multiple neurological deficits which occurred over a continuous period of at least 6 months; and
 Well documented history of exacerbations and remissions of said symptoms or neurological
deficits.

Other causes of neurological damage such as SLE and HIV are excluded.

16 Muscular Dystrophy

A group of hereditary degenerative diseases of muscle characterised by weakness and atrophy of

muscle. The diagnosis of muscular dystrophy must be unequivocal and made by a consultant
neurologist. The condition must result in the inability of the Life Assured to perform (whether aided
or unaided) at least 3 of the following 6 “Activities of Daily Living” for a continuous period of at least 6
months:

Activities of Daily Living:

(i) Washing- the ability to wash in the bath or shower (including getting into and out of the bath or
shower) or wash satisfactorily by other means;
(ii) Dressing- the ability to put on, take off, secure and unfasten all garments and, as appropriate, any
braces, artificial limbs or other surgical appliances;
(iii) Transferring- the ability to move from a bed to an upright chair or wheelchair and vice versa;
(iv) Mobility- the ability to move indoors from room to room on level surfaces;
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(v) Toileting- the ability to use the lavatory or otherwise manage bowel and bladder functions so as to
maintain a satisfactory level of personal hygiene;
(vi) Feeding- the ability to feed oneself once food has been prepared and made available.

For the purpose of this definition, “aided” shall mean with the aid of special equipment, device and/or
apparatus and not pertaining to human aid.

17 Parkinson’s Disease

The unequivocal diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease by a consultant neurologist. This

diagnosis must be supported by all of the following conditions:
 The disease cannot be controlled with medication;
 Signs of progressive impairment; and
 Inability of the Life Assured to perform (whether aided or unaided) at least 3 of the following 6
“Activities of Daily Living” for a continuous period of at least 6 months:

Activities of Daily Living:

(i) Washing- the ability to wash in the bath or shower (including getting into and out of the bath or
shower) or wash satisfactorily by other means;
(ii) Dressing- the ability to put on, take off, secure and unfasten all garments and, as appropriate, any
braces, artificial limbs or other surgical appliances;
(iii) Transferring- the ability to move from a bed to an upright chair or wheelchair and vice versa;
(iv) Mobility- the ability to move indoors from room to room on level surfaces;
(v) Toileting- the ability to use the lavatory or otherwise manage bowel and bladder functions so as
to maintain a satisfactory level of personal hygiene;
(vi) Feeding- the ability to feed oneself once food has been prepared and made available.

Drug-induced or toxic causes of Parkinsonism or all other causes of Parkinson’s Disease are excluded.

For the purpose of this definition, “aided” shall mean with the aid of special equipment, device and/or
apparatus and not pertaining to human aid.

18 Surgery to Aorta

The actual undergoing of major surgery to repair or correct an aneurysm, narrowing, obstruction or
dissection of the aorta through surgical opening of the chest or abdomen. For the purpose of this
definition, aorta shall mean the thoracic and abdominal aorta but not its branches.

Surgery performed using only minimally invasive or intra arterial techniques are excluded.

19 Alzheimer's Disease / Severe Dementia

Deterioration or loss of intellectual capacity as confirmed by clinical evaluation and imaging tests,
arising from Alzheimer's disease or irreversible organic disorders, resulting in significant reduction in
mental and social functioning requiring the continuous supervision of the life assured. This diagnosis
must be supported by the clinical confirmation of an appropriate consultant and supported by the
Company's appointed doctor.

The following are excluded:

 Non-organic diseases such as neurosis and psychiatric illnesses; and
 Alcohol related brain damage.
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20 Fulminant Hepatitis

A submassive to massive necrosis of the liver by the Hepatitis virus, leading precipitously to liver
failure. This diagnosis must be supported by all of the following:
 Rapid decreasing of liver size as confirmed by abdominal ultrasound;
 Necrosis involving entire lobules, leaving only a collapsed reticular framework;
 Rapid deterioration of liver function tests;
 Deepening jaundice; and
 Hepatic encephalopathy.

21 Motor Neurone Disease

Motor neurone disease characterised by progressive degeneration of corticospinal tracts and anterior
horn cells or bulbar efferent neurones which include spinal muscular atrophy, progressive bulbar
palsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and primary lateral sclerosis. This diagnosis must be confirmed by
a neurologist as progressive and resulting in permanent neurological deficit.

22 Primary Pulmonary Hypertension

Primary Pulmonary Hypertension with substantial right ventricular enlargement confirmed by

investigations including cardiac catheterisation, resulting in permanent physical impairment of at least
Class IV of the New York Heart Association (NYHA) Classification of Cardiac Impairment.

The NYHA Classification of Cardiac Impairment:

Class I: No limitation of physical activity. Ordinary physical activity does not cause undue fatigue,
dyspnea, or anginal pain.
Class II: Slight limitation of physical activity. Ordinary physical activity results in symptoms.
Class III: Marked limitation of physical activity. Comfortable at rest, but less than ordinary activity
causes symptoms.
Class IV: Unable to engage in any physical activity without discomfort. Symptoms may be present
even at rest.

23 HIV Due to Blood Transfusion and Occupationally Acquired HIV

A) Infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) through a blood transfusion, provided
that all of the following conditions are met:
 The blood transfusion was medically necessary or given as part of a medical treatment;
 The blood transfusion was received in Singapore after the Issue Date, Date of endorsement or
Date of reinstatement of this Supplementary Contract, whichever is the later;
 The source of the infection is established to be from the Institution that provided the blood
transfusion and the Institution is able to trace the origin of the HIV tainted blood; and
 The insured does not suffer from Thalassaemia Major or Haemophilia.

B) Infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which resulted from an accident
occurring after the Issue Date, date of endorsement or date of reinstatement of this
Supplementary Contract, whichever is the later whilst the Insured was carrying out the normal
professional duties of his or her occupation in Singapore, provided that all of the following are
proven to the Company’s satisfaction:
 Proof of the accident giving rise to the infection must be reported to the Company within 30 day
of the accident taking place;
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 Proof that the accident involved a definite source of the HIV infected fluids;
 Proof of sero-conversion from HIV negative to HIV positive occurring during the 180 days after
the documented accident. This proof must include a negative HIV antibody test conducted
within 5 days of the accident; and
 HIV infection resulting from any other means including sexual activity and the use of intravenous
drugs is excluded.

This benefit is only payable when the occupation of the insured is a medical practitioner, housemen,
medical student, state registered nurse, medical laboratory technician, dentist (surgeon and nurse) or
paramedical worker, working in medical centre or clinic (in Singapore).

This benefit will not apply under either section A or B where a cure has become available prior to the
infection. “Cure” means any treatment that renders the HIV inactive or non-infectious.

24 Benign Brain Tumor

Benign brain tumour means a non-malignant tumour located in the cranial vault and limited to the
brain, meninges or cranial nerves where all of the following conditions are met:
 It is life threatening;
 It has caused damage to the brain;
 It has undergone surgical removal or, if inoperable, has caused a permanent neurological deficit;
and
 Its presence must be confirmed by a neurologist or neurosurgeon and supported by findings on
Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Computerised Tomography, or other reliable imaging techniques.

The following are excluded:

 Cysts;
 Granulomas;
 Vascular Malformations;
 Haematomas; and
 Tumours of the pituitary gland or spinal cord.

25 Viral Encephalitis

Severe inflammation of brain substance (cerebral hemisphere, brainstem or cerebellum) caused by

viral infection and resulting in permanent neurological deficit. This diagnosis must be certified by a
consultant neurologist and the permanent neurological deficit must be documented for at least 6
weeks.

Encephalitis caused by HIV infection is excluded.

26 Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial infection resulting in severe inflammation of the membranes of the brain or spinal cord
resulting in significant, irreversible and permanent neurological deficit. The neurological deficit must
persist for at least 6 weeks. This diagnosis must be confirmed by:
 The presence of bacterial infection in cerebrospinal fluid by lumbar puncture; and
 A consultant neurologist.

Bacterial Meningitis in the presence of HIV infection is excluded.

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27 Angioplasty & Other Invasive Treatment For Coronary Artery

The actual undergoing of balloon angioplasty or similar intra arterial catheter procedure to correct a
narrowing of minimum 60% stenosis, of one or more major coronary arteries as shown by
angiographic evidence. The revascularisation must be considered medically necessary by a consultant
cardiologist.

Coronary arteries herein refer to left main stem, left anterior descending, circumflex and right
coronary artery.

Payment under this condition is limited to 10% of the Sum Assured under this policy subject to a
S$25,000 maximum sum payable. This benefit is payable once only and shall be deducted from the
amount of this Contract, thereby reducing the amount of the Sum Assured which may be payable
herein.

Diagnostic angiography is excluded.

28 Blindness (Loss of Sight)

Permanent and irreversible loss of sight in both eyes as a result of illness or accident to the extent
that even when tested with the use of visual aids, vision is measured at 3/60 or worse in both eyes
using a Snellen eye chart or equivalent test, or visual field of 20 degrees or less in both eyes. The
blindness must be confirmed by an ophthalmologist.

29 Major Head Trauma

Accidental head injury resulting in permanent neurological deficit with persisting clinical symptoms to
be assessed no sooner than 6 weeks from the date of the accident. This diagnosis must be confirmed
by a consultant neurologist and supported by unequivocal findings on Magnetic Resonance Imaging,
Computerised Tomography, or other reliable imaging techniques. "Accident” means an event of
violent, unexpected, external, involuntary and visible nature which is independent of any other cause
and is the sole cause of the head Injury.

The following are excluded:

 Spinal cord injury; and
 Head injury due to any other causes.

Permanent means expected to last throughout the lifetime of the Life Assured.

Permanent neurological deficit with persisting clinical symptoms means symptoms of dysfunction in
the nervous system that are present on clinical examination and expected to last throughout the
lifetime of the Life Assured. Symptoms that are covered include numbness, paralysis, localized
weakness, dysarthria (difficulty with speech), aphasia (inability to speak), dysphagia (difficulty
swallowing), visual impairment, difficulty in walking, lack of coordination, tremor, seizures, dementia,
delirium and coma.
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30 Paralysis (Loss of Use of Limbs)

Total and irreversible loss of use of at least 2 entire limbs due to injury or disease persisting for a
period of at least 6 weeks and with no foreseeable possibility of recovery. This condition must be
confirmed by a consultant neurologist.

Self-inflicted injuries are excluded.

31 Terminal Illness

The conclusive diagnosis of an illness that is expected to result in the death of the Life Assured within
12 months. This diagnosis must be supported by a specialist and confirmed by the Company’s
appointed doctor.

Terminal illness in the presence of HIV infection is excluded.

32 Progressive Scleroderma

A systemic collagen-vascular disease causing progressive diffuse fibrosis in the skin, blood vessels and
visceral organs. This diagnosis must be unequivocally supported by biopsy and serological evidence
and the disorder must have reached systemic proportions to involve the heart, lungs or kidneys.

The following are excluded:

 Localised scleroderma (linear scleroderma or morphea);
 Eosinophilic fascitis; and
 CREST syndrome.

33 Apallic Syndrome

Universal necrosis of the brain cortex with the brainstem intact. This diagnosis must be definitely
confirmed by a consultant neurologist holding such an appointment at an approved hospital. This
condition has to be medically documented for at least one month.

34 Systemic Lupus Erythematosus With Lupus Nephritis

A multi-system, multifactorial, autoimmune disorder characterised by the development of auto-

antibodies directed against various self-antigens. In respect of this contract, systemic lupus
erythematosus will be restricted to those forms of systemic lupus erythematosus which involve the
kidneys (Class III to Class V Lupus Nephritis, established by renal biopsy, and in accordance with the
WHO Classification). The final diagnosis must be confirmed by a certified doctor specialising in
Rheumatology and Immunology.

The WHO Classification of Lupus Nephritis:

Class I Minimal Change Lupus Glomerulonephritis
Class II Messangial Lupus Glomerulonephritis
Class III Focal Segmental Proliferative Lupus Glomerulonephritis
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Class IV Diffuse Proliferative Lupus Glomerulonephritis

Class V Membranous Lupus Glomerulonephritis

35 Other Serious Coronary Artery Disease

The narrowing of the lumen of at least one coronary artery by a minimum of 75% and of two others
by a minimum of 60%, as proven by coronary arteriography, regardless of whether or not any form of
coronary artery surgery has been performed.

Coronary arteries herein refer to left main stem, left anterior descending, circumflex and right
coronary artery.

36 Poliomyelitis

The occurrence of Poliomyelitis where the following conditions are met:

 Poliovirus is identified as the cause,
 Paralysis of the limb muscles or respiratory muscles must be present and persist for at least 3
months.

37 Loss of Independent Existence

A condition as a result of a disease, illness or injury whereby the Life Assured is unable to perform
(whether aided or unaided) at least 3 of the following 6 "Activities of Daily Living", for a continuous
period of 6 months.

Activities of Daily Living:

(i) Washing - the ability to wash in the bath or shower (including getting into and out of the bath or
shower) or wash satisfactorily by other means;
(ii) Dressing - the ability to put on, take off, secure and unfasten all garments and, as appropriate,
any braces, artificial limbs or other surgical appliances;
(iii) Transferring - the ability to move from a bed to an upright chair or wheelchair and vice versa;
(iv) Mobility - the ability to move indoors from room to room on level surfaces;
(v) Toileting - the ability to use the lavatory or otherwise manage bowel and bladder functions so as
to maintain a satisfactory level of personal hygiene;
(vi) Feeding - the ability to feed oneself once food has been prepared and made available.

This condition must be confirmed by the company's approved doctor.

Non-organic diseases such as neurosis and psychiatric illnesses are excluded.

For the purpose of this definition, “aided” shall mean with the aid of special equipment, device and/or
apparatus and not pertaining to human aid.