Without a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), a family facing a loved one's sudden loss of mental capacity may find itself without any legal authority to act, and with no one formally empowered to make decisions on their behalf, this gap that can turn a medical emergency into something bigger.
Great Eastern highlighted this yawning gap in a recent statement, quoting data from the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) as of February 2026. According to the MSF, six in seven Singaporeans have yet to make an LPA.
At its core, an LPA allows individuals to appoint trusted persons to make decisions on their behalf should they lose mental capacity in the future, including filing insurance claims and managing payouts, thus ensuring loved ones are better prepared to navigate important life decisions with clarity.
“Anyone can lose mental capacity unexpectedly due to stroke, an accident, or other medical conditions,” cautioned Great Eastern Managing Director Kwek-Perroy Li Choo.
“As Singapore becomes a super aged society, legacy planning has become increasingly important,” said Ministry of Social and Family Development, Public Guardian, Rayahu Buang.
“Beyond financial preparedness, making legacy plans early such as a Lasting Power of Attorney, can provide peace of mind for both the individuals and their families.”
The MSF’s data on the LPAs in Singapore can be accessed here.