If you’re reviewing your family health insurance in Singapore, here are two areas that you should take into consideration. If you have a company policy, does it cover what you need, and are you covered for critical illness? These expat insurance providers share some details about different plans, particularly health insurance for foreigners, so you’ll know if you need to top up your health insurance plan in any way.
#1 International health insurance – plus top-ups
In Singapore, healthcare is split into public and private systems. Public healthcare is generally more affordable but is not subsidised for non-citizens and expats. The team at Expat Insurance tell us more about private international health insurance and offer some advice about top-ups.
“We encourage expats to get comprehensive health cover, especially if you’re here with your family. International health insurance plans offer long-term coverage for medical care while living overseas, with the length of coverage varying across insurance providers. This type of insurance is comprehensive, usually coming with high limits, a wide network and additional benefits such as travel, health screenings and dental coverage. Best of all, it’s portable so you can take it along with you for your next expat posting.
If you require more coverage for you or your family, getting a top-up plan is a good option. Top-up plans work in conjunction with your current plan, increasing accident, annual and lifetime limits. They are also useful for addressing gaps in employer-provided plans as well as coverage for pre-existing conditions, dental and vision. Company medical insurance is often minimal, covering only basic emergency and hospitalisation bills that wouldn’t be sufficient in the case of a serious illness or accident. The Expat Insurance Team can help to review your existing plan and identify gaps that need to be covered.”
#2 Critical illness cover
Illness can strike at any time, whether you’re young or old. Not all insurance policies cover costs for critical illnesses, including health insurance plans for foreigners. Treatment costs can also quickly add up. UEX tells us why getting cover for this scenario is so important.
“When a critical illness strikes you or someone in your family, it’s not only an emotional and physically challenging time but it can also take a toll on your finances. Having health expenses covered can significantly help to lighten the load, helping you to focus on getting well or take care of your ill family member. This critical illness coverage is particularly crucial if you have a family history of such illnesses.
UEX has health insurance plans that include cover for expenses related to critical illness such as organ transplants, cancer treatments, kidney dialysis and radiotherapy. For instance, the “UEX & APRIL Hospital & Surgery Level 3” coverage pays for expenses that support the recovery process. The policyholder will be fully covered for cancer treatment specialist consultations, diagnostic scans and tests, medicines and drugs, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Also, there’s a lifetime benefit of up to $270,000 and $135,000 for congenital and hereditary conditions, and hospice and palliative treatments respectively. The plan also offers full coverage for kidney dialysis (while admitted to the hospital or outside of the hospital) as well as coverage for donor costs of up to $65,000.”
This article first appeared in the February 2020 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!
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