With healthcare and health insurance costs rising in Singapore and globally, Healthier SG couldn’t have come at a better time. This new programme is aimed at Singaporeans and Permanent Residents aged 40 and above. It offers a variety of benefits, including a focus on preventative care centred around Healthier SG clinics across the island. Here’s what you can expect from this new reform, and also how medical insurance for permanent residents can help keep costs down.
A focus on preventative care
As you progress in age, the chances of suffering chronic diseases and disabilities rise. These issues can affect your quality of life and also impose a financial burden on both the individual and family. Some of the most common chronic diseases include diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. These can lead to more serious problems like kidney failure, strokes and heart attacks. However, many of these chronic diseases can also be prevented with lifestyle changes. And this begins with having a better understanding of your personal health.
Healthier SG fosters long-term doctor-patient relationships
One of the biggest benefits of the Healthier SG reform is promoting long-term doctor-patient relationships with a trusted family physician from a Healthier SG clinic. They can help develop a personalised health plan for you. Family doctors will also play an important role in advising patients on when to begin regular health screenings. This also means that your doctor will be more familiar with your medical history plus your lifestyle and background, making it easier to offer customised medical care for each patient.
Healthcare costs are on the rise
Healthier SG’s focus on preventative care can be seen as an attempt to minimise the effects of the rise in healthcare costs in Singapore and the world. Inflation and increased pressure due to the pandemic have contributed to the highest projected increase in medical costs in nearly 15 years. There’s also been an upsurge in the cost of medical insurance for permanent residents and Singaporeans alike. Healthier SG addresses this issue by introducing a series of enhanced subsidies that focus on preventative care.
How to enrol in the programme and find Healthier SG clinics
Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents aged 60 and above will receive an SMS invite to enrol in participating Healthier SG clinics. Those aged 40 to 59 will be invited in the near future. Once you receive the SMS, you can enrol through the HealthHub app. You’ll also be able to pick your preferred Healthier SG clinic from a list. You can then book an appointment for your free first health plan consultation.
The best health insurance plans in Singapore cover routine screenings
While Healthier SG’s enhanced subsidies are certainly helpful, some of the best health insurance plans in Singapore also cover routine health screenings and preventative care. This can further ease the financial burden, especially for expats in Singapore who might not be eligible for this new healthcare plan.
Pacific Prime CXA offers a variety of comprehensive personal, family and international healthcare plans that cover hospitalisation, outpatient care and coverage of pre-existing conditions. Plans also cover important medical practices like health screenings, which should be conducted more regularly the older you get. Contact Pacific Prime CXA to learn more about their comprehensive medical insurance for permanent residents today.
Written in collaboration with Pacific Prime CXA
