Top reasons why your kids need medical insurance

From the wide selection of schools to year-round sunshine and chicken rice on tap, there’s lots to love about raising kids in Singapore. What many expat and local parents alike grapple with, however, is the relatively high cost of doing so – it’s been estimated that raising one child up to the age of 21 years can cost anywhere from $200,000 to nearly $1 million! Of course, unexpected medical care for your little ones can make those costs balloon. Here, the team at Pacific Prime Singapore offer five key reasons why it is important to get medical insurance for children.

#1 Children get sick more easily

Little ones definitely fall ill more often than adults. This is primarily because children’s immune systems are more vulnerable as they haven’t yet built the immunity required to fight off the germs. Also, children are often in the company of other children who are similarly starting out on the path to immunity.

According to Health Hub Singapore, the top 10 childhood medical conditions in Singapore are:

• Common cold
• Bronchitis and bronchiolitis
• Stomach flu
• Hand, foot and mouth disease
• Febrile seizures
• Chickenpox
• Eczema
• Asthma
• Allergic rhinitis
• Constipation

Some of the above, like a cold, are typically not severe health threats. However, other conditions such as more serious forms of asthma may require frequent medical attention – where costs can accumulate fast, especially for expat families without access to subsidised healthcare.

#2 Children are more accident prone

Did you know that around 10 to 12% of children who seek emergency treatment each day at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital do so because of injuries. Children have a propensity for exploration and, while a healthy dose of curiosity is important for their mental and physical development, they tend to get into accidents along the way.

Childhood injuries can be very serious and even life-threatening. It’s important to take precautionary measures to reduce the chances of such mishaps. Some of the most common childhood accidents and injuries in Singapore include:

• Abrasions and cuts
• Burns and scalds
• Fractures
• Trapped fingers
• Pulled elbow
• Head injury
• Swallowed objects
• Inhaled objects
• Accidental poisoning
• Eye injuries
• Objects in the ears/nose

#3 Children require numerous essential vaccinations

Children living in Singapore are legally required to be immunised against certain diseases such as measles. Like almost every other country, Singapore has a vaccination schedule that details the types of immunisations that should be administered to each individual from birth. In this way, infants and kids are protected from a whole host of contagious and potentially deadly illnesses such as tuberculosis, mumps, rubella and polio.

For expat families in particular, the cost of childhood vaccinations in Singapore can be particularly high. This is because, as mentioned, many expats do not have access to subsidised public healthcare, so expat children will need to get vaccinated at private facilities. A single vaccine at these facilities can easily cost you hundreds of dollars.

What can you expect for medical insurance for children and families

Most insurers like Pacific Prime Singapore offer a range of options for families of all sizes and ages. Whether you’re looking for newborn health insurance or are thinking of purchasing a family health insurance plan, medical insurance can be catered to your family’s needs.

Most of these plans feature benefits such as:

• Maternity coverage
• Worldwide health insurance coverage
• Vaccination benefits
• Preventative care benefits
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Newborn coverage
• Alternative medicine benefits
• Outpatient benefits
• Pre-existing condition coverage

Best of all, if you have multiple children, some insurers will allow you to add a new child to your family health insurance for free. This perk is not universal so make sure you’ve thoroughly researched your options before securing coverage.

Written in collaboration with:
Pacific Prime Singapore
18 Cross Street, China Square Central, #14-05
6346 3781 | pacificprime.sg

Read more in our Health & Fitness section!

5 types of health insurance for expats

Should I go to a public or private hospital?

Lindsay Yap

Living in Singapore all her life, Lindsay loves finding out what's on and fun around town. Besides binge-watching sitcoms and pigging out on her favourite hawker food, she enjoys exploring new places and is constantly adding to her travel wish list!