If you’re wondering, “What insurance do I need?”, just know that different stages of life call for different approaches to choosing what’s right for you. With so many health insurance plans on the market, though, how do you know exactly what to get? We asked some medical insurance experts for advice on life and health insurance plans including maternity insurance for expats in different scenarios.
#1 International health insurance for expat families frequent travellers and expats who plan on continuing to relocate
The team from Allianz Care Singapore says:
“Designed to cover you globally, international health insurance plans offer coverage anywhere within your chosen region of cover, making it an ideal choice for expat families. While these plans can be more costly than local ones, they tend to be more comprehensive, usually featuring higher coverage limits (especially useful with kids!) and a wider network of providers across the globe.
International plans also offer the invaluable peace of mind knowing you’ll be covered for any necessary treatments during your trip abroad. While travel insurance is useful for short-term and one-off trips, international plans offer more extensive medical coverage, and usually include coverage for elective, day-to-day doctor and dental visits, emergency care, and even advance scheduling of treatments and surgeries abroad.
Many international plans have added benefits as well. For instance, Allianz’s international health insurance plans include an Expat Assistance Programme that offers 24/7 multilingual assistance, direct billing with medical providers, fully completed medical claims processed within 48 hours, travel security services and more.
Starting in 2023 for Singapore, Allianz has an alternative option for Moratorium Underwriting, which is quicker to set-up and hassle-free. Essentially, it sets a waiting period for pre-existing conditions, so insurance risk is minimised.”
Allianz Singapore
79 Robinson Road, #09-01
6395 3844 | allianzcare.com
#2 Maternity insurance for growing families
The team from Pacific Prime CXA Singapore says:
“Welcoming a new family member is indeed one of the most beautiful and rewarding experiences in life. However, it can also turn into a stressful event, especially if you’re giving birth outside of your home country. The quality of healthcare treatment in Singapore is outstanding, but it comes with a hefty price tag. Whether you are an expat or a local living in Singapore, not having suitable maternity coverage can be risky. It may be tempting to opt for the cheapest plan you can lay your hands on, but this isn’t a smart move in the long run because not all health insurance plans are created equal.
Maternity benefits should be purchased early because, in most cases, they are attached with a waiting period ranging anywhere between 10 and 24 months. Also, it’s important to remember that maternity policies typically have a long list of terms and conditions – from childbirth complications to newborn underwriting. Our dedicated team of experts are here to help and answer any questions you may have, not only regarding benefits, claims, and coverage but also for any general advice you need about maternity and insurance in Singapore.”
Pacific Prime CXA Singapore
#09-02 China Square Central, 18 Cross Street
6346 3781 | pacificprime.sg
#3 Health insurance plans that travel with you!
The team from Now Health International Singapore says:
“Eighty percent of expats move abroad with their spouses, while 64 percent take their children with them, too. And as almost half of expats with children take over 12 months to settle into their new location, it’s vital they get the support and peace of mind they need.
That’s why Now Health International’s health insurance plans are built to consider the needs of families, with cover available for children of all ages that includes options for things that are often costly to parents, like dental coverage. For expats planning to start or add to their family overseas, comprehensive maternity cover ensures they can go through pregnancy with as little stress as possible and enjoy health coverage for their new arrival immediately after birth.
No matter where a family is in its journey and growth, they can fully tailor a Now Health International plan to their needs and budget. And they can continue to ensure it meets their needs via the company’s award-winning suite of digital tools.
Families can also enjoy significant discounts at Now Health International, with other benefits including direct billing, a member assistance programme that offers five free counselling sessions per year, and 24/7 access to an award-winning, multilingual customer service team.”
Now Health International Singapore
#07-01A/02 The House of Eden, 4 Robinson Road
6880 2303 | now-health.com
#4 Expat international health insurance for everyone!
The team from Cigna says:
“If you’re moving (or moved) to Singapore as an expat, whether for work, retirement, or a fresh start, a crucial aspect of your transition is your health. As you embark on this exciting journey, it’s essential to ensure that you and your family have access to the finest healthcare services. This is where Cigna’s international health insurance comes into play.
Cigna’s Health Insurance is a great choice for expats in Singapore because we offer global expertise with a local presence. You’ll have the freedom to access treatment wherever you are, through our worldwide network of over 1.5 million trusted hospitals and healthcare professionals.
You can tailor your coverage as our health insurance plans are designed with expatriates like you in mind. This allows you to create a plan that suits your needs and budget and one that moves with you, in over 200 markets and territories. We believe that your focus should be on embracing the opportunities that Singapore offers, not worrying about healthcare expenses. With Cigna’s health insurance, you can enjoy peace of mind, knowing that your health and well-being are protected.
Whether you’re an individual, part of a family, or planning for retirement, Cigna offers a range of flexible plans that can be customised to fit your individual circumstances and budget.”
Cigna
#33-05 The Gateway East, 152 Beach Road
800 186 5047 | cignaglobal.com
Now you’ve got your health insurance plans covered, why not take a look our neighbourhoods guide if your deciding where to live in Singapore?
You can also check out more about health and fitness here.
