Maternity insurance in Singapore cannot be purchased on its own, as a separate insurance policy. This coverage is a benefit extension attached to your main health insurance policy to cover the medical costs you incur during pregnancy, such as:

• Doctor and OB-GYN visits
• Routine scans
• Delivery costs
• Hospital stay
• Treatment for any complications.

In Singapore, welcoming a newborn to the family is costly. Medical expenses for each pregnancy typically range between $10,000 and $14,000 for a natural delivery, and $12,500 and $16,000 for caesarean (C-section).

Bills for a complicated pregnancy or premature birth can reach upwards of $20,000 to $200,000. Typically, treatment for complications of pregnancy is included in your main health insurance policy. As coverage varies widely across products, we recommend you consult your policy wording, terms and conditions or speak with us directly to clarify how your coverage will respond should you experience complications during the course of your pregnancy.

It is important to plan in advance, as most maternity insurance imposes waiting periods, which can range from 10 months to 24 months. Again, policies differ so you need to know whether your wait period is prior to conception or prior to claim.

Ultimately, you want to know that you’re getting the best care possible for you and your baby. Ensuring you have quality maternity insurance can help relieve many of the stresses associated with prenatal and postnatal care.

Newborn Coverage

While many policies restrict coverage for your newborn immediately following birth, especially if Mum has not served a waiting period under the policy, other policies are designed to provide coverage for a baby from birth.

Common scenarios are:

• No coverage for the baby until after discharge from the hospital.
• Baby only covered at 91 days old.
• Coverage begins at 15 days after normal, healthy birth.

Our goal is to ensure you have a complete understanding of your maternity insurance so you are not surprised by anything other than the beauty of bringing your baby into the world.

Expat Maternity Insurance FAQ 

Q. Can I purchase maternity insurance if I am already pregnant?
A. Most insurers will not accept your application if you are already pregnant.

Q. What does maternity insurance cover?
A. Maternity insurance covers costs such as obstetricians’ and midwives’ fees, postnatal care and hospital charges.

Q. Does my insurance cover all tests?
A. Insurance coverage for tests during pregnancy vary depending on the insurer.

Q. What is a “waiting period”?
A. A waiting period is the time an insurance company will make you wait before you can claim expenses under your maternity insurance. Different insurers have different waiting periods. It is best to check with an advisor and with the individual insurer as to how long the waiting period is. It is essential that you know exactly what you are and aren’t covered for during the waiting period.

Q. Is my baby covered from birth?
A. It is best to check with the insurer regarding how much coverage your newborn with have from birth.

Q. Does the insurance cover birth defects?
A. Insurance coverage for birth defects, deformity and congenital conditions vary depending on the insurer.

Q. Am I covered for C-section?
A. Medically necessary C-sections are covered by maternity insurance. A voluntary C-section is not likely to be covered.

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Running a successful business requires careful planning and consideration; entrepreneurs are risk takers by nature.

But why take all the risk? One of the things you should never have to experience is not having enough small business insurance to protect your company from unforeseen financial losses. A single lawsuit, accident, injury, or any other disaster can bankrupt your entire business if you don’t have adequate business insurance protection.

Read on to understand the five reasons why you should buy insurance when you set up your business venture.

You Can’t Predict The Future 

No matter what business you’re involved in, there’s no way to predict what can happen while working with your new customers or clients. Nobody expects to get into a car accident when driving, but we all wear our seatbelts anyway.

Similarly, you shouldn’t expect to get sued over every client you encounter, but it can happen. Knowing that Public Liability Insurance protects you against lawsuits for only a couple hundred dollars a year, the benefits become clear. Investing in protection for your business is vitally important.

When Insured, You Can Focus On What Matters

Business insurance policies give you peace of mind, meaning you can spend less time worrying about the unforeseen and more time concentrating on what really matters: growing your business and becoming a successful entrepreneur. Your number one priority should be running your company, not worrying about whether an accident, loss of product, or lawsuit will put you out of business.

Having Insurance Allows You To Take More Chances 

With less to worry about on a regular basis in your company’s day-to-day operations, you can take more chances with your business that will pay off and allow growth. Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean you can knowingly take unnecessary risks if you are insured (common sense and safety precautions are always best), but it does mean you can have peace of mind and pursue business opportunities you might not have otherwise dreamed of.

You Will Be Able To  Protect Your Employees

If you have employees, you are legally obligated to carry worker’s compensation insurance to help pay medical bills if your employees are hurt at work. It is also wise to invest in a policy that will protect your finances if they decide to sue you over their injuries.

It’s important to determine how much risk your business faces, as the risk of worker injury for an accounting team is very different from that of a construction company. To find a policy that makes sense for your business and the work your employees do, come talk to an expat insurance agent. Our team has experience finding workers compensation insurance for business owners in various fields.

Having Insurance Creates A Sense Of Trustworthiness

Having business insurance shows your potential clients that you’re trustworthy. Having insurance means that if anything goes wrong with the work you do for clients, you’ll have the means to compensate them.

If you accidentally damage their property, or lose your product during shipping, or if they have an accident in your business, your insurance policy will pay for a settlement. In addition to providing a safety net for you, your insurance policies provide a safety net for anyone who wants to work with you as well.

When looking at all these reasons, it becomes clear that having insurance for your small business is important. While your policy may not prevent your business from being sued or a freak fire from happening in the first place, it will protect you from being financially crippled. When you’re a small company that’s trying to grow, you can’t afford to take risks. Business insurance is worth its weight in gold.

Visit  Expat Insurance Pte Ltd to Get a Business Insurance Quote today!

_{This post was originally published on Expat Insurance News and has been reposted on Executive Lifestyle with the permission of the author.
Edited by Michelle Sarthou
Image by: Shutterstock}

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Buying business insurance can be quite the task. There’s a lot to take into consideration that goes into deciding to acquire business insurance.  

Business insurance is an investment, a big decision. As you ponder, heed Justine Loke, Commercial Insurance Advisor at Expat Insurance, as she offers 10  tips to better understand why you should consider business insurance in Singapore.

Do Your Homework

Research the insurance packages commonly purchased by professionals in your industry, and know which policies you want to buy.

Consider All Possibilities For Your Business’s Future

Although an accident, illness, or disaster seems unlikely to happen, it’s important to take into account all the things that can go wrong. We don’t expect to get into a car accident when we go driving but we wear our seatbelts for protection and peace of mind; the same goes for business insurance.

Cheaper Isn’t Always Better

For certain expenses, it’s smart to go with the least-expensive option. This may not always be the case with business insurance. Some policies may contain more limitations and higher out-of-pocket deductibles.

Shop Around

Trade organizations and professional organizations in your area may provide discounted coverage to members. Do check with your industry-related associations. Carriers often offer premium savings in return for a larger risk pool.

Find An Agent Or Broker You Can Trust

Commercial insurance brokers can help you find a policy that fits the overall needs of your business. Brokers offer policies from a variety of insurers, not just one. They provide the value added service of ensuring you have the right cover and assistance needed in claims.

Get Your Information Ready

When you’re finally ready to apply for insurance, get all of your business information ready if you want the process to be fast and efficient. General information required includes: business nature, company revenue, number of employees, insurance history.

When In Doubt, Ask Questions

Insurance brokers are here for a reason – to help you get approved cover. If you have any questions, feel free to ask! You can learn a lot about the terms and conditions of your policy just by talking to your broker.

Cover Your Products

You can also purchase product liability coverage for tangible products which you have designed and manufactured for sale. This covers you in case one of your products causes illness or injury to others.

Cover Your Employees
As your business grows and the company workforce grows, you can manage your liability as an employer by ensuring you have worker’s compensation in place early.

Evaluate Your Needs Regularly

Once you are satisfied with your insurance coverage, the process isn’t over. You should regularly evaluate your policy with your broker as your business grows.

Visit  Expat Insurance Pte Ltd to Get a Business Insurance Quote today!

_{This post was originally published on Expat Insurance News and has been reposted on Executive Lifestyle with the permission of the author.
Edited by Michelle Sarthou
Image by: Shutterstock}

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At Expat Insurance (we welcome dozens of babies a month to the world!) we receive plenty of questions about little bundles and the insurance needed to cover them. Can you get medical insurance coverage for your baby from birth?

As an expat living and working overseas, good health and well-being are important to you and your family. The expatriate life is full of challenges and opportunities alike; the chance to develop one’s career, assimilate new cultures, and see new and exciting places are all part of this journey. Whether you are flying solo or have your family in tow, securing the right health insurance cover and at the right price are consequential in securing peace of mind to alleviate the financial burden associated with the high cost of medical care in Singapore.

The Singaporean government does not subsidize healthcare for expatriates. In addition, most expatriate medical insurance plans offered by employers provide little to no cover for critical illness, and can leave you financially vulnerable to out-of-pocket expenses due to costly hospital bills – including post-operative care if needed -, while living and working in Singapore. For example, critical illness costs for a condition such as early stage cancer can run into figures above and beyond $150,000.

Comprehensive medical insurance protects you from financial losses much in the same way that a home or car insurance does. Even if you are in good health, you never know when you might have an accident or fall ill. This is what your insurance is for: the unexpected. Comprehensive Health Insurance for expatriates is a must: Investing in expatriate medical insurance ensures that you, your spouse, or your family will be taken care of should the unforeseen occur.

There are literally thousands of products and multiple combinations of insurance cover available for expatriates. It’s not uncommon to speak to clients who have found themselves more confused after self-quoting on aggregation quote engines online. This is why it’s important for our advisors to take the time to understand your circumstances, and advise on the best and most appropriate cover available in the local and global markets within your budget and provided by insurers licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

Expat Insurance specializes in serving the expatriate community. We’ve advised and protected over 25,000 clients since 2009 – clients just like you. Allow our team of expert insurance specialists to design a tailored expatriate health insurance plan free of charge for you, your spouse or your family. Your care is our number one priority. We are serious about service, and rest assured – we are here for you.

Visit  Expat Insurance Pte Ltd to find out more about Danielle’s work.

_{This post was originally published on Expat Insurance News and has been reposted on Executive Lifestyle with the permission of the author.
Edited by Michelle Sarthou}

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At Expat Insurance (we welcome dozens of babies a month to the world!) we receive plenty of questions about little bundles and the insurance needed to cover them. Can you get medical insurance coverage for your baby from birth?

No, you can’t get a stand-alone cover for your baby from birth unless you take out medical insurance for yourself. Insurers recognize that the vulnerability of newborns is typically highest within their first month and, therefore, newborn babies represent a much higher risk. If you want coverage to respond in the early days, you yourself need to be insured first to receive the benefit of a policy responding immediately following the birth of your little one.

Of course, the fact that a lot of babes need a little extra care and paediatric attention, or need to spend time in neo-natal ICU for even minor matters, such as jaundice, drives an insurer’s concerns when it comes to the risk. You may have daily visits back to the doctor to check jaundice levels in the early days, and after two weeks you could still be going back up to three times per week until jaundice levels return to normal … talk about the expense of those ongoing visits!

Doctors and new parents are ultra-conservative, which drives the cost of care for newborns very high. The best way to protect against this is to insure yourself now and then add your baby once he or she has arrived. Of course, you need to weigh the risks and rewards given the added cost to insure you.

We have seen bills exceed S$180,000 in the first 30 days for extreme cases. Even with a normal delivery, the bills for the baby will typically exceed S$2,000 just for the routine care immediately following the birth while you are in hospital for three to four days. If we can help you and your husband welcome your baby to the world with a policy that responds, just let us know. We are here for you.

Having evaluated the numerous products available in the Singapore market, Expat Insurance has identified those that offer the broadest coverage, catering to the unique needs of expatriates.

We work directly for our clients, so we focus on your needs and understanding your family’s needs before recommending appropriate products and solutions in the market. Our job is to take great care of you and your family to ensure you get the best value for money coverage available.

Visit  Expat Insurance Pte Ltd to find out more about Danielle's  work.

_{This post was originally published on Expat Insurance News March 2016 and has been reposted on Executive Lifestyle with the permission of the author.
Edited by Nedda Chaplin} 

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As expats living far from home, we are naturally concerned with safety and protection. Fortunately for us, Singapore is known as a capital for quality healthcare. Knowing the costs of care here and being prepared in advance for any accidents, injuries or illness will mean your eyes don’t bulge when you’re handed a five-figure bill.

A private hospital stay in Singapore tops $600 a night and, should you be admitted to the ICU, costs can be between $800 and $1,000 per night for the room alone. Dental treatment for crowns, wisdom teeth and root canals can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Knowing you have medical insurance that provides adequate coverage is one important factor that can help you feel at ease.

Top Tips For Medical Insurance

Local Or Global Coverage?

Ensure your medical plan offers coverage wherever you need it, whether it is in Singapore or abroad. If you want to be treated in your home country for an illness, then you need to consider a global plan.

Government Or Private?

Many plans require you to visit government hospitals and public clinics for treatment. Check if your plan has this restriction or provides for private care. It is also important to know whether your coverage pays for private or shared/warded accommodation.


Freedom Of Choice

Your policy should allow freedom of choice of your family doctor and specialists. Many policies restrict your visits to a specific list of panel doctors, with the objective of keeping costs down. To avoid restrictions, make sure your plan is not on a referral-only basis or restricted to visits with in-network/panel doctors.

Maternity Benefits

Benefits are typically subject to a 10 to 24-month waiting period, so you must purchase well in advance of pregnancy. Birthing at private hospitals is costly, so choose a plan with high maternity limits.

Cancer And Critical Illness

Coverage is limited or excluded from most medical plans. Choosing a policy that offers unlimited medical expenses or a lump sum payout will ensure the best long-term treatment is affordable.

Complementary Medicine

Most policies do not cover for items such as health checks and travel vaccinations. Benefits such as physiotherapy, acupuncture and osteopathy are rare and found in only the most comprehensive policies.

Portability

As an expatriate, investing in a health insurance plan that travels with you, regardless of where you are relocated, is important. Your policy should be as mobile as you are.

Visit  Expat Insurance Pte Ltd to find out more about Danielle's  work.

_{This post was originally published on Expat Insurance News June 2015 and has been reposted on Executive Lifestyle with the permission of the author.
Edited by Nedda Chaplin} 

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Not a weekend goes by without numerous social engagements taking place while living the expat life in ‘social Singapore’. Between the kiddies’ birthday celebrations, anniversaries, and the obligatory ‘welcome to Singapore’ barbeque by the condo pool, living the expat life in Singapore certainly comes with plenty of eating and socialising. Before you know it, you’ll be having in-depth personal conversations with newfound friends.

Here’s a word of advice: be ready to offer up your elevator pitch. “What do you do in Singapore?” My answer: “I work in marketing for a company called Expat Insurance with a group of extraordinary individuals.” Then comes the obligatory reply: “What IS Expat Insurance?”

This is a very good question! “What IS Expat Insurance?” Well, just to set the record straight, Expat Insurance IS NOT a product or an insurance policy to cover you for vanishing friendships. When you move overseas, you will no longer live the same life. You will move on and your friends back home will move on, and make new friends – without you. You will live in a different culture, you may live in a bigger house or condo, and you will mingle with people from all nationalities. You will most probably take short weekend vacations to exotic and affordable locations, all within a few hours’ flight from Singapore. For this, you may turn to the free advice and services offered by Expat Insurance!

Founded in 2009, we are a leading, independent insurance broker in Singapore, serving the expatriate community. We aim to provide comprehensive solutions for our clients. We pay very close attention to detail and pride ourselves in our professional, yet friendly, approach to conducting business.


Our international team of advisors understands our clients’ needs. Based on our local knowledge of products and services available in the market, we offer free, sound advice to individuals, families and companies. We offer medical, business liabilities, employee benefits, travel, home and contents, and motor insurance.

Our clients value our integrity and trust us to take care of their insurance requirements. We take the time to better understand their personal and/or professional circumstances and they appreciate our imagination and innovative approach to customer service.

Committed to the highest standards, we are licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore in accordance with MAS’s directives, notices and guidelines. Our aim is to ensure that our clients secure the right policy at the right price, specifically designed for their individual needs.

Consider Expat Insurance your advisory service for all your insurance needs. We are located in the heart of Singapore at 20 Upper Circular Road, #B1-52 The Riverwalk. This is the same building you or a family member will visit to pick up your Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Employment Pass (EP), so don’t hesitate to call by or drop us an email.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Make sure you and your family are adequately protected. For free advice on your medical, home, or travel insurance you can contact Expat Insurance.

Visit  Expat Insurance Pte Ltd to find out more about Danielle's  work.

_{This post was originally published on Expat Insurance News June 2016 and has been reposted on Executive Lifestyle with the permission of the author.
Edited by Nedda Chaplin} 

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We live in a multichannel world. With the continued rise of smartphone technology and digital interactive means of communication, not everyone wants an emotional connection. Technologies can aid in the research and initial quotation of a proposed insurance policy, so once you submit a quote with us, we focus on good old-fashioned customer care, and make it very easy for you to reach a human.

We are often referred to on social media as a leader, even the authority in the field of expat insurance. You are our greatest supporters: satisfied clients who drive our passion to serve you better. Testimonials such as “All I wanted was the original broker to listen to what I needed, so I truly appreciate your help”, “We appreciate that you took the time to explain the varying complexities of the medical insurance we’re seeking in Singapore”, and “I was unsuccessful at finding the right policy for coverage of a newborn baby as most Singapore companies exclude them for the first 14 days. I spoke to Expat Insurance and my mind was immediately set at ease.” These words of encouragement and praise go to show our clients are not only satisfied but also welleducated and equipped to make a qualified decision when selecting their level of cover.

When you submit a quote request with Expat Insurance, we take the time to personally contact you to delve a little deeper, as no two clients can be treated with the same intention. We customise our recommendations for you to ensure you have all the right information to select the most appropriate cover for you and your family.

Often, a client will call us to arrange travel insurance. Upon investigation, and with a clear understanding of the cover associated with travel insurance policy terms and conditions, a client will further consider home and contentsinsurance to cover valuables, such as cameras or computers, a four-figure-valued watch or a five-figure-valued diamond engagement ring.


The majority of expats in Singapore rent condominiums or landed houses. We often spend a great deal of time and money decorating our homes and enjoying the stories behind the acquisition of these items: silk textiles from Laos, paintings from Vietnam, Indonesian ikat fabrics used as upholstery, antique teak wood benches from Indonesia, Tibetan handmade rugs, Imperial Chinese furniture, or fine colonial antiques. Available to you are home insurance policies that protect your valuables and the general contents of your home while living and working as an expat in Singapore.

Are you planning a family? In Singapore, welcoming a newborn to the family is costly. We can advise on the most economical way to plan for your pregnancy to ensure you are prepared financially, to alleviate any risk that might be associated with the unexpected – as bills for a complicated pregnancy or premature birth in Singapore can reachbetween $20,000 and $150,000.

Expat Insurance is registered as an independent insurance broker with MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore). We currently keep more than 20,000 people safe. We work directly for our clients, so when you engage our brokerage, we focus on your needs and understanding your family’s needs before recommending appropriate products and solutions in the market.

We work with all carriers regulated in Singapore, so you have access to all products. Our job is to take great care of you and your family to ensure you get the best value for money coverage available in the market.

Visit  Expat Insurance Pte Ltd   to find out more about Danielle's  work.

_{This post was originally published on Expat Insurance News August 2015 and has been reposted on Executive Lifestyle with the permission of the author.
Edited by Nedda Chaplin} 

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Medical insurance for expats protects you from financial risk. Depending on the policy you select, it will cover the cost of hospitalization, including room and board, surgery, diagnostics/tests, and consultations plus maternity, prenatal, delivery, post-natal and newborn coverage. 

This insurance also covers outpatient costs, such as GPs (general practice doctors), specialists, dental, and accident and emergency treatments. Although medical care in Singapore is first class, the cost of care is much higher than in most countries and is borne either by you or your insurance company, with no government assistance for foreigners. Examples of costs include stomach flu: $5,000, pregnancy and delivery: $14,000, heart/kidney/liver surgeries: $30,000-$200,000, and dental crowns: $2,000.

Should I Consider Topping-Up An Existing Employee Benefits Programme?

Although many employers provide company medical benefits, these plans often have low limits of coverage. Employer plans typically have caps on critical illness and cancer, and offer low hospital and surgical limits. In addition, they often provide no maternity or dental cover and require visits to panel clinics, restricting choice. Expat Insurance recommends you get your medical insurance and employee benefits schedule professionally reviewed to make sure you fully understand the level of protection you have for you and your family.


Having evaluated the numerous products available in the Singapore market, Expat Insurance has identified those that offer the broadest coverage, catering to the unique needs of expatriates.

*Please note that the information above is for illustrative purposes only. Actual insurance coverage, limits, exclusions, costs etc. may vary depending on selected insurer or benefits required.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Make sure you and your family are adequately protected. For free advice on your medical, home, or travel insurance you can contact Expat Insurance.

Visit  Expat Insurance Pte Ltd to find out more about Danielle's  work.

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Medical practice in Singapore is of a very high standard and is the best within the Southeast Asian region.

It is important to learn how to respond to emergencies and how to call for assistance. Leave important numbers in a prominent place at home: a great place is on your fridge. If you have a domestic helper, you need to instruct her how to respond in an emergency, where to call and what to say.

Medicine in Singapore is modelled on the British system, and doctors have standard compulsory university/hospital training. Many of the specialists are trained in the USA, UK, and Australia.

Specialist referral by a general practitioner (GP) is not a requirement in Singapore; however, it is preferable to have a GP with access to x-ray/pathology and who can recommend the appropriate specialists. Insurance companies often require a referral to a specialist from a GP.

It is a good idea to have details of past medical history, including vaccinations, when seeing your GP for the first time.

Medications are readily available in Singapore and most GP practices dispense these at the clinic. Alternatively, a prescription may be issued for dispensing at a pharmacy, as in some other countries. The brand name may be different, so it is helpful to take this or the generic name with you for the visit.

Hospital Information

It is useful to know company arrangements for insurance/payment prior to arrival, as the hospital will ask how you are paying. Details of your insurance cover should be kept on hand.

Emergencies

Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments at the hospitals are open 24/7 and have access to “on-call” specialists. They can be more expensive and very busy, and should be used only for emergency care. In the event a sick or injured person requires assistance by ambulance to get to a hospital, try to understand if that person is insured on an expat insurance health plan and, if so, contact a private ambulance service first. A public service, such as the Singapore Civil Defence Ambulance Service will take the person to the nearest public hospital only and not the private hospital of your choice.


Private Ambulance (Heng-Gref)

6272 6018

Singapore Civil Defence Ambulance

995

Police

999

Fire

995

Non-Emergency Ambulance 

1777

Please note that 995 for emergencies will call the government ambulance that takes you to the nearest government hospital A&E department. You may then request transfer to a hospital of your choice.

To go to a private hospital, phone the A&E department of that hospital and request an ambulance to take you there. Generally, the ambulances drive at the same speed as the traffic, and may not run their sirens. If the person can walk, it may be quicker to go by car or taxi. Paramedic services are also available.

Medical Evacuation

Major medical evacuation services represented in Singapore are:

International SOS

6338 2311

AXA

6322 2566

World Access

6535 5833

Global Assistance And Healthcare

1800 621 1105

Visit  Expat Insurance Pte Ltd   to find out more about Danielle's  work.

_{This post was originally published on Expat Insurance News January 2016 and has been reposted on Executive Lifestyle with the permission of the author.
Edited by Nedda Chaplin} 

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As a human resource officer or the manager of a small business, you will at one point or another face the prospect of putting together an employee benefits package for your staff.

Employee Benefits (EB) refers to compensation other than salary provided by an employer. Examples include group insurance (medical, life, and travel), income protection, annual leave days, tuition reimbursements, and pensions.

Perhaps the most complicated benefit to determine adequate coverage for is medical insurance. In Singapore, the Ministry of Manpower requires employers to provide a minimum level of medical cover to every employee. However, in today’s competitive labour market, the attraction and retention of top talent who have high expectations for compensation require offering more than just the bare minimum.

When providing employee medical benefits for expats, there are a number of factors to consider, such as geographic coverage, cover for pre-existing and chronic conditions, benefits for dependents, and the cost.

Typically, employee medical benefits include a combination of the following coverage:

• Hospitalisation and inpatient care
• Outpatient treatment: general practitioners and specialists
• Maternity: pregnancy and delivery
• Wellness benefits: annual health check and preventative care
• Dental
• Optical

In the current, not-so-attractive expat package climate, it is tempting to shift expats to local packages with reduced medical benefits (such as excluding cover for family members and low limits on covered items). This may seem like a short-term solution to cutting costs, but in reality it can leave the organisation awkwardly positioned in the labour market.

For the existing employee who relocated with a top medical benefit in their contract, he or she now has to seek out top-up options and separate policies for their family members. Reduced morale and a sense of distrust are just mild emotions employees may feel towards their employer once they find out they are not adequately covered. These instances lead to poor staff retention. Staff attraction also suffers, even though limiting employee benefits packages could allow some flexibility for employers to offer higher salaries. However, the downfall of this practice is that it encourages employee loyalty to the biggest pay cheque.

Instead of lowering the level of non-salaried benefits, a cost-effective solution that works for many companies is to offer a standard salary, and package it together with high-end medical benefits in the context of an employee’s total benefits package. Would key staff so easily leave for a salary increase if their medical expenses would then have to be paid out-of-pocket? Would an employment offer look more attractive if comprehensive group medical covering pre-existing conditions were part of the package?

The money that employers save on salary expense can be used to pay group premiums on a variety of insurance products, giving the total rewards package a higher benefit reach, extended by the value of the insurance coverage. Employee satisfaction and loyalty can thus be attained through a smart promotion of the entire package of benefits.

HR departments should use employee benefits package conversations as an opportunity to increase employee engagement and to distinguish themselves from competitors by providing high-end medical insurance. From the other side of the table, expats need to educate themselves on what their employer-sponsored benefits actually cover (or don’t cover) and use them as negotiating tools to maximise their total employee benefits package.

Visit  Expat Insurance Pte Ltd   to find out more about Danielle's  work.

_{This post was originally published on Expat Insurance News January 2016 and has been reposted on Executive Lifestyle with the permission of the author.
Edited by Nedda Chaplin} 

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According to Singapore’s Ministry of Health, the number one reason for hospital admittance is accidents (www.moh.gov.sg), and unexpected treatment does not come cheap.

Private hospital stays in Singapore average $500 per night and should you be admitted to the ICU, you are looking upwards of $600-$900 per night for the room charges alone before including any treatment costs. This is why we buy medical insurance: to protect ourselves from the financial burden of hefty hospital bills when life throws us a curve ball. Whether it is illness, a condition, an accident or emergency, you want to know that you and your family have access to quality medical care, regardless of cost.

Ensure Your Medical Plan Protects You And Your Family While You Are Living Abroad

As expats living abroad, we tend to place extra importance on safety and protection. Extended family and other support networks are far away, and many can no longer use their home country’s public health benefits. Knowing you have medical insurance that provides adequate coverage is one important factor that can help you feel at ease.

In Singapore, there are more than a dozen providers of medical insurance, each with a plethora of different products. Every product then has a complicated policy wording attached to it that outlines exact benefits and exclusions in legal language. Knowing how and where to begin the search for the right policy often leaves one baffled and discourages immediate action.

One of the key aspects is to determine your level of coverage comfort zone: basic, medium or comprehensive. In Singapore, a basic policy will cover hospitalization and inpatient costs, including surgery. The next tier will usually cover outpatient services (GP), but excludes specialists and restricts you to a specific list of local primary care doctors. Comprehensive plans typically cover all your medical expenses and will rarely leave you out-of-pocket by reimbursing costs for specialists, dental, maternity, physiotherapy and/or routine screenings.

While healthy, one rarely considers the possibility of falling critically ill, especially if family history shows no cause for concern. Cancer Research UK (www.cancerresearchuk.org) states that up to 1 in 20 (5%) cancers are caused by an inherited faulty gene, meaning that most cancer cases occur in people with little or no family history of the condition. The treatment costs for such unpredictable discoveries can be exorbitant. You need to know if you are adequately protected should you be diagnosed with a critical illness or require long-term treatment. If you are underinsured, the bill will fall to you for payment once your expense limits are exhausted.

Within your medical policy, your advisor will point out any hidden exclusions that will leave you vulnerable to large, uncovered medical expenses. The most common exclusion is pre-existing conditions. Depending on the type of condition and severity, insurers may offer to include the condition by charging an additional premium. In many cases, this additional charge is less than if you were to bear the costs of the condition out of pocket.

Family Planning Considerations

Singapore is an ideal location to welcome a baby into the family. Healthcare institutions and physicians are considered some of the best in the world and there are numerous support groups for mothers.

With great facilities, the cost of delivering a baby can be high. Medical expenses for each pregnancy typically range between $10,000 and $14,000 for a natural delivery, and $12,500 and $16,000 for caesarean. As maternity insurance cannot be purchased on its own as a separate insurance policy, your advisor will show you how to select it as a benefit extension attached to your main health insurance policy.

One Plan Doesn’t Necessarily Suit All

For families, keep in mind that it is not necessary to put all members on the same plan or with the same insurer. The employed spouse may just need a top-up plan because work provides basic cover, the other spouse may have a pre-existing condition best served by another policy and, while the kids are healthy, they tend to frequent the doctor’s office for minor accidents and illnesses.

Visit  Expat Insurance Pte Ltd   to find out more about Danielle's  work.

_{This post was originally published on Expat Insurance News January 2016 and has been reposted on Executive Lifestyle with the permission of the author.
Edited by Nedda Chaplin} 

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You’re a bicycle riding aficionado, a liability-conscious individual, or a house-proud expat with loads of personal belongings. You may travel regularly, for business or pleasure, with valuables such as cameras or computers, a four-figure valued watch or a five-figure valued diamond engagement ring. If you match any of these profiles, you may want to consider a home and contents insurance policy while living and working in Singapore.

You can protect your valuable items, general contents, residential properties, and personal liability all under the ‘home insurance’ umbrella. The type of home insurance available to you will depend on your situation as an owner or a renter.

The majority of expats in Singapore rent condominiums or landed houses. We often spend a great deal of time and money decorating our homes and enjoying the stories behind the acquisition of these items. Silk textiles from Laos, paintings from Vietnam, Indonesian ikat fabrics used as upholstery, antique teak wood benches from Indonesia, Tibetan handmade rugs, Imperial Chinese furniture, or fine colonial antiques; there are home insurance policies available that protect your valuables and the general contents of your home.

If you own a non-landed property (HDB or condo), you can also purchase home renovations insurance that will cover your fixtures and fittings. If you have an eye for renovation and decide to remodel any part of your property, you can add the fixtures associated with the renovations to your policy as a separate add-on within the term of your current policy. No need to wait until renewal. And if you own a landed property, your home insurance would cover the property as well.

Regardless of your situation as an owner or renter, the home insurance policy you take out will also have a personal liability element. Personal liability coverage protects you and your family from situations where you may be legally responsible.

Accidentally opening the driveway gate onto the gardener’s equipment; a child who scratches the neighbour’s car while riding a bike; a pet dog that bites: these are all unexpected incidents that could lead to a third party seeking damage costs from you. You can choose the amount of personal liability cover, but like insuring valuables, you can only select personal liability as an element of home insurance cover.

If you experience a life change such as marriage, divorce or the birth of a newborn, or have made financially lucrative decisions, such as selling art or other personal items of value, home insurance policies are flexible and can be changed to add valuable items or remove them. In the first case, it may add to the premium, and in the latter it will lower the premium. Likewise, if you suddenly find yourself in an expat-relocation situation and you cancel a policy midterm, a pro-rated refund rate may apply based on the terms and conditions of your policy.

The value of covered items, claim history and coverage denial will all impact your premium. Speak with a qualified home insurance advisor to have your valuables and contents assessed for an accurate quotation and protect your belongings from day one in Singapore.

Visit  Expat Insurance Pte Ltd  to find out more about Danielle’s work.

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Whether you have recently arrived or been living in Singapore for a few years, you know that our island state is renowned as one of the safest places in the world to live. With this safety and the international expats’ sense of safekeeping, many expats relax the idea of buying insurance or believe that their company is covering them for everything.

Expats should be aware, however, that Singapore has no social welfare system protection or government subsidized assistance for foreigners. Unlike in your home country, Singapore does not offer any coverage or discount for medical or dental expenses, accidents, loss of income, and personal/financial Liabilities.

You should also be aware that most employers either provide no insurance protection or provide inadequate levels of protection for their employees. Simple surgeries in a private hospital such as an anterior cruciate ligament sprain or tear, one of the most common knee injuries will set you back ($15,000), an appendectomy ($ 15,000) or a tonsillectomy ($ 20,000). Therefore, it is important that you protect yourselves, your family members and your home with insurance, as things can go wrong and may leave you financially exposed to big bills.

To put you in the picture; British expat, Andrew found himself in a Singapore private hospital having what looked like a slight infection which resulted in a flare up of unidentifiable blisters on his face, causing his face to swell. After seven days of investigation which involved IV drips, pain killers, swabs and a medical biopsy, the doctors could not identify the condition or diagnose the infection.

The biopsy did not show the blisters to be infectious. After some improvement, Andrew was allowed to return home, but was told to rest for a further three weeks, or at least until the swelling subsided before allowing him to return to work.

The surgery and hospital changes amounted to SGD$25,000. Andrew had no out-of-pocket expense as he was covered in full from his medical insurance and furthermore, the hospital was paid direct.

Another example is regarding a Swedish expat family in Singapore who recently contacted Expat Insurance for coverage after they lost all their belongings when their home accidently caught fire. They were, of course, devastated by the loss of their un-insured possessions.

Their worst fears were not yet realized until the owner of the adjacent home sued them for the substantial fire damage caused to his property. Although cases like this are rare, no one can predict the future, which is why losses like these can catch us by surprise and cause great distress.


Read our brief guide to recommended insurance protection for Singapore expats:

Medical Insurance / Sjukvårdsförsäkring / Assurance Santé

Medical or heath insurance covers the cost of hospitalization, including room and board, surgery, diagnostics/tests, and consultations plus maternity, pre-natal, delivery, post-natal and newborn coverage. This insurance also covers outpatient costs such as GP/general practice doctors, specialists, dental and accident and emergency treatments. Although medical care in Singapore is first class, the cost of care is much higher than in most countries and borne either by you or your insurance with no government assistance for foreigners. Examples of cost are stomach flu: $5,000, pregnancy and delivery: $14,000, heart/kidney/liver surgeries: $30,000-$200,000, and dental crowns: $2,000.

Although many employers provide Company Medical Benefits, these plans often have low limits of coverage. Employer plans typically have caps on critical illness and cancer and offer low hospital and surgical limits. In addition, they often provide no maternity or dental cover and require visits to panel clinics, restricting choice. We recommend you always get your medical insurance professionally reviewed to make sure you fully understand the level of protection you have for yourself and your family.

Home & Liability / Hemförsäkring / Responsabilité Civile

Home Insurance covers the loss, damage or theft of belongings in or outside of your owned/rented home. Examples of claims are lost jewelry, flood and fire. home insurance also covers personal liability: accidental property damage or bodily injury you cause to others as well as the liability of your children. It should be noted that employers do not usually provide this coverage to employees and your home country homeowners policy does not likely extend to Singapore. Furthermore, if you rent a property in Singapore your landlord will only insure the building structure and not any contents. The landlord is not providing the tenant with any third party liability cover. Please be aware that the Home and Liability Insurance doesn’t cover the government requirement for domestic maid’s insurance, this is a separate coverage altogether.

Travel Insurance / Reseförsäkring / Assurance Voyage

Travel Insurance covers limited medical costs, evacuation and repatriation due to accident, injury or disasters. It also covers luggage delay and loss, flight delay and cancellation due to illness or death in family. Claim examples include broken bones, crisis while travelling outside of Singapore, earthquakes and tsunamis, and lost luggage. Some companies cover their employees for business trips, but coverage does not extend to the family or personal holidays.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Make sure you and your family are adequately protected. For free advice on your medical, home or travel Insurance you can contact Expat Insurance whom understands your needs, no matter your nationality – having protected more than 20,000 expat clients just like you, in Singapore since 2009.

*Please note that the information above is for illustrative purposes only. Actual insurance coverage, limits, exclusions, costs, etc. may vary depending on selected insurer.

Visit  Expat Insurance Pte Ltd  to find out more about Danielle's work.

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As expats, living far from home, we are naturally concerned with safety and protection. Fortunately for us, Singapore is known as a capital for quality healthcare. Knowing the costs of care here and being prepared in advance for any accidents, injuries or illness will mean your eyes don’t bulge when you’re handed a five-figure bill.  

A private hospital stay in Singapore tops $600 a night and should you be admitted to the ICU, costs are upwards of $800-$1,000 a night for the room alone. Dental treatment for crowns, wisdom teeth and root canals can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Knowing you have medical insurance that provides adequate coverage is one important factor that can help you feel at ease.

Top Tips For Medical Insurance

Local or Global Coverage?

Ensure your medical plan offers coverage wherever you need it to be in Singapore or abroad. If you want to be treated in your home country for an illness, then you need to consider a global plan.

Government or Private?
Many plans require you to visit Government Hospitals and Public Clinics for treatment. Check if your plan has this restriction or provides for Private Care. It is also important to know whether your coverage pays for private or shared/warded accommodation.

Freedom of Choice
Your policy should allow freedom of choice regarding your family doctor and specialists. Many policies restrict your visits to a specific list of panel doctors, with the objective of keeping costs down. To avoid restrictions, make sure your plan is not on a referral-only basis or restricted to visits with in-network/panel doctors.


Maternity Benefits
Benefits are typically subject to a 10-24 month waiting period, so you must purchase well in advance of pregnancy. Birthing at Private Hospitals is costly, so choose a plan with high maternity limits.

Cancer and Critical Illness
Coverage is limited or excluded from most medical plans. Choosing a policy that offers unlimited medical expenses or a lump sum payout will ensure the best long-term treatment is affordable.

Complementary Medicine
Most policies do not cover for items such as health checks and travel vaccinations. Benefits such as physiotherapy, chiropractor, acupuncture and osteopathy are rare and found in only the most comprehensive policies.

Portability
As an expatriate, investing in a health insurance plan that travels with you regardless of where you are relocated is important. Your policy should be as mobile as you are.

Visit  Expat Insurance Pte Ltd   to find out more about Danielle's  work.

_{This post was originally published on Expat Insurance Newsletter June 2015 and has been reposted on Executive Lifestyle with the permission of the author.
Edited by Nedda Chaplin} 

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British expat, Andrew found himself in a Singaporean private hospital having what looked like a slight infection which resulted in a flare up of unidentifiable blisters on his face, causing his face to swell. After seven days of investigation which involved IV drips, pain killers, swabs and a medical biopsy, the doctors could not identify the condition or diagnose the infection.

The biopsy did not show the blisters to be infectious. After some improvement, Andrew was allowed to return home, but was told to rest for a further three weeks, or at least until the swelling subsided before allowing him to return to work.

The surgery and hospital charges amounted to SG$25,000. Andrew had no out-of-pocket expense as he was covered in full from his medical insurance, and furthermore, the hospital was paid direct.

Discovering a family member has a serious medical condition is traumatic enough. Finding out that treatment, cost of surgery, and hospitalisation is expensive will bring on an additional worry. One which could be avoided!

If you currently have medical insurance in place, revisit your policy annually to ensure you fully understand your coverage, or confide in a broker for a policy assessment. The service is free-of-charge and will provide you with peace of mind.

Navigating through an insurance policy product summary, exclusions and definitions associated with a medical policy is not only time consuming but confusing as well. Choosing the wrong plan, or worse, having no plan at all, can leave a family open to unnecessary financial risk and more disturbing, without prioritised access to medical care or emergency services as an expat living and working away from home.

When you confide in the guidance of an insurance broker, you alleviate your fear of the unknown. A licensed broker will guide you through available products best suited to your lifestyle, budget, and individual needs.

Your insurance broker will be well-equipped to educate you and advise in the field of expat medical insurance and understand the idiosyncrasies associated with complementary types of insurance such as travel, medical evacuation and repatriation, home, personal liability, maternity, dental, employee benefits (also known as group medical insurance), and be capable of guiding you through research, selection, and application to your preferred insurer and the claims process.

What To Expect From Your Broker?
A. First-hand Experience

Insurance brokers work closely with insurers on a daily basis. This is helpful when negotiating terms of coverage when a pre-existing condition or special requirement needs to be addressed. Often the outcome will be in your favour due to the understanding, confidence and communication established between the insurer and your independent broker.

B. Responsive

A broker works for you, not the insurer, and is focused on helping you choose an insurance plan best equipped to respond to your needs and within your budget.

C. Free-of-Charge

Insurance brokers are able to provide their services free of charge to you because brokers are paid a commission by the insurance companies they represent.

D. Results Driven

Insurance brokers are extremely good negotiators. They are firm yet considerate when it comes to negotiating terms of coverage with individual insurers. Remember your broker works for you!

E. Independent

A distinct advantage of working with an independent broker is that you will be presented with multiple products available in the market ensuring you can make a qualified decision when you are ready to apply and submit your request for coverage.

F. Transparency

Insurance products and insurers come and go. It is important for an independent broker to conduct market research to ensure they are presenting the most competitive products available in the market. The ongoing transparency your broker has with you and the partnerships they form with the insurance companies are the two most important ingredients for success

G. Claim Support

Insurance brokers can provide the guidance needed to ensure that your medical bills are processed and paid for in a timely manner.

H. Medical Insurance Advice

If you need help understanding your current level of coverage, limits and exclusions or need advice on an appropriate policy, you can contact Expat Insurance for a free medical insurance review and professional insurance advice. Tel: +65 6401 9201

Visit  Expat Insurance Pte Ltd  to find out more about Danielle’s work.

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