Health Insurance in Singapore—Paying out of your pocket for healthcare in Singapore can become very expensive. The cost of a root canal, for example, is $2,9005. For couples considering starting a family, the cost of giving birth alone can exceed $10,0003 at a private hospital. Health care costs are expected to climb far faster in Singapore than in any other Asian country.
There are some excellent private medical facilities in Singapore, but they come at a price. A hospital stay can cost up to $7805 a night, so having private medical insurance is a wise decision.
Primary care plans (PCP) must be purchased by employers who employ migrant workers who reside in dormitories, perform tasks at shipyards or factories, or work in the construction and processing industries.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) announced on Saturday that this new rule would be part of the requirements for workers to obtain or renew work permits and S Passes (February 19).
The PCP, which was first offered to employees in November of last year, has an annual cost of $108 to $138 for each employee. Monthly installments can be paid to the health care provider in charge of the migrant worker’s neighborhood.
Most of the migrant worker’s primary health care needs will be covered, including medical examinations for work permit purposes and medical consultations and treatment.
As a first step, the scheme will cover more than 300,000 migrant workers here, according to MOM, following the outbreak of Covid-19 in dormitories and other communal living areas.
Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng said the PCP would give migrant workers greater peace of mind when accessing primary care at the St Andrew’s Migrant Worker Medical Centre on Saturday.
In addition, companies will have a clearer picture of the cost of healthcare and will be better protected from unexpected medical expenditures.
It is the first of six regional migrant worker medical centers that provide outpatient care for migrant workers.
To get migrant workers’ work permits, employers must purchase the PCP from the Department of Homeland Security. Migrant employees who renew their work permits or switch employers face the same dilemma.
A valid PCP is required for all migrant workers covered by the scheme until March 31, 2023, regardless of when their work permits are up for renewal.
A $5 co-payment for each medical center visit and a $2 fee for each telemedicine session is required of migrant workers, according to MOM, to encourage them to take responsibility for their health.
For migrant workers not covered under the PCP, the amount co-paid for each outpatient visit can be mutually agreed upon with their employer in their contracts.
A maximum of 1% of their fixed monthly salary, or $5, maybe deducted from their account.
For each work permit holder they employ, employers must purchase and maintain medical insurance coverage of at least $15,000 per year, covering inpatient care and day surgery under the PCP.
Under the new system, primary healthcare will be provided to at least 40,000 migrant workers in and out of dormitories in six geographical regions.
Aiming to provide workers with access to quality healthcare at an affordable cost, this initiative was first announced at the beginning of last year.
There will be a regional medical center at the heart of each sector and on-site medical centers in the larger dorms.
Five of the six sectors will be overseen by private healthcare providers – StarMed Specialist Centre, Sata CommHealth, and Fullerton Healthcare Group.
One was designated for St Andrew’s Mission Hospital, a non-profit organization.
Migrant employees will be automatically enrolled with the operator in charge of the sector where they live. There will also be designated general practitioner clinics that will support the new healthcare network.
According to MOM, all six facilities will be “pandemic-ready,” with separate areas for patients to wait and treatment rooms to prevent the spread of disease.
The four appointed operators will employ healthcare workers who can speak the native languages of the migrant workers and have technology-enabled multilingual translation capabilities to minimize any cultural and language barriers.
At the Penjuru Recreation Centre, the St Andrew’s Migrant Worker Medical Centre has already opened its doors to 57,000 migrant workers. The latter live in Choa Chu Kang, Jurong West, and Pasir Panjang.
It’s expected that the remaining five centers will be functioning by April 1, either on permanent or temporary bases.
Travel Insurance in Singapore and Why It’s Important
When you’re on vacation, it’s tempting to assume that nothing can go wrong. Even when you’re on vacation from “real life,” things like delayed flights, misplaced luggage, and even the theft of passports and cash are typical occurrences. When traveling, accidents can still happen, and illnesses can be prevalent, especially in countries where the food and weather aren’t familiar to your body. Securing travel insurance in Singapore beforehand can bring a piece of mind knowing you’ll be protected in any situation while out of the country.
As an alternative, many travel plans include additional non-medical benefits. For example, reimbursement for a travel delay or misplaced baggage. These advantages may not seem important at first, but if you find yourself in a circumstance where you need them, they can be accommodating. For example, if your flight is delayed for more than a few hours, you may be able to purchase some essential products to make your wait more bearable. This is because different insurance policies and plans define flight delays differently.
Moreover, if you have the proper documentation, like a police record, you may be eligible for compensation if you’ve had your money taken. Imagine how expensive it would be to be stranded in a foreign country for two more weeks after having an abnormal PCR test result!
Having a health insurance plan is a good idea, but it may not always protect you while you’re on vacation. As a result, many insurance policies are only available in limited geographic areas. When your flight is delayed, your luggage is misplaced, your passport is stolen, and more, even if you have an international health insurance plan that gives worldwide coverage, it will not cover these sudden changes in your dreams. A travel insurance plan may be a wise investment if your health insurance policy expires midway through your trip.
Even if the country you’re traveling to has an excellent public healthcare system that provides people with low-cost access to care, this may not necessarily be extended to visitors. Don’t be surprised if you find up with a massive charge at the end of your stay if you’re taken care of in the event of an emergency. Dealing with these financial and billing issues can be stressful during your recovery. Travel insurance is a wise investment because it will cover your medical expenses if you need them.
Another prevalent myth is that it’s wiser to browse the internet for the most fantastic travel insurance bargains. However, you may be inexperienced with insurance language and lose out on essential aspects of the plan. As a result, working with a company like Pacific Prime Singapore is a smart move. If you’re looking for a completely neutral insurance company, they’ll help you find the best policy for your needs at a price you can afford, and they’ll be there for you throughout the process.
