Hospitalization

[jeffrey745]

Hi guys,

I understand from alot of forumners that many have gotten IP plans for themselves jus in case they r hospitalized and insurance will cover part of the hospitalization costs. Jus wanna ask ,if you guys will to need to see a specialist and get admitted to hospital for certain conditions,will you choose public or private hospitals?

 

[infusionist]

Hi Jeffrey745,

Alot of times, having the best IP plan allows for choices in prv and govt hospitals and consultations. Certain illnesses/injuries have more renown specialist in the private practice, while others are in the government practice (govt hospital).

Other than the price difference, the biggest factor you probably want to consider is the waiting time to see the specialist for the illness/injury. Government can take up to 6 months, private usually within days/few weeks. Surgeries may also take that long amount of time as well.

Generally for me (based on self experience), i google for the more well-known doctors for that particular injury and I just go to them.

Hope this helps!

 

[jeffrey745]

Hi Jeffrey745,

Alot of times, having the best IP plan allows for choices in prv and govt hospitals and consultations. Certain illnesses/injuries have more renown specialist in the private practice, while others are in the government practice (govt hospital).

Other than the price difference, the biggest factor you probably want to consider is the waiting time to see the specialist for the illness/injury. Government can take up to 6 months, private usually within days/few weeks. Surgeries may also take that long amount of time as well.

Generally for me (based on self experience), i google for the more well-known doctors for that particular injury and I just go to them.

Hope this helps!

I agree! The waiting time for public hospitals to see doctor and specialists is very long. If u want to see the good ones that are fast gotta go pte hospital. Depends on how much one can afford too. Thanks for your info!

 

[mksing]

I agree! The waiting time for public hospitals to see doctor and specialists is very long. If u want to see the good ones that are fast gotta go pte hospital. Depends on how much one can afford too. Thanks for your info!

may be just my perception, but I also get the feeling that if you have higher plan like A ward etc, you get better service and attention.

 

[jeffrey745]

may be just my perception, but I also get the feeling that if you have higher plan like A ward etc, you get better service and attention.

Actually the difference is jus the waiting time. Quality of service and doctors is about the same. Not forgetting doctors in pte service(pte hospital doctors) once come from govt hospitals and clinics.

I'm actually planning to get NTUC income enhanced C or basic integrated shield plan to have better coverage for hospitalization in Class C and class B2 after medishield life.

Private hospitals may be good,but its more costly,right down to specialist visit and ward charges. Haha if I'm a high income earner will go for it.

 

[mksing]

Actually the difference is jus the waiting time. Quality of service and doctors is about the same. Not forgetting doctors in pte service(pte hospital doctors) once come from govt hospitals and clinics.

I'm actually planning to get NTUC income enhanced C or basic integrated shield plan to have better coverage for hospitalization in Class C and class B2 after medishield life.

Private hospitals may be good,but its more costly,right down to specialist visit and ward charges. Haha if I'm a high income earner will go for it.

bro, this waiting time can be killer sometimes. When a family member is in a serious situation and waiting for bed and doctor, you will feel very helpless and angry (thinking what to do). I have been through this, its too much to cope when you're actually going through it.

 

[jeffrey745]

bro, this waiting time can be killer sometimes. When a family member is in a serious situation and waiting for bed and doctor, you will feel very helpless and angry (thinking what to do). I have been through this, its too much to cope when you're actually going through it.

Thanks for your advise. I will seriously consider whether to take pte hospital IP plans or jus stick with basic ones.

I do understand if in public hospitals they have shortage of beds at C and B2 class,they will push u up to B1 or A class,which happened to me previously...

Actually its quite sad, healthcare is available quickly to those who can afford it(high consultation charges,drugs etc) ,as compared to those who can't afford it and have to wait for many months...

My main concern would b pte hospital IP plans becoming very costly at age 50 and above,and the rise of premiums in future...

 

[Lewis.T]

Thanks for your advise. I will seriously consider whether to take pte hospital IP plans or jus stick with basic ones.

I do understand if in public hospitals they have shortage of beds at C and B2 class,they will push u up to B1 or A class,which happened to me previously...

Actually its quite sad, healthcare is available quickly to those who can afford it(high consultation charges,drugs etc) ,as compared to those who can't afford it and have to wait for many months...

My main concern would b pte hospital IP plans becoming very costly at age 50 and above,and the rise of premiums in future...

If affordability is an issue at a later stage but you want the private coverage during your prime years, you can always downgrade without medical underwriting.

 

[focus1974]

sibei satki IFA.. lol..
talk down on customers ..

 

[ssl31283]

Having the option to go to a pte hospital will save you the agony of feeling helpless or having to endure the wait in pain yourself..
Especially if you have kids

 

[peterlim95]

After years in the industry and handling hospital claims in the thousands, I have this rule of not accepting any new clients who wanted just a basic shield plan covering up to 'B1' ward after my presentation to save on a few dollars.

Early in my career, I also accepted these kind of budget conscious clients. When they get hospitalized and couldn't bear the waiting and seek treatment above their entitled plan, I get blamed for not urging them to get better plans. They wanted to save a few dollars on the premiums and get screwed by the system. In the end I get the blame...

If you are not serious about planning, then don't waste each other's time by contacting me. There are hundreds of agents standing at MRTs stations and shopping malls now... all hungry to take your business.

Look, no one's contacting you. This is TS thread in money mind, he has a choice to make whether to get the cheapest IP plans or most expensive ones with riders. And i never expected you an agent who's with NTUC income to talk down to consumers like this. Its best to do your own research and know what you are getting into, rather than relying fully on insurance agent's advise....

 

[starfish.starfish]

After years in the industry and handling hospital claims in the thousands, I have this rule of not accepting any new clients who wanted just a basic shield plan covering up to 'B1' ward after my presentation to save on a few dollars.

Early in my career, I also accepted these kind of budget conscious clients. When they get hospitalized and couldn't bear the waiting and seek treatment above their entitled plan, I get blamed for not urging them to get better plans. They wanted to save a few dollars on the premiums and get screwed by the system. In the end I get the blame...

If you are not serious about planning, then don't waste each other's time by contacting me. There are hundreds of agents standing at MRTs stations and shopping malls now... all hungry to take your business.

Ok noted. I was planning to upgrade my plan, I know now who not to contact.

 

[blurpandasg2014]

Ntucagent... I read that now u are an ifa. What ip do u recommend for private/A class? Isit really true that the more expensive one is better.

Cos I intend to change my Aviva to ntuc. Hope to get ur inputs

 

[blurpandasg2014]

With MOH/CPF regulating the shield plans, 90% of the features are quite standard. Insurers have not much room for maneuver and can only introduce minor features to distinguish themselves from one another.

So it really depends on what features you desire. Some of the more prominent features are:

- Moratorium underwriting (Aviva)
- Free child cover (Aviva)
- Pre/post-hospitalisation psychiatric treatment (GE)
- 180 days pre/post-hospitalisation cover (Prudential)

You can also look at the quarterly claims return rate for comparison.
https://www.moh.gov.sg/content/moh_...s/comparison--of-integrated-shield-plans.html

Hope this helps.

Actually I do not need the child cover nor moratorium underwriting. However with the Aviva rider, post hospitalisation benefit is 180days as compared to ntuc 90days.

What is covered under post hospitalisation? Hope to change to smth that will not adversely affect me in future.

Btw, happy cny to u and thank u for ur reply

 

[expert128sg]

most that are linked to the illness that made one be warded are covered. E.g. physio, follow ups etc

 

[Tornesoul]

With MOH/CPF regulating the shield plans, 90% of the features are quite standard. Insurers have not much room for maneuver and can only introduce minor features to distinguish themselves from one another.

So it really depends on what features you desire. Some of the more prominent features are:

- Moratorium underwriting (Aviva)
- Free child cover (Aviva)
- Pre/post-hospitalisation psychiatric treatment (GE)
- 180 days pre/post-hospitalisation cover (Prudential)

You can also look at the quarterly claims return rate for comparison.
https://www.moh.gov.sg/content/moh_...s/comparison--of-integrated-shield-plans.html

Hope this helps.

I guess aviva moratorium is btr for ppl w current illnesses?

Ge psy coverage is quite a minor thing, i mean there are so many pre post things

In this case prudential would be better?

Sent from Sent from where? using GAGT

 

[Tornesoul]

thanks alot ntucagent

https://www.moh.gov.sg/content/dam/... of IPs last updated 1 Aug 2014 (Private).pdf

wonder if this comparison is still valid. MOH, last updated aug 2014

 

[jeffrey745]

Perhaps I should make my stand clearer to avoid more personal attacks in this manner.

Having done family reviews in the hundreds, I saw a disturbing trend whereby medical insurance is ranked at the bottom of the list. They would rather buy their endowment and investment plans as ROI is of utmost importance. Worst still, very few agents emphasis the importance of a powerful shield plan as it's difficult to explain and the commission is pathetic. They would rather follow the Pareto principle of 80/20.

When the family got into trouble due to a major hospitalisation, they often wanted the best treatment for their family member. But when they realized that the medical plan only covers the lower wards, they have to endure long waiting time to be treated and often suffer in silence.

I recalled taking over a family case after their agent resigned and the husband was hospitalized for cancer. The husband was on the older Incomeshield plan C without any rider.

The wife finally agree to meet me after tragedy strike. The husband was undergoing chemotherapy in the initial phase and needs to be warded for observation first. As he can only stay in a C ward, there was no air-con and has to sleep with the fan only. Every morning, his bedsheet will be soaked with sweat and couldn't sleep properly throughout the night. The wife wanted to see me to upgrade his plan so that at least he can stay in an air-conditioned ward.

I told her straight that upgrading at this stage will be impossible. I then took the next two hours trying explain how the shield plan and 3M healthcare works. When she finally understood, I can see anger and tears in her eyes.

"Why didn't the former agent explain it to me?"
"If I had known, I would have gotten a private or at least a 'A' plan and not suffer like this!"


I hope this little story of mine will let you know where I am coming from. Since we know medical bills and medical inflation are very high in Singapore, my job as a financial planner is to assist you to hedge away this risk so that you can pursue your goals or take care of the family should the unfortunate strikes.

In summary, devote enough resources for medical protection. No point liquidating your precious assets to fill up a hole which can be solved rather cheaply.

Hi ntucagent, thanks for the detailed writeup. I guess it all boils down to comfort and shorter waiting time in the hospital for beds. But it all comes with a cost. Is staying in class C/B2 ward really that bad? I heard of cases that there are no available C/B2 ward at A&E and some are forced to wait up to 24hrs for it. If u can't bear with the wait,go for class A ward....

The benefits of an IP plan is clearly seen,but still is it justified to pay for the best IP plans now ,and when u r approaching ur 50s and 60s , you have to downgrade the plans due to the inability to afford the high premiums ? That's the age when most ppl start to develop health conditions and problems.....

 

[wahkao3]

After the implementation of MSL in Nov 15, this table is no longer up to date.

where is the most up to date table????

 

[jeffrey745]

Perhaps let me share my experience when I was hospitalized for a major surgery recently where I stayed in a government hospital for almost a month. I was supposed to stay in a B1 ward but due to insufficient beds on the first night, I stayed in a B2 ward where I shared a ward with many others.

First there is no air-con and I have a ceiling fan on top of me. As it was a very hot night, I requested for an extra standing fan. Throughout the night, I could hear patients coughing and some moaning in pain. I only managed short pockets of winks in between the coughs and moans. At 330am, I was suddenly awaken with a jerk on my bed. I then woke up suddenly with the ward full of people as the old man three beds away from me was dying and his relatives are crowding the ward whispering their last good byes. I was not able to sleep thereafter. I was moved out to B1 ward the next morning. I later learned from the nurse that 2 old men passed away in the B2 ward that night.

The rest of my few weeks stay in the B1 ward was more comfortable. No more patients coughing and moaning throughout the night and nobody passed away before I was discharged. I was able to rest in peace to recover.

Unless force by circumstances, I prefer not to stay in a B2/C ward.

You want quality healthcare then you need to pay for it. I am not too agreeable to downgrading your plan during your old age due to premium issues. That's why when clients asked me to plan for their retirement, the first priority is to protect their shield plan, living expenses next.

Hope this helps.

Hi ntucagent,
Thanks for the great input. I'm deeply considering which shield plans will suit me best. For now I'm fine with staying in Class C/B2 ward,or even B1 ward. The greatest benefit of Class A ward would b the ability to choose the specialists/doctors you want to see I guess. And like you said, if you want good quality healthcare with great comfort,you gotta pay a high price for it.

Could you list the pre-existing illnesses one would not be covered when signing up for an IP plan?

Also,is it necessary for one to get a full body checkup and medical report to certify one's health when signing up for an IP plan? Thanks.

With regards,
Jeffrey