Your Guide To Buying Health Insurance For Singapore Kids

While Singaporean kids are covered by Medishield Life, some parents prefer to buy a private health plan, too. SASHA GONZALES finds out the questions you must ask to get the best coverage for your little ones.

- Sasha Gonzales

Hayley Pereira’s son, Conor, underwent surgery to remove his oversized tonsils and adenoids recently.

The tissues were affecting the way fluid drained from his ears and as a result, he suffered from sleep apnoea and had difficulty hearing.

The cost of the surgery in October last year came up to $18,000. Thanks to the insurance policy they had taken out for their now-19- month-old boy, as well as their Medishield rider, Hayley and her husband did not have to pay a cent.

“Good thing we had the insurance and rider or we would’ve had to fork out that five-figure sum,” says Hayley, who also has a four-year-old daughter.

“We have an investment-linked plan and spend about $250 a month on insurance premiums for our kids. The policy covers critical illnesses, hospitalisation and death, but not congenital illnesses,” she says.

“Children are more likely to fall sick and get into accidents, so it made sense to purchase insurance to cover them in case something happened and their medical bills turned out to be exorbitant.

“My husband and I purchased the Medishield rider before the Government changed the rules, so that we wouldn’t have to worry about paying a down-payment when choosing a private hospital.”

Isn’t Medishield Life enough?

You may wonder: Why would you need additional insurance when the Government gives Medishield Life coverage to every baby who is a Singaporean or permanent resident?

This scheme provides reimbursements for hospitalisation expenses incurred within certain limits, such as up to certain hospital and ward types. There are also on the surgical procedures undertaken. You can also use Medisave to pay for your kid’s medical bills.