Why Expats in Singapore Need Personal Health Insurance on Top of Company Coverage

As an expat living in Singapore, navigating the world of insurance can feel like stepping into a maze. With rising healthcare costs, seeking treatment can cause a financial strain if you are not prepared for any unexpected medical expense. While many expats rely on insurance provided by their employers, there is a common misconception that this coverage is enough to meet their needs. Understanding the limitations of company-provided insurance and exploring personal health insurance options is crucial for expats during their time abroad. With Prudential’s commitment to support people in living well longer, our suite of health protection products like PRUShield and its supplementary plans can help provide you with a more comprehensive health coverage that enhance your employer-provided coverage, ensuring comprehensive coverage for your healthcare needs.

Company’s limited insurance coverage:

Employers in Singapore typically offer a range of insurance benefits to expats, including health, life and sometimes disability coverage. While these benefits do provide a level of protection, it may not be sufficient, especially considering the high medical costs in Singapore. Without additional health insurance to supplement the company’s coverage, you could find yourself in a challenging situation, having to dip into your own savings to cover out-of-pocket expenses.

It is crucial for you to recognise the potential gaps in your employer-provided insurance and consider acquiring a personal health insurance plan such as PRUShield to ensure comprehensive coverage for your healthcare needs, including pre- and post-hospitalisation benefits, a high annual coverage of up to S$2 million for medical treatment1, and access to a wide choice of hospitals and specialists. With Prudential’s suite of PRUShield and supplementary plans, you can trust Prudential to offer tailored insurance solutions that fill those gaps, providing peace of mind and financial security for you and your loved ones.

Lifetime guaranteed renewability of plan:

Assessing your individual insurance needs is essential for making sure you have adequate protection. While company-provided insurance is a valuable starting point, it ends with your employment to the company. For continuous2 protection, especially when unemployed or after retirement, a personal health insurance ensures you are always covered. PRUShield offers lifetime guaranteed renewability, providing peace of mind for the long term as you are assured of coverage regardless of circumstances.

Better healthcare experience:

Smooth hospitalisation with value-added services including preferential health screening and vaccination rates and Chronic Care management are one of the significant advantages of personal health insurance plans. While companies now allow their employees to customise their insurance plans, a personal health insurance still offers greater flexibility and customisation options.

Whether you need to adjust coverage levels, add a supplementary coverage or choose your preferred hospital, ward classes and doctor, PRUShield gives you the option to create a plan that fits your needs well. This ensures that you are not paying for coverage you do not need while also providing adequate protection for the areas that matter most to you.

Enhance financial security amidst rising healthcare cost:

By providing protection against unforeseen events, such as accidents, illnesses or disability, health insurance plans help safeguard your savings, investments, and future financial stability. Singapore’s healthcare costs are increasing and relying solely on your company’s health insurance might lead to significant out-of-pocket expenses should the unexpected happens. Supplementary plans of PRUShield minimise these costs by offering stop-loss benefits3, capping out-of-pocket expenses at S$3,000 per policy year, ensuring financial security for you and your loved ones.

Long-term planning and peace of mind:

Health insurance is not just about immediate protection; it is also about long-term financial planning and peace of mind. Enjoy no medical underwriting4 for any new plan purchase at significant life events with PRUShield. Whether you are starting a family, buying a home, or planning for retirement, having such a health insurance coverage makes sure you are prepared for life’s milestones and transitions in Singapore. As an expat, you can benefit and rest assure in knowing that you are also covered from emergency medical treatment outside Singapore and any planned overseas medical treatments, giving you the confidence to pursue your goals in Singapore and enjoy peace of mind along the way.

Expats in Singapore must recognise the importance of personal insurance alongside company-provided coverage. While employer benefits are undoubtedly valuable, they may only cover part of your needs. By evaluating your insurance needs comprehensively and considering a personal health insurance for expats in Singapore, you can ensure you have adequate protection during your stay in Singapore.

Conclusion:

As you embark on your journey as an expat in Singapore, securing the right health insurance coverage should be a top priority. This guide has highlighted the need for Expats to have their own personal health insurance on top of company coverage. Remember to thoroughly evaluate your options and choose a plan that offers comprehensive coverage that meets your needs. Awarded as the Best Life and Health Insurance provided by Expat Living’s Readers’ Choice Award 2024, you can rest easy knowing you and your family’s health and well-being are well protected in your new home away from home by Prudential.

Contact a Prudential Financial Representative today to learn more about our insurance plans and find out about options available that are most suited for your lifestyle.



Disclaimer:

T&Cs apply. Protected up to specified limits by SDIC. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. This article is for your information only and does not consider your specific investment objectives, financial situation or needs. We recommend that you seek advice from a Prudential Financial Representative before making a commitment to purchase a policy. Information is correct as of 23 April 2024.



1

For PRUShield Premier plan, the Policy Year Limit is S$2 million provided all claims within the same Policy Year are incurred at Panel Providers.

2

PRUShield allows foreigners to have coverage as long as they have an eligible valid pass.

3

To be eligible for stop-loss benefits, the treatment must be inpatient, or a day surgery provided by a participating specialist empanelled at the PRUPanel Connect Healthcare Institution as indicated on www.prudential.com.sg/ppc-specialists.

4

For customers who purchased PRUShield on standard terms and have yet to make a claim.

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