International Health Insurance | Health Insurance in Singapore for Expats

Health Insurance | Insurance

Why International Health Insurance? 

Why are we talking about International Health Insurance, which sounds so different from other known insurance? It is important to dwell on details here about this type of Insurance. As it caters to the International community of Singapore be it expats* or students.  We know that Singapore is a preferred destination for expats from the world over. For anyone, who has relocated from his home country, even for a shorter duration, he wants a comfortable stay in that country. Real peace of mind comes when the needs of your health are taken care of properly.

For expats living in Singapore who are looking for health insurance should consider international health insurance.

The most common local health insurance option in Singapore is the Integrated Shield Plan, which is designed to work hand-in-hand with MediShield Life. Foreigners with no MediShield Life coverage are also eligible.

Comprehensive Coverage, Globally!

International Health Insurance coverage is quite comprehensive and works across countries barring few countries like the US where medical care costs are very high. This provides regional or world-wide coverage, Inpatient treatment, Out-patient treatment and routine check-ups etc. Also covers chronic diseases, maternity, new born, dental, vision, evacuation and repatriation as riders (extra cost).

There is a basic difference between international health insurance and local health insurance in Singapore such as an Integrated Shield Plan is that local health insurance is meant to be used only in Singapore. While limited overseas coverage might be offered in limited circumstances (for instance, if you need to seek emergency treatment while abroad, your basic medical costs might be reimbursed), the plan is meant to be used locally and will lapse when you are no longer legally residing in Singapore.

International health insurance

On the other hand, international health insurance usually has worldwide coverage minus excluded countries or regions. You will receive the same benefits in any of the approved countries.

International health insurance can be availed by expats and international students who live abroad. These would include Non-Singaporeans living in Singapore, Singaporeans residing in other countries, anybody who spends a significant proportion of the year abroad. Normally, they are not covered by state-provided healthcare benefits in their country of residence, or the public healthcare benefits are inadequate and they wish to obtain better protection.

Non-PR foreigners

For non-PR foreigners in Singapore, both of the above apply, thus health insurance, whether international or local, is essential. Singaporeans living abroad will need to decide if they need such insurance based on the public healthcare benefits they are receiving in their country of residence and whether these are adequate.

Is it required in addition to your regular health insurance? Yes! Regular health insurance is meant to be used in its country of origin. Once you leave the country, your policy will lapse and you are expected to take up a new health insurance policy in your new country of residence.

You can buy these policies Online from any reputed insurers but not without comparing the premiums and the coverage provided. Please read the exclusions carefully.

Before pressing the click button, check things like:

• Annual claim limits
• Inpatient benefits
• Outpatient benefits
• Travel and emergency coverage

Therefore, International health insurance is essential if you are residing in Singapore as expat or as student particularly on a long-term basis or even if on a short-term basis. Its benefits supersede all other insurance like travel or regular health insurance.

Hence, go for it for that extra – mile coverage!

Expat* An expatriate, or ex-pat, is an individual living and/or working in a country other than his or her country of citizenship, often temporarily and for work reasons. An expatriate can also be an individual who has relinquished citizenship in their home country to become a citizen of another.

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