Is a healthshield max B good enough? I've just started working and my agent recommended me to upgrade to max A. Rider wise the premium difference is around $300/y.?

Also it seems like public hospital ward A is better than private hospital standard room (shared room)? Would like to seek advice. Thanks.

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Pang Zhe Liang

18 Oct 2020

Lead of Research & Solutions at Havend Pte Ltd

It depends on your needs and how you plan your finances. Personally, I believe in seeking the best medical treatment that I can afford. This is because I'm the biggest asset that I own. Without me (being in good health), money is merely a worthless commodity.

If you wish to read a quick analysis on private vs public healthcare insurance in Singapore, here is one that may help: Private vs Public Healthcare Insurance in Singapore

Above all, now when you are healthy and have no medical conditions, it is easy to pick your choices. However, should you have a medical condition, you will realise that upgrading your coverage is a challenge. Will you be willing to compromise on the best healthcare treatment then?

I share quality content on estate planning and financial planning here.

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Jiayee

17 Oct 2020

Salaryman at some company

My financial advisor recommended A too (not healthshield but another fellow ISP). I believe it could be because:

(He mentioned this.) Can always downgrade to B without potential loss of coverage because there is no need for another medical underwriting. On the other hand, upgrades need another round of underwriting.
(He did not say these words exactly but I'm sure he mentioned that A-wards are ultimately better.) A-wards are quieter and more comfortable(?) than B-wards. I have not experienced it myself...
It will be quite strange for your advisor to recommend B to you if you have a steady income. If you take his/her advice, (touchwood) end up in a B-ward, hate it, then you are going to rage at him, right? Plus, it's still affordable now (see point 4).
For younger people, the premium differences between A and B are still manageable.

You may want to google for the differences between A and B wards. Different hospitals may have slightly different offerings. Need to check with them. When my husband had to stay for 1 night at Sengkang General Hospital, I remember being told that the A-ward was a shared ward with 1 other person. We ended up staying at the C ward with 5 other people. I thought that A-wards are 1-person wards and C wards are 8-people wards...

After knowing the differences, you decide the comfort level you think you need. Personally, I chose B and I acknowledge the decrease in comfort relative to choosing A.

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