"Extract of Don't Let health costs cost you your life"
by Dr Ang Peng Tiam
by Dr Ang Peng Tiam
The doctor said to his patient Mr Teo, an elderly Indonesian in his 70s:" I have good news for you, you have responded well to chemotherapy."
Mr Teo replied:" Thanks for looking after me this two months but I would like to stop my treatment."
Doctor asked:"Why?"
Mr Teo's son explained:" We have no more money to continue treatment."
Its is not unusual for cancer patients to run out of fund halfway. In Mr Teo's situation, he is not subsidised as he is a foreigner.
Standard medication is available at heavily subsidised rate for Singaporeans. In the case of non standard item, such as the targeted agent against specific cancer genes, patient is not subsidised.
Personal Opinion: I feel a critical illness (CI) insurance is important as you will have money, upon diagnosis of critical illness as deemed fit by your insurance company. You could use this payout to opt for the non standard medication, which normally has a higher chance to cure you. Most doctors are also aware of this choice but are unable to present to their patients due to their budget constraints.
In recent years more Singaporeans have been able to afford cancer case in private hospitals, one of the reason is many have chosen enhanced health insurance plans which allow them to receive treatment in the hospital of their choice and have all their medical bills fully covered.
Personal Opinion: Thanks to insurance companies for promoting enhanced health insurance plans excessively to the public. If it wasn't for them, most people would be covered with only Medishield, thus unable to enjoy private hospital facilities. And fyi, based on MOH webpage, http://www.moh.gov.sg/content/dam/moh_web/Healthcare_Financing/Medishield/Comparison_of_MediShield_and_Private_Integrated_Plans/Comparison%20of%20IPs%20wef%2031%20Aug%202011%20Table%204.pdf, AIA has the most comprehensive plan for now.
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