Don't put off taking up Integrated Shield Plan with rider

From article: Prevention is Better

Healthcare costs are among the most worrisome of financial needs, and it is a need that should not be ignored. As we know, risk of illness rises with age. It is often said that the bulk of one expenses in their retirement occurs in the last few years of one's life when health begins to fail.

One very important way to cover the cost of health care is through insurance.

You can tap your Medisave for limited amounts for inpatient and outpatient expenses, and even for day sugeries and maternity expenses. But it is important that Medisave should be prudently used. Should you retire or cease working and your contribution stops, cash in Medisave could run out fairly quickly given high healthcare costs.

Insurance is a far more efficient way to cover major health expenses.

Hospital and surgical (H&S) plans are one of the most basic of health covers, and are a must for most people unless you have enough wealth to self pay. It is also important to take up H&S plan for your children.

Many people put off taking up a H&S plan because their employers may offer very good and comprehensive cover. But you will need a private plan should you stop working.

Waiting until retirement to take up one is untenable because at a later age you may develop conditions that make you uninsurable.

Please feel free to share with me how u have benefit from healthcare insurance or suffer without it, so we are all able to learn through realistic experience.