Expat Health Insurance

Congratulations!

 

You’ve chosen a great country to reside in. Singapore is one of the world’s cleanest countries with an efficient government, great public facilities, highly educated population and an incredible infrastructure. English is the official language of commerce, but it’s common to hear Mandarin and other ethnic languages spoken in most places. Rest assured you’ll have little problem communicating with the locals and finding your way around our Garden City. Singapore’s health care system is second to none; the clean and efficient public health care facilities are world-class and the high-end medical tourism industry attracts a sizeable number of patients annually.

 

So as an expat you’re probably wondering why you need an international health insurance (or expat health insurance) plan when it appears that a local health plan will do nicely and cost less to boot.

 

Here are some thoughts…

 

Citizens or Foreigners

 

Let’s forget the high-end medical facilities with Presidential Suites and concierge services that greet you the moment you touch down and consider the public medical facilities for the common man. Cutting-edge technology, cleanliness, efficiency and great service are some words and phrases associated with Singapore’s subsidized healthcare and medical facilities, like hospitals and polyclinics (public clinics). With these, it seems unnecessary for an expat to consider an international health policy; unless of course you prefer coverage for a potential private hospital stay (local health insurance policies have restrictions on private medical facilities).

 

1. There are different charges for Singaporeans, Permanent Residents and Foreigners. As an expat, you will need to pay the full cost of medical care in these facilities.
2. There are different levels of medical care for Singaporeans, from Class A to C. Class A patients enjoy the best care, including a private hospital room and better food, while Class C patients share a room with 6 other occupants. As an expat (Foreigner), Class C medical care could cost as much as that of a private hospital, as the Singapore healthcare system, (especially Class C), it is heavily subsidized by the government.
3. While the medical facilities are clean and air-conditioned for your comfort, the long waiting time for medical attention can’t be avoided. This is an opportunity cost that could well offset the extra premium you pay for an expat health insurance policy.

 

Coverage of local health insurance or expat health insurance policies

 

1. Portability. Local health insurance plans provide limited coverage; usually restricted to a Singapore only. Expat health insurance policies allow you to choose from a range of options of Area of Cover (Zone) that includes global coverage.
2. Most local health insurance products do not cover Out-Patient (clinic) expenses; that’s why they are known in Singapore as H&S (Hospital & Surgical) policies. Expat health insurance policies not only cover Out-Patient expenses, but also include many benefits not found in local health insurance policies. For example, “Complementary Medicine” (TCM) is included in many basic expat health insurance plans.
3. Guaranteed renewability. Local H&S policies can be renewed, but not without a huge premium increase, if there’s a bad claim history. The premiums of expat health insurance policies are usually increased, not because of an individual’s bad claim history. The adjustment is made after a careful assessment of the entire insurance business as a portfolio and medical costs in general. The increase is usually marginal and unaffected by a bad claim history.

 

Cost of local health insurance or expat health insurance

 

It’s a given that local health insurance products are cheaper than expat health insurance plans, but here are some important points to consider:

 

1. How much cheaper?
2. What are the differences in coverage?
3. Is it worth trading certain benefits for a lower premium?
4. Is the cheaper local health insurance product providing you with the kind of coverage you really want or need?

 

Research indicates that the more well-off Singaporeans (those occupying mid to senior management positions) buy expat health insurance not only because of their purchasing power, but also because it includes international coverage, private hospital stays and expenses. So it does make a lot of sense as a foreigner living abroad to choose an expat health insurance plan over a local health product.

For more articles and information on Expat Health Insurance, and things to consider when choosing the right Expat Health Insurance, you can find further free information at www.expathealthinsurance.com.sg

While celebrating Chinese New Year with all the great food and drinks, how can you eat, drink and party but still stay slim?…

Great article by Women’s Health:

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/healthy-eating-plan

An Apple A Day Keeps The Doctor Away – could also mean some savings on your Expat Health Insurance over time too!

The proverb “An Apple A Day Keeps the Doctor Away” was first printed in the February 1866 issue of the publication “Notes and Queries” but not with the exact words.  Instead, it was printed “Eat an apple on going to bed, and you’ll keep the doctor from earning his bread.”  After many years of variations, we now have this quote.  And may we also add, “could also help you save on your expat health insurance over time too!”

So, does an apple a day really keep the doctor away?  And how would an apple a day mean some savings on your expat health insurance over time as well?

The short answer to the above is yes, because apple keeps a person healthy and strong.  As a result, “keeps the doctor (including dentist) away”!  As for how it also means some savings on your expat health insurance over time?  Read on.

The long answer…

1.  Apple has lots of nutrients and vitamins

• Vitamin C:  boosts immunity, maintain overall health
• Phytonutrients:  help fight damages from free radicals, reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes and asthma.  Phytonutrients also protects your brain from brain disease
• Quercetin:  a flavonoid that shows promise in reducing the risk of various cancers including cancers in lungs and breast.  It may also reduce free radical damage
• Boron:  A nutrient that supports strong bones and a healthy brain

2.  There are many varieties, colors and flavors of apples with great taste – can replace craving for high calories snacks such as sweets and chocolates will help to regulate weight

3.  Apple contains phenols that reduces bad cholesterol and at the same time, increases good cholesterol

4.  A research done by the University of Nottingham Research shows that those who eat five apples or more a week have lower respiratory problems including asthma, i.e., apple helps build healthier lungs

5.  An apple a day will also keep the dentist away!  Not only the juice of the apples has properties that can kill bacteria in your mouth, the fibers in apples also act as toothbrush that will clean your teeth

6.  And having qualified for expat health insurance at a lower cost due to good health means less stress.  Less stress could means even better health!

Apples are great choice for a healthy, low-fat, low-calorie snack.  They are rich in fiber and antioxidants which may be protective against a variety of chronic diseases – thus, “keeps the doctor away”!  “And possibly keeps your expat health insurance cost low!”

Don’t just hear it from us, try it yourself!  “An apple a day keeps the doctor away and possibly, keeps your expat health insurance cost low!”

To receive the maximum health benefits from apples, do remember to eat the skin as well.

Since an apple a day would keep you strong and healthy, it means you will have fewer trips to the doctor or dentist.  This in turn, not only will save you time but also money in your healthcare cost – especially when you are overseas, it would be a challenge looking for a good healthcare provider to begin with!  Best of all, you will be qualified to purchase any health insurance locally or even while you are overseas and be able to save on the cost of your international medical health insurance!

Many international expatriate health insurers look at your health condition and past medical history to determine:

a.  Whether you qualify to purchase plan/coverage and/or what coverages you can purchase

b.  What will be the premium of the plan you are interested

c.  Some such insurance providers would even require you to pay “loadings” for certain Pre-Existing medical conditions

So, by keeping well, strong and healthy will definitely help you save cost on your expat health insurance purchase or when you are due for renewal.

There you have it, an apple a day keeps the doctor away and also DOES help you save cost on your expat health insurance purchase or renewal!

While we are on the subject of benefits of Apples, it is probably a good time to make sure you are aware of some of the benefits found in expat health insurance and how that can also protect you, your family and your wallet:

• Expat health insurance can usually cover any nationality living overseas or even at home (not just expats) and will usually cover Out-Patient medical treatment
• Expat health insurance can be very affordable and can protect you from high, unexpected and crippling medical bills
• Expat health insurance can get you quick and easy access to the best private treatment in your area
• Expat health insurance can help you avoid waiting lists and access treatment not available locally and usually has a wide network of medical facilities for you to access

For more information, or you would like a free no-obligation quote for your expat health insurance – please contact www.expathealthinsurance.com.sg for a free review of your existing coverage (within 30 days of your renewal date), or for a free comparison and quotation or for a free new quote!

Eat your way to good health and save on your expat health insurance along the way!

It may be easier than you think!  Don’t get too hungry, enjoy what you eat and eat what is enough and good for you.  Stay positive, improve your psychological health and keep a journal of what you’ve eaten or at least keep a mental note of what sweats you’ve consumed…  That easy!  And…  Along the way, your expat health insurance cost may even be reduced.  This is because, many expat health insurance will look at your health condition before deciding on a premium rating for you.

 

Have you ever go grocery shopping when you were hungry?  Keep stuffing the shopping cart with food!  So, can you imagine when you eat when you are very hungry?!  You will tend to cook more or order more and eat more!    If you are always busy during lunch time, to make sure you do not feel too hungry before lunch time, eat a healthy breakfast.  And yes!  Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day.

 

Referring to WebMD, “According to research, skipping meals, especially breakfast, can actually make weight control more difficult. Breakfast “skippers” tend to eat more food than usual at the next meal or nibble on high-calorie snacks to stave off hunger. Several studies suggest that people tend to accumulate more body fat when they eat fewer, larger meals than when they eat the same number of calories in smaller, more frequent meals.”  Consequently, one would put on weight than to lose weight by skipping meals especially skipping breakfast.  We all know that many health issues go hand-in-hand with obesity…

 

Now that you know why it is important not to skip any meals especially breakfast, remember also to eat as slow as you can.  Not only this is a wonderful way to enjoy and savor your food, it will also help you eat less!  It takes about 20 minutes for our brain to receive signal from our stomach that it is full (10 – 30 minutes according to a study by the American Physiological Society.  So, the slower you eat, the less food you will consume before your brain receive the signal that you are full – you are on your way to losing weight and good health by eating less!  And you know what this may lead you to…  Lowering your cost in expat health insurance!

 

Being strong psychologically will also help in your eating habit because being mentally weak will cause you to be easily stressed.  Being stressed, you will tend to eat more and eating more fatty, salty and sugary foods – according to About.com.  All the efforts of “eating your way to good health” will be wasted!  By the way, do you know that many expat health insurance will only cover benefits relating to psychological condition after a 12 months wait period?

 

Having strong and healthy mind will also help you to remember the type of food you consumed and by doing that, will help you to control and manage your food intake.  You see, when you remember how much of these “sin” food such as sweats, fatty and salty food you’ve eaten, having strong mental will, you will consciously tell yourself to cut down and to even stay away from such food.  As a result, you will work yourself toward your good health!  How to improve your psychological health and on your way to save on your expat health insurance?  We will discuss this in another article on a later date.

 

So, IT IS possible to eat your way to good health.  And while enjoying your good health, you may also be able to lower your expat health insurance cost.

 

While we are on the subject of how eating your way to good health could mean saving on your health insurance, it is probably a good time to make sure you are aware of some of the benefits found in expat health insurance and how that can also protect you, your family and your wallet:

• Expat health insurance can usually cover any nationality living overseas or even at home (not just expats) and will usually cover Out-Patient medical treatment
• Expat health insurance can be very affordable and can protect you from high, unexpected and crippling medical bills and may may cover more than just health related treatments.  Some provide personal accident (PA) as a rider
• Expat health insurance can get you quick and easy access to the best private treatment in your area and can help you avoid waiting lists and access treatment not available locally and usually has a wide network of medical facilities for you to access

 

More on expat health insurance

If you’re not sure, or you would like a free no-obligation quote for your expat health insurance – please contact www.expathealthinsurance.com.sg for a free review of your existing coverage (within 30 days of your renewal date), or for a free comparison and quotation for all your expat health insurance needs.

Many international expatriate health insurers look at your health condition and past medical history to determine:

1. Whether you qualify to purchase a policy and/or what coverages you can purchase
2. What will be the premium of the policy you are interested
3. Some expat health insurance providers would even require you to pay “loadings” for certain pre-existing medical conditions

For more information, or you would like a free no-obligation quote for your expat health insurance – please contact www.expathealthinsurance.com.sg for a free review of your existing coverage (within 30 days of your renewal date), or for a free comparison and quotation or for a free new quote!

 

 

Welcome to the GWT Global blog dedicated to expat health insurance and travel medical insurance.  Check back often as we provide you with current industry news and information.  We will also provide useful resources and information for expats, expat familiies and expat employers.  In addition this blog will also feature important news and updates related to GWT Global.

Please feel free to explore the other pages on this blog for more information about GWT Global, expatriate health insurance, travel medical insurance, important resources and much, much more!

If you have a question please don’t hesitate to contact GWT Global directly.  Our expert advisors are available to answer any questions you may have, in addition we can offer you a no-obligation free quote and/or advice for expat health insurance and travel medical insurance.  Click Here to contact GWT Global.

 

Antibiotics and your expat health insurance

According to Wikipedia, “An antibacterial is a compound or substance that kills or slows down the growth of bacteria.”  (http://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/Antibacterial)

Antibiotics are also known as antibacterials, and they are drugs used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Bacteria are tiny organisms that can sometimes cause illness to humans and animals.

Expat health insurance is an international medical health insurance outside of your home country.  It is different from any local insurance in that it usually provides larger geographical areas of cover and includes more coverage/benefits.  Many such insurance also provide more than just your health insurance needs – to find out more, read on!

 

How do antibiotics work and what to look out for in expat health insurance

Our body has natural immune system that can usually destroy bacteria so as to fight off infection.  But, there are occasions when it is too much for our body that would need help from antibiotics.  On the same line of thought – we may be able to afford medical cost on simple treatment but for huge medical treatment cost needs, we need a good international medical health insurance protection plan, also known as expat health insurance.  Not all such plans will cover all conditions.  Do check the benefits of your policy for details or seriously consider getting one if you already do not have one.

According to Medical News Today, although there are many different types of antibiotics, they all work mainly in one of the two ways:

1. A bactericidal antibiotic kills the bacteria. Penicillin is a bactericidal. A bactericidal usually either interferes with the formation of the bacterium’s cell wall or its cell contents.
2. A bacteriostatic stops bacteria from multiplying.

It is the same for expat health insurance.  Although there are many different such insurance in the market, there are generally two types in terms of providing coverage on health condition of the applicant:

1. A plan that will cover Pre-Existing medical conditions, or

2. A more common one in the market, one that do NOT cover Pre-Existing medical conditions

As such, you always want to make sure you choose the right expat health insurance!  Of course, there are many more other terms to consider but Pre-Existing coverage is one of the major terms you want to know on the plan you are considering.

An antibiotic is given for the treatment of an infection caused by bacteria. Antibiotics target microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and parasites. However, they are not effective against viruses. If you have an infection it is important to know whether it is caused by bacteria or a virus. Most upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold and sore throats are generally caused by viruses – antibiotics do not work against these viruses.  Not all expat health insurance are designed the same as well.  Some would have certain coverage that others do not.  As such, when considering an expat health insurance, you want to make sure you get what you need and not what the insurer offers.

 

The side effects of antibiotics

Frequent and improper use of antibiotics can result in bacteria to resist the effects of the antibiotic treatment, known as bacterial or antibiotic resistance.  As the bacteria have become more resistance to some antibiotics available today because of overuse, treating these bacteria resistance would require even stronger antibiotics.  Furthermore, antibiotics are expensive – do not go for it if it is not necessary as, not all expat health insurance will provide coverage on every antibiotics course.

Antibiotics may have side effects and some of the more common ones may include:

• Soft stools or diarrhea
• Mild stomach upset

Keep your doctor informed on any side effects.

For a List of Antibiotics sorted by Class, Click here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_antibiotics

 

Ask questions

As health.howstuffworks.com puts it:  “An antibiotic is a selective poison.”  As such, you want to follow doctor’s prescription and instruction closely whenever there is an antibiotic course prescribed and don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek as much information as possible and discuss the risks and benefits of using antibiotics.  This also applies to your expat health insurance needs as well – don’t be afraid to ask questions, even “tough” and “challenging” ones.  It will also be a good gauge to learn more about your insurance providers, whether they are knowledgeable on what they provide and do they have the patience to provide you the best possible service.

 

Not all antibiotics and expat health insurance are made equal!

So as we can see antibiotics are very important in the treatment of many medical conditions.  It is the same in expat health insurance – it’s worth you checking that your expat health insurance provides coverage for out-patient drugs and medicines (such as antibiotics). This is because, if your insurance plan does not provide coverage for out-patient and doctor prescribed antibiotics, then these could be very expensive if you have to pay for them yourselves.

There are also branded or generic brand antibiotics – do check your policy coverage of antibiotics before deciding on whether to go with the branded or non-branded antibiotics.  Some policies will also class different prescription drugs on different coverage level.

 

More on expat health insurance

Many international medical health insurers look at your health condition and past medical history to determine:

1. Whether you qualify to purchase a policy and/or what coverages you can purchase
2. What will be the premium of the policy you are interested
3. Some expat health insurance providers would even require you to pay “loadings” for certain pre-existing medical conditions

While we are on the subject of how antibiotics could mean savings on your health insurance, it is probably a good time to make sure you are aware of some of the benefits found in expat health insurance and how that can also protect you, your family and your wallet:

• Expat health insurance can usually cover any nationality living overseas or even at home (not just expats) and will usually cover Out-Patient medical treatment
• Such insurance can be very affordable and can protect you from high, unexpected and crippling medical bills and may may cover more than just health related treatments.  Some provide personal accident (PA) as a rider
• Expat health insurance can get you quick and easy access to the best private treatment in your area and can help you avoid waiting lists and access treatment not available locally and usually has a wide network of medical facilities for you to access

If you’re not sure, have any questions, or you would like a free no-obligation quote for your expat health insurance – please contact us at:  www.expathealthinsurance.com.sg for a free review of your existing coverage (within 30 days of your renewal date), or for a free comparison and quotation for all your expat health insurance needs.

For more information, go to:  www.expathealthinsurance.com.sg or, contact us at:  http://www.expathealthinsurance.com.sg/contact.html