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Going to the hospital is not something anyone wishes to go through, but statistics show that you need to be prepared for such a scenario. 13 in 100 residents were hospitalised in 2023 in Singapore.
Falling sick and getting hospitalised can be daunting – both emotionally and financially. We hear from Singaporeans about their healthcare experiences and how they were supported by the healthcare system.
Regular Screenings For Early Detection
Going for regular health check-ups can help with early detection of health issues. National programmes such as Healthier SG focus on preventive health and empower Singaporeans, especially those aged 40 and above, to see a regular family doctor, have a personalised Health Plan and go for recommended health screenings and vaccinations.
This was how 62-year-old retiree, Mr Leung Kok Yan, discovered he needed a cataract surgery. He was first referred to the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC) about 10 years ago after visiting the polyclinic due to poor vision.
A topography scan determined that he was developing cataracts, but his condition was still manageable. At his last check-up in November 2023, he was advised to go for a cataract surgery on his right eye.
Read Also: Health is Wealth: Guide to Subsidised Health Screening for $5 or Less In Singapore
Exceptional Facilities And Compassionate Medical Professionals
When Mr Leung compared the pricing for a cataract surgery at public and private hospitals, he realised that “it was quite a big difference – around $10,000 for one eye, but it would be less than $2,000 (after subsidies) at SNEC”. He chose the public healthcare route.
During our conversation, he shared that he was happy with his decision. His surgery went smoothly, and he was in and out of the hospital within 3 hours.
Mr Leung’s experience reflects Singapore’s exceptional healthcare system. Singapore is recognised globally as a world-class location for healthcare, and four of its public hospitals are ranked within Newsweek’s World’s best Hospitals 2024 list.
But it’s not just the excellent infrastructure – or hardware – that delivers good healthcare outcomes, it’s also about the heartware – our doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals that support patient recovery.
Another retiree, 74-year-old Mr Bernard Mah, spent the better part of nine months in the hospital recovering from his knee replacement surgeries. His interactions with the well-trained and dedicated doctors, therapists and nurses made his long hospitalisation and recovery journey bearable.
He first saw a knee specialist in 2016 after experiencing acute pains. At that time, his doctor advised him to go for a knee replacement surgery, but his wife convinced him to opt for a less invasive key-hole operation. Unfortunately, his knee condition persisted.
In a subsequent follow-up in 2022, he was again advised to go for a knee replacement surgery. While the surgery was a success, he unfortunately developed an unrelated bacterial infection which later spread to his knee. He then had to undergo another surgery on the same knee to replace the affected knee implant.
After being hospitalised at the National University Hospital (NUH) for three weeks, Mr Mah was moved to Jurong Community Hospital (JCH) for his recovery therapy. He recalled that he “spent Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year in JCH”, and was grateful to the medical team who supported him and other patients throughout their care journey.
He recalled an incident when his knee condition flared up once more, and his surgeon could not attend to him immediately as he was away at in-camp training. Mr Mah was surprised when “the following day, he came down, in his uniform. I was really grateful to him and his team, and believe they really care for their patients”.
Looking After Your Health Post-Recovery
In our conversations, we learned that taking care of one’s health post-hospitalisation was a challenge for seniors who have trouble with their mobility. Mr Mah, for example, still struggles to walk for long distances following his knee replacement surgery.
While staying at Jurong Community Hospital, Mr Mah “saw a PMD and asked if they could let me have one”. To his surprise, there was a training circuit for PMD users within JCH. He passed his circuit test on his first go and got a 75% subsidy, via the Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund, on his PMD, paying about $250 in cash.
Today, Mr Mah shares that he goes to the gym at an Active Ageing Centre close to his home to stay active. Towards the end of our chat, Mr Mah shared that he had recovered well enough to even visit Korea earlier this year. He related that the experience “was quite a challenge without the PMD, but I managed to use a walking stick to go up the hills”.
Understanding Your Hospitalisation Coverage For Peace Of Mind
Aside from their worries about health, both retirees also shared their worries about financing these healthcare episodes.
Fortunately, Singaporeans benefit from having MediShield Life, a basic health insurance plan that protects against large medical bills. MediShield Life covers subsidised hospital bills, at Class B2 and Class C wards in public hospitals. Those looking for additional coverage in higher class wards in public hospitals or private hospital can also purchase an Integrated Shield Plan (IP).
Both Mr Leung and Mr Mah do not have an IP. In fact, Mr Leung dropped his IP coverage when he retired about 6 years ago as he “felt there was a big difference in the premiums from below 55 to after turning 55”.
When Mr Leung saw his bill for his cataract operation, he felt “it was quite affordable”. He qualified for 50% government subsidy based on his condition – putting his final bill at close to $1,800. He recalled that “After the government subsidy, MediShield Life covered about $200, then I also received further coverage from my wife’s employment benefit, and paid a final amount of $400 – which my MediSave can fully cover”.
*Editor’s Note: There is a fixed amount you have to pay every year before your MediShield Life payout kicks in. This deductible caps at $1,500 to $3,000, depending on your age and choice of ward class. The deductible for day surgeries is $1,500 and subsequent claims in the same year will not be subjected to this deductible.
Similarly, when Mr Mah was counselled on the cost for his knee replacement surgeries, he chose to go from an unsubsidised ward, to a subsidised Class B2 ward – which is a 6-bedder – to qualify for government subsidies.
In total, his hospital bills amounted to nearly $50,000. After subsidies, MediShield Life coverage and use of his MediSave, he only paid about $80 out of his own pocket.
Health Is Wealth
While many of us might worry that being hospitalised could be very expensive in Singapore, Mr Leung and Mr Mah’s experiences show that despite the hefty hospital bill, they managed to recover well, and pay for their healthcare needs without much out-of-pocket cash.
We know the saying that prevention is always better than the cure. While we enjoy a high quality of healthcare and access to affordable treatments, we should invest in better health.
This can start today by eating right, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and going for regular medical check-ups and appropriate health screenings.
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