Compare International Health Insurance Policies in Singapore |MoneySmart.sg

What international health insurance coverage should you look out for?

Buying the cheapest health insurance policy available is not always the best choice. Here’s what you should look out for in a policy to decide if it’s good value for money

Inpatient benefits

This is typically known as Hospitalisation & Surgical coverage. As the name suggests, you will only be covered when you are hospitalised or require surgery. It provides reimbursement for medical expenses during your hospital stay, including the room, surgery, medicine and diagnostic tests.

Outpatient benefits

This covers you for medical treatment outside the hospital or for medical visits that do not require you to stay overnight in hospital, for example, when you see a GP, a specialist or a therapist.

Travel & Emergency

This covers emergency medical evacuations and repatriation. Emergency medical treatment can be very costly overseas, this coverage allows you to have peace of mind should anything happen during your holidays.

Dental

Dental coverage often includes check-ups, simple fillings, and sometimes more complicated dental treatment if you have gum disease or need braces.

Well being and Optical

Well-being refers to routine procedures such as annual check-ups, pap-smears or mammograms. For those of us who need a little help to see clearly, optical benefits can cover eye examinations, corrective glasses and contact lenses.

Pregnancy/Maternity

This coverage typically covers you for the costs of routine pregnancy and childbirth. Health insurance companies can also cover you for newborn care, complications and pre- and post-natal check-ups with your obstetrician. Health insurance plans sometimes have a waiting period of up to 24 months, so if you’re planning on having a baby in the future, it could save you a heap of money if you are already insured and have passed the waiting period.

Best International Health Policies Recommended by MoneySmart

International Health Plans	Maximum Payout per year	Monthly Premium
AXA International Exclusive Plan C	$2,400,000	$5,015
CIGNA Silver Plan	$1,500,000	$2,183
FWD International Health Insurance	$3,000,000	$2,336
Liberty MyHealth International Essential	$2,000,000	$3,786
MSIG Prestige Healthcare Elite	$900,000	$920
NOW Health Worldcare Essential	$3,900,000	$1,195

Making a International Health Insurance Claim

The process for specific types of claims may differ between Insurers. However, policies offered by popular insurers such as AXA, MSIG or AIG generally have similar International Health Insurance Claims procedures. Here are some things that you should take note of when making an insurance claim.

Fact # 1Inform your insurer or broker immediately should you need to make a claim

For full assurance of claims, its best to call the insurer's dedicated claims concierge hotline or your broker to get peace of mind for your medical treatment. Some insurers also have online claims applications to make it hassle-free!

Fact # 2Keep originals of everything

Whatever you are making a claim for, you have to be able to prove its authenticity. This means producing original documents for the following: Attending Physician's Statements Medical Certificates Accident Reports Clinic/ Hospital Invoices

Fact #3Complete claims form

Your broker or insurer's claim conciege will assist you with completing the claim form. Most insurers have a claims turnaround payout time of around 5-14 working days

Singapore International Health Insurance Tips

Here are some International Health Insurance tips that can help you select a great policy and give you peace of mind.

Tip #1

There are different areas of coverage for International Health Plans. You can usually opt for "worldwide" or "worldwide (excluding US)" plans, but some insurers provide plans for coverage in Asia too! AXA International Exclusive has a Asia coverage plan.

Tip #2

Buy the plan which suits you best! As International Health Plans provide a myriad of benefits, don't be fooled into thinking you have to buy a standard packaged plan. There are some insurers which provide customizable plans, allowing you to pay for what you need! Cigna Health allows you to purchase only benefits that you need.

Tip #3

You have the option of lowering your premium! Most insurers allow for an increase in the deductible and co-insurance amount, thereby lowering your plan's premium.

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Commonly Asked Questions

What is International Health Insurance and how does it help me?: An International Health Insurance policy provides the choice of seeking medical treatment overseas (outside Singapore). It is available for expatriates of all nationalities and it allows for the flexibility of a wide range of medical benefits all around the world.
What is the difference between International Health insurance, travel insurance and local health insurance?: While all these policies do have some overlapping benefits, its important to know the key differences and only purchase what's important to you and your family. International Health Insurance - Covers for Hospitalisation and Surgery in country of your choice outside Singapore. Allows for optional benefits like travel, regular doctor visits, dental, optical, health screenings and maternity. Travel Insurance - Even though an International Health Insurance policy may have travel benefits, it doesnt come close to a stand-alone Travel Insurance plan. A typical Travel Insurance plan covers medical expenses incurred overseas, comprehensive travel inconvenience benefits like flight delay and baggage delay, as well as emergencies during your trip. Local Health Insurance - As the name suggests, it only covers for Hospitalisation and Surgery locally (in Singapore). It doesnt allow for many of the optional benefits thats available only to International Health Plans.
I already have a health insurance plan in my country of origin, do i need another one in Singapore?: It really depends on the nature of your health insurance plan in your country of origin. The most important factor to consider is whether it allows you to cover for areas outside your country of origin - if it doesn't, it's probably important to start looking for a suitable plan in Singapore.
What if i already have a corporate medical plan?: It's great that you have a corporate medical plan! Do check out the level of benefits and coverage as corporate medical plans are typically not very comprehensive in nature. Also, its important to note that most corporate plans are not portable, which means that when your retire, you will not be insured any more. Hence its probably good to have a solid personal Health Insurance Plan, and treat your corporate plan as additional coverage.
How do I compare International Health insurance policies?: First, consider the geographical area of coverage that you require. Second, compare the benefits which are important to you across a few International Health Insurance providers. Next, check out the option of changing deductible and co-insurance to make your premiums more affordable. Compare International Health Insurance Plans on MoneySmart to find the one with the best price and coverage level for you!

Best International Health Insurance Plans in Singapore 2020

Refine Your Results

S$5,015

AXA International Exclusive Plan C

S$2,183

Cigna Silver Plan (International Health Plan)

S$3,786

Liberty MyHealth International Insurance Essential

S$920

MSIG Prestige Healthcare Elite

S$2,336

FWD International Health Insurance

What international health insurance coverage should you look out for?

Inpatient benefits

Outpatient benefits

Travel & Emergency

Dental

Well being and Optical

Pregnancy/Maternity

Best International Health Policies Recommended by MoneySmart

Making a International Health Insurance Claim

Fact # 1Inform your insurer or broker immediately should you need to make a claim

Fact # 2Keep originals of everything

Fact #3Complete claims form

Singapore International Health Insurance Tips

Tip #1

Tip #2

Tip #3

Try MoneySmart's newLife Insurance Comparison Tool

Commonly Asked Questions

What is International Health Insurance and how does it help me?

What is the difference between International Health insurance, travel insurance and local health insurance?

I already have a health insurance plan in my country of origin, do i need another one in Singapore?

What if i already have a corporate medical plan?

How do I compare International Health insurance policies?

^S$5,015

^S$2,183

^S$3,786

^S$920

^S$2,336