Angel Said:

what are the factors affecting insurance cost and quality of health care in singapore?

We Answered:

The biggest affects on the cost of health care are government price ceilings and whether there are market influences in the industry.

For example, in the US, insurance companies pay out whatever doctors charge without comparing prices. Doctors will therefore charge about double to insurance companies what they would normally charge a frugal customer. Insurance companies pass on this cost to their own customers, who can't see the overcharges hidden in their monthly rates.

If insurance companies were to "shop around" for less expensive medical care, the doctors would be forced to compete for their business and would charge less.

Felicia Said:

What is the living costs in Singapore? mainly Health insurance, taxes, renting appartment & energy/water costs

We Answered:

The cost of renting an appartment depend on location, private or public housing estate (HDB). But generally, for private appartment, it will not cost more than S$2000 (unless is at prime location) ; and HDB not more than S$1300 for a unit with 2 rooms. Energy & water consumption should be less than S$100 for single person.

Health insurance depend on the plan you take. If you are getting a term insurance, it's quite cheap. S$50 per month can cover up to S$500,000 for death and total disability.

For individual income tax, probably you can check up IRAS website for detail. http://www.iras.gov.sg/ESVPortal/iit/iit…

Jaime Said:

australia tax filing and health insurance?

We Answered:

If you are single, no dependents, an Australian resident for tax purposes, your taxable income (not salary) is more than $50K and you do not have the appropriate health insurance you will pay an extra 1% Medicare levy surcharge tax. You don't HAVE to have insurance, you just pay the extra tax if you don't have it. Your foreign insurance will not be adequate.

If you are not an Australian resident for tax purposes (a non-resident) you wouldn't have to pay any Medicare levy anyway so it wouldn't matter whether or not you had insurance here.

Erik Said:

How is the health care system in Singapore?

We Answered:

The public health insurance system caters for hospitalization based on Excess and Co-payment. Insurance kicks in once the hospital charges goes above certain amount (excess). The insurance company will pay a percentage of that while the patient pays a smaller percentage (co-payment)

For outpatient treatment, it is usually out of pocket. Most companies buy some kind of insurance for their employees. But with rise of chronic diseases, many are capping the amount and the employee has to pay out of pocket.

To save money, most citizens opt of Government Outpatient Clinics. The wait can be as long as 3 hours. Only generic medicine, consultation and labs tests are subsidized.

The Ministry of Health website also do a comparison of hospitalization costs for different hospitalizations. The heart centre is of course the most expensive.

The Government arranges health care on a compulsory basis by forced savings but offer low interests (4%). Subsidies can be in form of a shell game where it means the difference in cost between private care and public care. So as long as public care is cheaper, therefore it is subsidized. Even then this is not true in many cases as syringes and flu vaccine are often charged more by Government clinics and hospitals.

Despite that, health care costs is relatively affordable. A person may opt for traditional chinese medicine for simple coughs and flu. He may go up to Johore to buy cheaper medicines. Some government hospitals provide services that rival private practitioners at a fraction of the costs. But some are staffed by indifferent doctors despite waiting for hours.

Daniel Said:

Whats the best health insurance to take in Singapore?

We Answered:

It all depends what your needs are. Typically the Asian market will offer you two choices; Local health insurance or International health insurance. If you are a citizen of Singapore and resident in the country then your choices, in regards to an international health insurance plan are limited (good health will not provide cover and neither will Interglobal; IHI and Allianz are distinct possibilities though). You will be able to obtain a local health insurance plan through one of the many providers on the singaporean market.

There are some major differences in both types of plan (local vs International).

1. International health insurance is globally portable (you can use it outside singapore) while local health insurance is generally not and you will need to purchase additional cover if going overseas.

2. International health insurance is generally guaranteed renewable for life (even if you develop a chronic condition you are guaranteed continuing coverage) while local plans can deny you coverage if your claims are too high.

3. International health insurance premiums are generally calculated on a community rating so you are guaranteed the same price as everyone else in your age group (based on age and geographical area of coverage), Local health insurance will normally calculate premiums based on a policyholders claims history.

Overall it is really a question of what benefits you want and where you see yourself going in the future. Both Local and international health insurance plans will offer you a number of coverage options (from maternity coverage through to emergency evacuation and repatriation protection) so it is quite literally a question of what protection you and your family need.

It is quite typical, however, for international plans to have much higher levels of coverage than local plans, and international health insurance policies will allow you more flexibility in terms of choosing your coverage options.
However, without knowing a little more about your situation, and your needs, i can't tell you any more.

i hope this has been helpful

Edward Said:

Medicare levy surchange applicable if i have overseas insurance with international cover?

We Answered:

I might be wrong, but I think - they need to be registered insurers under a certain Act.... and and an overseas one is more likely than not is not a registered insurer. Check out these links:-

http://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/conten…

http://www.phiac.gov.au/healthfunds/regl…

Terrance Said:

any insurance policy/Company in singapore cover mental health/psychiatric disorder?thank you?

We Answered:

Dear Ling z,

I am sorry I can't help you because I am not a Singaporean. However, there is an online community in Singapore where you can possibly get some answers to your question. The website is "www.depnet.com.sg" . Hope this helps.

Take Good Care,
Depwill