gradstudent

Dear All,

My employer informed me that if I get hospitalized, I need to pay everything upfront and then claim from the insurance (Aviva). They also said that this is how its done in Singapore, no matter what insurance you have (Message to me: So, just live with it!).

1. Is it true that ALL or even most insurances in Singapore just reimburse you and you need to pay up front no matter how big the bill is? I lived in the States before moving here, where they didnt ask you for a single penny while you were being treated if you had insurance. You show the insurance card and you later get the bill at home for about 10% or so of the hospital charge (even as a poor student, I had this coverage!).

2. Are there any insurance companies whose coverage you would recommend that would allow me to get treated just by showing my insurance card? I guess its impossible to arrange for money if I am hanging between life and death and they wont treat me unless I cough up the money

Thanks everyone in advance for your responses!

SGborn

My daughter had an operation last year when she broke her arm and stayed for one night. We got seen to at the A&E, x-ray and spoke to a couple of specialists who said she had to be operated. Yes, we had to pay some of it before the operation. Then before she checked out the next day , we had to pay the rest. Also as standard procedure, the credit card company allowed a temporary increase for that month in credit limit to pay hospital bills. We got it back after submitting the claim.

gradstudent

I see, thanks for the info. Do you know if "cashline" accounts come handy during such times?

SGborn

Sorry, I don't know about those.