As part of MOH’s efforts to help the public understand our health care system, they have published a brochure called the 10 top common myths of Singapore Health Care”. The brochure is available in four languages.

I would just like to add a few of my personal opinion to the myths which should be read in conjunction with the myths brochure.

Myth 1: I am afraid of being hospitalised because hospital bills are unaffordable

While hospital bills should remain affordable to most people in the B2 and C wards, there is now a severe lack of hospital capacity due to the growth in our population.

Getting a ward of your choice might mean a longer wait.

Myth 3: Because of Means Testing in hospital, I can no longer be admitted into Class B2/C wards

While you can still choose a B2 or C ward, you will not be entitled to the full subsidy if you fail the Means Testing. A drop of subsidy from 80% to 65% could mean almost double the bill as you pay 35% instead of 20% of the bill.

For more information, you can read this: Means Testing for Hospital Patients

Myth 4: My agent tells me my coverage will not be affected if I switch between Integrated Shield plans offered by different insurance companies.

You should avoid switching companies when it comes to health plans. If there is a need for higher coverage, always try to upgrade with the same company so that pre-existing conditions are still covered under the old plan level.

Read about the dangers of switching Shield plans.

Myth 7: I’m forced to buy an expensive private insurance plan because Medishield and Medisave are not enough to pay my hospitalisation bills.

While buying an integrated shield plan is optional, I always recommend it to most people, especially for children as the premiums are quite low.

It ensures that they are covered even if they were to develop some health conditions later on.

Myth 10: As I’m still young and healthy and have employer benefits, there is no need for me to buy health insurance.

Employer covered plans are seldom portable. It is always better to have your own backup in case you change job (which is very likely nowadays) and a new health insurance plan will not cover you for your pre-existing conditions.