Types of Preventive Care and Their Benefits

Routine health screenings:

By going for routine screenings such as blood tests and cancer checks, you can detect conditions that you may not be aware of, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, or even early-stage cancers before there are symptoms.

If you know you have these conditions; you can take active steps to manage your health first and reduce the chances of being hospitalised or having costly surgeries later on.

Booking a health screening is simple enough. Many clinics, such as Parkway Shenton, which has more than 40 clinics islandwide, offer various health screening packages to check for a range of conditions.

Vaccinations:

Vaccinations help protect you against infectious diseases such as flu, HPV, or measles. Not only do they keep you healthy, but they also reduce the financial burden of treating preventable illnesses. For instance, a simple flu shot can save you from days of lost productivity or expensive hospital stays.

To stay up to date with your vaccinations, check the National Adult Immunisation Schedule. Parkway Shenton clinics also offer vaccinations for adults and children. Those travelling can also check online for the vaccinations offered and make an appointment before your trip.

Regular checkups:

If you have a regular doctor whom you go to, it’s good to schedule regular visits, much like going to the dentist, to keep track of your overall health and identify potential risks like hypertension or prediabetes early. This proactive approach lowers the chances of developing chronic conditions that require long-term, costly care.

Lifestyle counselling:

Consider lifestyle counselling if you need help quitting smoking, managing weight, or reducing stress. These interventions can reduce the risk of contracting illnesses such as lung cancer, obesity-related complications, or mental health conditions. Small changes to your daily habits, guided by a professional, can significantly improve your overall well-being.

The Health Benefits of Preventive Care

Being proactive about your health leads to better outcomes in the long run. Preventive care allows for early detection and management of diseases, which often translates into less invasive treatments and quicker recoveries. It also helps you avoid chronic conditions that could severely impact your quality of life and drain your finances.

Moreover, prioritising preventive care fosters a healthier lifestyle. Regular screenings and check-ups encourage you to stay vigilant about your health, while vaccinations protect you and those around you from preventable infectious diseases. Ultimately, preventive care empowers you to take charge of your well-being, ensuring you stay healthy and active for years to come.

How Insurance Supports Preventive Care

Some insurance plans can help make preventive care more affordable and accessible. Here’s how:

Coverage for routine screenings

Many policies, i.e. Integrated Shield Plans (IPs), include annual health check-ups, cancer screenings, and management for chronic diseases. These benefits ensure you can address health concerns early without worrying about out-of-pocket expenses.

Some policies that include these are: Prudential’s PRUShield and AIA’s HealthShield Gold Max A.

• Depending on the insurer, some may require an additional top-up fee for screening, and various terms and conditions apply.

For more details on IPs, read our comprehensive guide.

Vaccinations

Certain insurance plans cover vaccinations, such as flu shots and travel-related vaccines. By providing financial support for these preventive measures, insurance makes it easier to stay protected against illnesses.

Wellness programmes

Some policies go beyond traditional coverage, offering wellness benefits like fitness incentives, lifestyle coaching, and mental health support. These programmes promote holistic well-being, helping you lead a healthier, more balanced life. They may be part of your company’s corporate insurance policy or wellness programmes offered by private insurers such as AIA Vitality, ManulifeMOVE, PRUVibes, and Great Eastern’s LIFE Programme.

Using MediSave

Singaporeans can also use MediSave to pay—up to $500 or $700 for those with chronic conditions—for selected health screenings, treatments for chronic conditions, and vaccinations.

Practical Tips to Maximise Benefits

• Review your health insurance policy to understand your preventive care coverage, limits, and co-payment requirements.
• Schedule regular check-ups and use your insurance benefits for screenings and vaccinations.
• Maintain detailed health records to stay informed about your preventive care needs.
• Consider riders or supplementary plans to enhance your coverage and access additional benefits.

Preventive care can help you on your journey towards better health and saving money in the long term. You can avoid costly treatments and improve your outcomes by detecting issues early. With the support of insurance plans, accessing preventive care is more affordable and stress-free than ever.

As the new year begins, make it a priority to focus on your well-being. Review your health insurance plan to ensure it covers the necessary preventive care and take proactive steps to protect your health. Know your coverage, before you need it.