About this article:
- Learn how a simple fall at school turned into an urgent hospital visit for 9-year-old Teddy.
- Understand how insurance coverage eases the stress of unexpected medical costs.
- Discover why parents should supplement school-provided insurance with private plans for full protection.
Table of Contents
It was an ordinary school day when Teresa received a call every parent dreads, her 9-year-old son Teddy had suffered a fall in school and hit his head. To make matters worse, there were no proper eyewitnesses. So, no one could figure out how or why he fell. One moment he was perfectly fine, the next he was on the floor.
“I still remember the panic in my chest when the school said they didn’t know what had happened,” Teresa recalls.
I just kept thinking, is he okay? Are there any injuries?
Teresa and her husband dropped everything and rushed down to Teddy’s primary school. By the time they arrived, Teddy seemed alright. But they didn’t want to take any chances with a possible head injury, they whisked him straight to Parkway East Hospital, the nearest private hospital.
Hospitalisation and testing
At Parkway East Hospital, doctors suspected Teddy might have a possible concussion due to the fall so, he was admitted for close monitoring.
Immediately upon admission, some medical tests, including a urine test were performed. An eye-movement test was also conducted to ensure his nerves were functioning normally.
It felt like a whirlwind… medical checks and lots of questions. As a mum, your mind goes to the worst-case scenario
But I was thankful we were in a place that could run all these tests quickly.
Teddy spent the next couple of days in the ward under observation. Thankfully, the results were reassuring, there were no signs serious issues. After a period of rest and stability, he was discharged with instructions to monitor for any vomiting, dizziness, or changes in behaviour over the next two weeks.
Insurance kicked in when it mattered most
Because Teddy had been warded, his Integrated Shield Plan (with rider) was automatically activated to cover the cost of his hospital stay, scans, and consultations.
While Teddy was also protected by school insurance (as are all children studying at schools in Singapore), it would not have been enough to cover treatment at a private hospital, which was what Teresa and her husband wanted for their son. For them, immediate and urgent care mattered more than anything. Teresa didn’t want to risk waiting in the long queues of a public hospital while her 9-year-old had just suffered a possible head injury.
This is why it is important for parents to consider supplementing school-provided insurance with their own private plans for their children. It ensures that, in emergencies, they can access fast, specialised care without hesitation.
We didn’t know if this would turn out to be something serious or mild, but just knowing we didn’t need to worry about the hospital bill made a huge difference
A frightening reminder that accidents can happen anywhere
Like all parents would, Teresa admits she always assumed school was the ‘safest’ place for children. Yet this incident was a reminder that unexpected emergencies can happen anytime, even in places we assume are safe.
Fortunately, with quick access to Parkway East Hospital and the right insurance plans in place, Teddy received timely and comprehensive care.
PARENTS’ TIP: Parkway East Hospital is the only private hospitals in Singapore with a dedicated Paediatric Urgent Care Centre, staffed by child-focused emergency doctors and nurses. In situations like Teddy’s, where children require fast, specialised attention after an accident or sudden illness, being able to head straight to a paediatric-ready facility can make all the difference in care, comfort, and peace of mind.
Lessons from Teresa & Teddy’s Experience
- Accidents can occur suddenly, even in “safe” environments like school.
- Immediate access to a hospital ensures swift diagnosis and proper treatment.
- Warding allows doctors to perform necessary testing to rule out serious conditions.
- Integrated Shield Plans (along with Personal Accident and Critical Illness cover) provide critical financial protection in emergencies.
- Insurance offers peace of mind, allowing parents to focus on their child instead of hospital bills.
Final thoughts
Looking back, Teresa says she hopes no parent ever has to go through a similar scare. Still, she is deeply grateful that Teddy made a full recovery, and that she had taken the steps years earlier to make sure he was fully covered.
“Having insurance meant we could focus fully on Teddy’s recovery without worrying about the hospital bills,” she reflects.
“That one fall taught me, you can’t predict what life will throw at your child, but you can be prepared.”
Not sure if your own child is adequately protected?
Use our Coverage Checker to see what you’re covered for — and where the gaps might be, before an emergency strikes.
Key Insurance Types
Integrated Shield Plan: An Integrated Shield Plan covers inpatient treatment and hospitalisation costs.
Personal Accident Plan: A Personal Accident Plan covers accident-related expenses, including outpatient treatment.
Critical Illness Plan: A Critical Illness Plan provides a lump sum payout upon critical illness diagnosis, which can be used to cover non-insurable expenses like off-list drugs.
Know Your Coverage, Before You Need It
HealthInsured SG aims to help you understand the details of your health insurance policy. Being well-informed empowers you to focus on recovery, free from the added stress of financial burdens.
