- Discover how Cheryl’s daughter, Sheridan, was born with a rare genetic condition.
- Understand how Sheridan’s Integrated Shield Plan provided her family with some financial ease.
- Learn about the important role of health insurance and genetic diseases.
Table of Contents
When Cheryl Ong became a mother, she never imagined the challenges she would face. Her daughter, Sheridan, was born with a rare genetic condition known as GRIN2B-related neurodevelopmental disorder. Now 8-years-old, Sheridan is wheelchair-bound, unable to sit, stand, or walk without support. She also relies on a pureed diet and is non-verbal.
Despite these difficulties, Cheryl has remained resilient, navigating her daughter’s complex medical needs with unwavering dedication. A crucial part of her journey has been health insurance, which has significantly eased the financial burden of Sheridan’s medical care.
Early Signs of Sheridan’s Rare Genetic Condition
It was a scary experience,” Cheryl recalls, as the medical team ran test after test, searching for answers.
The Role of Health Insurance in Treating Genetic Conditions
When Cheryl was pregnant with Sheridan, she had the good foresight of purchasing health insurance for her baby. This health insurance coverage kicked in after a brief waiting period from birth. “The whole hospital stay, all the tests, and follow-ups with the physiotherapist and swim therapist were covered by her Integrated Shield Plan,” she shares. “I have never regretted my decision of getting an Integrated Shield Plan for Sheridan.” However, one regret she does carry is not securing early-stage Critical Illness Coverage for her daughter, something she wishes she had done differently.
As a financial services consultant, Cheryl understands the importance of comprehensive coverage.
Being in the industry, I believe in the power of good health insurance protection, so I bought an Integrated Shield Plan for her while I was still pregnant with her.
This foresight proved invaluable when Sheridan needed urgent care for a lung infection. Faced with long wait times at KKH, Cheryl was able to bring her daughter to Parkway East Hospital instead, where she received prompt medical attention in a shorter queue.
Tip: Parkway East Hospital has a Paediatric Urgent Care Centre dedicated to treating children who need urgent medical attention. Staffed by experienced paediatricians, the centre provides specialised care with an average wait time of just 30 minutes. It is open daily from 8 am to 11 pm, ensuring that parents have access to timely medical support when their little ones need it most.
Navigating the Insurance Process and Financial Concerns
Cheryl’s experience as an insurance agent helped her navigate the claims process with ease. However, she admits that she initially underestimated the need for extensive Critical Illness Coverage. Like many parents, she never expected her child to face a serious illness, let alone require Critical Illness Coverage.
It wasn’t something she thought much about until she needed it. Looking back, she now sees how important it is to have a Critical Illness Plan in place early—not just for peace of mind, but also because premiums are more affordable when purchased sooner.
I took things for granted, and after my daughter’s diagnosis, I had to work doubly hard to afford her long-term expenses and caregiving needs.
Lessons Learned and Advice for Others
Looking back, Cheryl is thankful that she had the knowledge and ability to purchase an Integrated Shield Plan for Sheridan. But knowing how beneficial a Critical Illness Plan would have been – having a lump sum payout to help with additional expenses for her daughter’s treatment, Cheryl regrets not purchasing one earlier. Now she has made it her mission to help others learn from her experience, “This experience gave me a deep passion for guiding others to get the necessary coverage they need,” she says.
Her advice to others thinking about health insurance plans in Singapore?
Listen to an insurance agent or find someone you trust. A rider is a must, and it’s important to consider your family history, as many conditions can be genetic.
A Message of Resilience and Preparedness
Through it all, Cheryl remains steadfast in her advocacy for comprehensive health insurance. Her journey with Sheridan has reinforced her belief that being prepared for the unexpected is crucial. As a mother and a financial services professional, she hopes her story will encourage others to take proactive steps in securing their health and financial well-being.
For parents, caregivers, and anyone navigating the complexities of healthcare, Cheryl’s story is a powerful reminder: when it comes to health, being financially prepared can make all the difference.
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.
