About this article:
- Aria’s two-year-old son, Idris, suffered severe burns from a bowl of hot soup, leading to an emergency rush to the hospital.
- Swift medical intervention, including surgery, allowed Idris to make a full recovery with no lasting scars, thanks to skilled care and treatment.
- Comprehensive health insurance coverage allowed them to focus on recovery without financial concerns, underscoring the importance of being prepared for medical emergencies.
For Aria, Sunday mornings were usually a time for relaxation and family bonding. That particular morning, she and her family were enjoying breakfast at a coffee shop, as they often did. Aria’s two-year-old son, Idris, was full of energy, fidgeting and moving around as any toddler would. But in a split second, what seemed like harmless activity turned into a parent’s worst nightmare.
Idris lost his footing while standing on a chair and, in an attempt to steady himself, grabbed a bowl of hot fish soup. Both the bowl and its contents fell on him. “He immediately started screaming and crying, and we panicked,” Aria recalled.
“We lifted his shirt, and his stomach was red, blistered, and the skin looked melted. It was horrifying.”
Panic Sets In—A Rush to the Hospital
Aria and her husband knew they needed immediate medical help. Her husband acted quickly, running Idris’ burn under tap water to stop further damage. “It’s best to use cool water to run over the burn area. If it’s too cold, it can shock the body,” Aria said, remembering the advice they had learned in first aid training.
The couple rushed to a nearby clinic, where the doctor advised them to head straight to the emergency department. With the help of her brother-in-law, they reached Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital.
“We didn’t even have to wait 10 minutes. The triage nurses came right away, calmed us down, and called the on-call specialist,” Aria said.
Soon, a plastic surgeon with experience in paediatric burns was evaluating Idris’ condition. The diagnosis: second- to third-degree burns.
The same day, Idris underwent his first of two surgeries—a debridement to remove the dead and damaged skin from the burn. This procedure would help promote healing. “It was heartbreaking, but we knew it had to be done,” Aria shared. “Seeing your child in pain like that is every parent’s nightmare.”
A Painful Recovery Made Easier
Idris stayed in the hospital for several days, receiving round-the-clock care to ensure his wounds healed properly. His burns were treated with moist dressings, and he was put on a drip to prevent dehydration, a common risk for burn patients.
“We were in the hospital for about 4-5 days,” Aria said. “His bandages needed constant monitoring, and we had to make sure his wound was always moist to promote faster healing and reduce the risk of infection.”
After returning home, Idris continued to visit his surgeon for regular follow-ups to monitor his recovery closely. Thankfully, his Integrated Shield Plan fully covered all his post-hospitalisation reviews and consultations.
“Now, seven years later, there is no sign of the burns on his stomach. Thanks to the swift treatment and the expertise of his doctor, Idris has recovered completely without any long-term effects.”
How Health Insurance Gave Them Peace of Mind
In the chaos of the situation, Aria and her husband didn’t think about their health insurance coverage right away. “Our priority was to get Idris treated as soon as possible,” she said. However, after confirming with their agent, they were relieved to learn that their Integrated Shield Plan would cover 100% of the hospitalisation and surgery costs.
“We didn’t have to think twice about opting for the best treatment because we knew we were covered.”
“We didn’t have to pay a single cent out of pocket, which allowed us to focus completely on Idris’ recovery,” Aria explained.
Starting from 1 April 2021, a 5% co-payment was introduced for new Integrated Shield Plan riders in Singapore. This means that policyholders can no longer enjoy 100% coverage, as insurance now requires them to bear a portion of their hospitalisation bills.
For Aria, having comprehensive health insurance meant her family could afford the best care without worrying about costs. “In situations like this, you don’t want to be thinking about whether you can afford the treatment. You want to make sure your child gets the best care possible.”
A Lesson for Other Parents: Be Prepared
Looking back on the experience, Aria is grateful they had the foresight to purchase health insurance for the entire family soon after their son was born. “We planned ahead, and it saved us from a huge financial burden,” she said. “We could focus on our son’s recovery and comfort rather than worry about money.”
She encourages other parents to be proactive about understanding their insurance coverage.
“Know what you’re covered for, and maintain a good relationship with your agent. In an emergency, you might not be able to think clearly, and it helps to know you’re covered.”
Despite changes in health insurance policies over the years, Aria’s family has adapted by adding riders to ensure their out-of-pocket expenses remain manageable in the future. “When your loved one is sick, you want access to the best treatment without worrying about the cost,” she said. “That’s what health insurance should provide.”
Aria’s story is a powerful reminder of how life can change in an instant—and why being prepared with the right health insurance is so important. For her, having the right coverage meant giving her son the best possible chance at a full recovery after a terrifying burn accident.
Do you know what you are covered for? In emergencies, there’s often little time to think, let alone plan for hospitalisation. Review your coverage here to ensure you understand your benefits before you need them.
