About this article:
- Think about how you want your hospitalisation to go so you can set expectations, which will help you be better prepared.
- Discuss three simple but essential questions with your family members or loved ones.
- An Integrated Shield Plan can help you have greater control over your circumstances during hospitalisation in significant ways.
Being hospitalised isn’t something we usually dwell on, and for good reason. It’s a serious topic, after all, and not exactly suited for light-hearted conversations.
But that doesn’t mean we should ignore the topic altogether. In fact, it’s important to discuss what happens should you or your loved one need to go to the hospital one day.
Question 1: What’s your preferred recovery environment?
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When undergoing treatment, your environment is important to your well-being and comfort. After all, being warded means sleeping in a strange place, away from the comfort and familiarity of home and loved ones.
Little things could end up being a big problem. For instance, many of us are used to sleeping with the air conditioning on, but some public hospital wards may not have this amenity. You may struggle to rest properly during particularly warm and humid nights.
Also, consider whether you would be okay sharing your ward with other patients or would rather have a private one by yourself. By deciding beforehand, you will have a better idea of what to expect during hospitalisation.
Question 2: How important is choosing your own doctor?
If you’re facing a serious illness such as cancer or heart disease, you’ll naturally want the best doctor you can find. But beyond skills and expertise, having a doctor you can connect with can make a significant difference in your treatment experience.
Take Sebastian, for example. When the pre-retiree was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, he was told he needed major surgery to remove a 2 cm tumour.
Unsettled by the prognosis, Sebastian sought a second opinion from private-sector specialists—an option facilitated by his Integrated Shield Plan. He eventually met Dr. Chong Choon Seng, a Colorectal and General Surgeon at Mount Elizabeth Orchard, which turned out to be a major turning point.
Empathising with Sebastian’s concerns about being able to live normally, Dr Chong proposed a minimally invasive surgical treatment. It worked – and allowed Sebastian to avoid having to depend on a stoma bag for life.
Sebastian’s experience tells us the significance of being able to choose your own doctor. It may well determine the course of the rest of your life.
Read also: A Journey Through Colorectal Cancer: Sebastian Ang’s Story
Question 3: How long are you willing to wait for treatment?
During a health crisis, speed is of the essence. While Singapore’s public healthcare system is undeniably top-notch, you may still have to wait for treatment.
For instance, getting an appointment with the right specialist may take some time. You may also have to wait for diagnostic procedures. This can create uncertainty and helplessness, increasing stress for you and your loved ones.
It’s worse during an emergency.
When her son Coen’s foot was accidentally caught in an escalator, Daphne panicked. The wound looked deep, and blood was flowing profusely – he would require emergency treatment.
Daphne knew Coen was covered with an Integrated Shield Plan (IP). This means he can be treated at a private hospital, which means quicker treatment. This gave Daphne the confidence to seek treatment at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital’s Urgent Care Centre, which was thankfully just minutes away by car.
Daphne’s story highlights the advantage of being able to opt for quicker treatment at private hospitals. The accident was a harrowing event that came out of the blue during a family outing. However, being able to get medical attention quickly helped ease the trauma and worry for all involved.
Read also: How A Child’s Curiosity Turned Into A Terrifying Accident
An Integrated Shield Plan gives you more flexibility
By asking ourselves three simple questions, we can better understand our needs and preferences should the need for hospitalisation arise.
Thinking about the kind of recovery environment we want, whether we can choose our own doctor, and how long we can wait for treatment can help us shape our experience during hospitalisation. Crucially, having a say in things accords a sense of control during a time fraught with uncertainty and anxiety.
In Sebastian’s and Daphne’s stories, their Integrated Shield Plans (IP) provided them with further options that impacted their respective outcomes. Hence, from their experiences, we can discern the core benefit of having an IP—the flexibility to access a greater range of options, which could lead to a better outcome not only for you but also for your loved ones.
Do you have an Integrated Shield Plan (IP)? Share your story with us about how your IP has given you peace of mind as part of our #KnowYourCoverageBeforeYouNeedIt campaign! All submissions will be featured, and your story could inspire others to make the right choice. Also, stand a chance to win an Apple Watch SE or a Garmin Forerunner 165!
