- Understand why early detection and proactive treatment choices can save lives.
- Learn how Yvonne’s Integrated Shield Plan and Critical Illness Plan supported her financially.
- Read about the important role of family, friends, and insurance in making recovery possible.
Table of Contents
In her 30s, Yvonne was living her dream; she was at her peak. As a Singapore Airlines stewardess, she travelled the world in her iconic kebaya, meeting people from all walks of life. Life at 30,000 feet felt exciting and limitless. But a small, nagging pain in her breast during a stopover in India reminded her that no one is invincible.
At first, she brushed it off. The discomfort wasn’t sharp, and with busy rosters and long flights ahead, it was easy to put her health on hold. But back in Singapore, the pain persisted. This time, Yvonne decided to get checked.
She turned to her insurance agent for advice. Being someone she trusted, he not only reassured her about her coverage, but also helped her find a suitable specialist to start her journey. It was a journey that changed everything.
Diagnosis: An unexpected shock
Tests confirmed her worst fear; breast cancer. It was difficult news to hear, but even more difficult to share with her loved ones.
Sitting across from her oncologist at Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Yvonne was told that based on the type of cancer she had, her chances of relapse were around 19%. The number was chilling, and it made her oncologist uncomfortable.
Yvonne began chemotherapy quickly. But beyond the treatments, she faced another difficult decision: whether to remove just the lump, the affected breast, or undergo a double mastectomy. Given the high percentage of relapse, it was a decision she didn’t take lightly.
I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life wondering if it would come back.
With the unwavering support of her family and close friends, she chose to proceed with a double mastectomy. It was a tough choice, but she knew it would give her peace of mind, especially in the long run.
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Treatment and recovery
Yvonne’s breast cancer journey was far from easy. Chemotherapy left her drained, both physically and emotionally, while the double mastectomy meant adjusting to her new body image. But Yvonne’s support system made all the difference. Her loved ones rallied around her, accompanying her for appointments, cheering her on through treatment cycles, and being there on the days she felt weakest.
After completing chemotherapy and surgery, Yvonne was declared cancer-free. A day she will always remember, as the day she fought and conquered cancer. Subsequently, after her full recovery, Yvonne also opted for breast implant surgery, a procedure covered by her insurance as it was medically indicated.
Her cancer journey didn’t end there. Every 8–10 weeks, she still returns to see her oncologist and surgeon for ultrasound scans of her breasts and abdomen. These follow-ups are critical to catch any signs of recurrence early. Initially, her post-hospitalisation follow-ups was covered for up to 13 months under her AIA Integrated Shield Plan (Private). Today, thanks to MediSave, her ongoing costs remain manageable.
Health insurance that made a difference
Yvonne’s Integrated Shield Plan played a pivotal role in her cancer journey, covering her chemotherapy, double mastectomy, post-operative care, and even her reconstructive surgery. On top of that, her Critical Illness Plan provided a lump-sum payout, granting her essential financial breathing room.
Cancer care isn’t just about paying hospital bills. There are significant hidden costs: transportation to appointments, time off work, nutritional needs, and the emotional burden that comes with intensive treatment. As Yvonne shares, “Cancer treatment isn’t just about the hospital bills… That payout gave me space to rest and recover without constant stress about money.”
In Singapore, navigating cancer treatment financing involves many moving parts. Your MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plan work within the framework of the Cancer Drug List (CDL), which covers about 90% of HSA-approved cancer drugs after price negotiations to improve affordability. However, treatments not listed on the CDL may still be covered, if insured through a suitable rider or cancer insurance plan.
Yvonne’s case illustrates this well. Her Integrated Shield Plan (especially with the right rider) covered treatments beyond typical outpatient care and private hospital stays, benefits that MediShield alone wouldn’t fully support.
Additionally, her Critical Illness Plan provided much-needed flexibility. It allowed Yvonne to manage non-medical expenses and recover without worrying about clinic visits, recovery support, or the emotional drain of balancing treatment with daily life.
“Cancer treatment isn’t just about the hospital bills,” she shares. “There’s also time off work, transport, nutrition, and the emotional toll.”
That payout gave me space to rest and recover without constant stress about money.
Life after cancer: A new calling
Beating cancer not only restored Yvonne’s health, but it also reshaped her purpose. She eventually decided to leave the skies and became an insurance agent. For her, the career shift wasn’t just practical; it was personal.
“I know firsthand how important insurance is. Without it, my journey would have been so much more difficult. Now I help others make sure they have the coverage they need, before something happens.”
Lessons from Yvonne’s experience
- Don’t ignore unusual symptoms. Even young, healthy women can face breast cancer. Early detection saves lives.
- Proactive treatment can provide peace of mind. For Yvonne, a double mastectomy reduced relapse anxiety.
- Support systems matter. Family and friends are invaluable during treatment and recovery.
- Insurance is more than a safety net. Integrated Shield and Critical Illness plans covered major costs and eased financial stress.
- Follow-ups are part of the journey. Long-term care is manageable with the right mix of insurance and MediSave.
Final thoughts
Cancer may have changed my life, but it didn’t take it away from me. I got to choose how to fight it, and that choice made all the difference.
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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.
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