Recently for the past 4 weeks, I've been visiting the Alexandra and National University hospitals twice and even thrice a week!
No, I am well and fine, thank you very much. I am now caregiver to the person most dearest to me.
I would like to share my reflections on the most important asset we have - our health.
We sometimes spend a lot of energy and money securing all the medical insurance "protection" to assuage the fear of our own mortality or our concerns on the rising medical costs...
Two Extremes
Most of us may have over bought our medical insurance needs under the influence of too much fear (not helped by fear-mongering peddled by agents); or under protected ourselves through a combination of self-denial or over confidence that it could never happen to me!
How much research we have done on our personal and family's medical history before buying all those medical "riders" and supplementary policies?
If we had done our homework, we may realise the odds of us getting some medical conditions are so rare that the odds are like us striking the Big Sweep Lottery!
Of course we can cover our bases and protect ourselves to the hilt; but if we do so, we can't laugh at those who buy lottery tickets - the odds are the same.
How to know whether you are more susceptible to certain medical conditions?
Go for your medical checkups! Get to know your body. Duh!
This is not enough. We need to know our family's and immediate relatives' medical records too. Especially if the medical conditions are hereditary.
You get the picture.
I just find it strange that we sometimes buy insurance for all medical eventualities, yet do no hedging for our financial investments. And vice versa - hedge our investments, but throw caution to the wind for our own medical needs.
Insurance Is Not The Medical Cure
Imagine the willingness to invest in medical insurance, but at the same time refuse to go for our annual medical check-ups?
Let's put aside the discussion that early detection may be less costly to treat. You probably don't care since you got insurance?
Hello! What's the point of "rejoicing" you don't have to pay a single cent for expensive treatments when the discovery of our illness is at the terminal stage?
The point of early detection is so we have a better chance of recovery!!!
Don't over commit to medical policies that you have to skim on medical check-ups. Even if we have no medical insurance, early detection may help us afford the medical treatments.
It's my own reflection
I am merely sharing my own thoughts on the recent events in my life. Your life and situation will be different from mine.
But I have one other thought. How on earth did our senior citizens handle their old age during the 60s and 70s? What medisave? What medishield? What medical insurance? Do they just roll-over and die when they have an illness?
Or do we worry too much?
Singapore Man of Leisure (welcome to my blog; just google it!)
Hi Jared,
You have touched on something dear to my heart. I believed that you know I’m reviewing my parents insurance policies. For so long, I’ve been asking them to do a medical check up but they just refused to do so. As you mention, early detection means a higher chance of recovery. Another perk is that I hope to upgrade their shield plan, and if possible riders to cover private hospitals. It is only after a close uncle related his bad experience with government hospitals that I’m able to convince them to go for a checkup and upgrade to a private shield plan.
Being the only child, I can visualize what you have been going through. I always tell my parents that I do not need their money when they are not around; I would rather that they use this money for their own health care needs.
I wished you and your love one the very best.
Hello Derek,
We sometimes use money to show our love too much in Asian families. Using it to compensate for not living or being there for them. I know. I thought giving money home while I was away was “enough”.
What do kids do when both their rich parents are busy working for money? They get into trouble to attract attention.
I suspect it’s the same with aged parents. The pains and ailments they endure are sometimes subconscious plea for us to spend time with them.
Oh, it’s harder for you. Do find a support group and don’t go solo. I have my siblings to help me on days where I need some time on my own.
I need to be happy and well-centred. This is to prevent I playing “victim” with face black black whole day when I am with the person dearest to me.