When cash is needed for those big hospital bills

Depending on your insurer, you may pay a lot to settle your bill first, pending claim approval

Before signing up to a new Integrated Shield Plan, it pays to ask about the insurer’s letter of guarantee and panel of doctors since these issues have a big impact on the claim process. PHOTO: ST FILE
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

While most private medical plans offer seemingly similar coverage for your hospital bills, not all products are equal as some can hit your pocket.

Your choice of hospital and whether your doctors are on the insurer's panel will mean your claim experience can differ substantially, depending on your insurance firm.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on February 28, 2021, with the headline When cash is needed for those big hospital bills. Subscribe