Why private health insurance practices in Singapore need fixing

Before national health insurance costs spiral out of control, action should be taken on issues such as high management and distribution payments and the difficulty of changing insurers.

Across the insurers offering integrated plans, almost $1 out of every $4 in premiums does not go to things directly related to health procedures for patients, so it is not surprising to see premiums soaring. ST FILE PHOTO

The health insurance scene in Singapore needs major tweaks to ensure costs do not spiral out of control - the way they have in countries like the United States.

Otherwise, healthcare may no longer be affordable for many.

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