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Having a baby? Congratulations! Whether you’re in your first, second, or third trimester – the challenges and joys of carrying your little one are unique to you. Every pregnancy journey is different and every mother each has their own set of challenges. From reading pregnancy books to consulting your doctor, it’s only natural that you would seek every piece of information and advice out there to help you navigate through the pregnancy journey, making it a little smoother.

From planning diets to taking multivitamins, there are many aspects in your pregnancy plan that you may have a number of questions about. One of them may be surrounding the kind of exercises you can and should take part in to keep your body moving and strong. Like most pregnancy-related questions, it’s best that you consult your doctor along the way to ensure that your activities are medically sound and cleared for practice.

That said, every couple is encouraged to incorporate mild to moderate exercise routines into everyday living for a stronger and healthier pregnancy. For the most part, exercising during pregnancy is a positive for both mother and baby.

Well-established and experienced in both corporate and individual insurance policies, the Expat Insurance team is here to help you with any questions you may have. From life to maternity insurance, we cover every need of yours.

What exercises can I do?

It’s always recommended that expectant mothers keep an active lifestyle throughout their pregnancies, unless advised otherwise by their doctors. Depending on the trimester you’re at, the type and rigour of your workouts may differ.

From helping you manage the demands of labour to preparing you for childbirth, the benefits of incorporating some form of exercise into your daily routine are aplenty. It regulates posture, improves your breathing by opening up airways, reducing swelling, and strengthening your legs.

So, what kind of exercises are good for you?

Brisk walking: A good way of getting your heart rate up, brisk walking for 30 to 60 minutes daily can keep your heart and lungs healthy during pregnancy. It also improves your mood throughout the day and helps with weight loss post-pregnancy.
Modified yoga or pilates: Yoga and pilates are very adaptable physical exercises for anyone, encouraging any and every body to participate. Great at building core strength, pilates can ease pregnancy growing aches and pains. It is also extremely effective as the form just needs to be adjusted to your body for it to work well.
Stationary cycling: For mothers-to-be with uncomplicated pregnancies, stationary cycling is another wonderful way to keep that heart rate up for a period of time. Like brisk walking, this gets your blood pumping and keeps your mood regulated throughout the day.
Swimming and other water workouts: Swimming reduces risk of overheating, falling, and lightens the load of the mother in the water. By strengthening core and back muscles, swimming can relieve the back pains commonly associated with pregnancy.

Get into the habit of working out regularly with your partner. After consulting with your gynaecologist, you should be able to incorporate some of these workouts into your daily routine, keeping you energised and strong for the duration of your pregnancy.

What exercises should I avoid during pregnancy?

Although moderate exercise is recommended for expectant mothers, there are some types of exercises that are meant to be avoided. Most of these exercises are ones that put you at a higher risk of injury. Examples include contact sports, skydiving, scuba diving, fall-prone activities (climbing), hot yoga (overheating).

If you’re exercising during your pregnancy and experience any of the following symptoms, it’s recommended that you stop the activity all together and consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Bleeding from the vagina
Muscle weakness
Overheating
Feeling faint
Calf pain or swelling
Shortness of breath

Supporting mothers with maternity insurance in Singapore

Not only does maternity insurance protect both mother and baby from pre to post pregnancy, it pays forward in terms of insuring your baby’s future medical insurance needs. Maternity insurance can go a long way in shielding you from the brunt of unexpected financial strains.

Hospitals in Singapore are known for a high quality of healthcare but they also run high on medical bills. Maternity insurance here for expats can benefit couples with financial security, reducing the risk of unnecessary strains. Get the support you need from our team today.

Are you and your spouse planning for a baby? As exciting as this news can be, there is a fair bit of planning that goes into it. Dedicating time and resources into pregnancy planning can be beneficial in ensuring that you have a smooth journey from conception to delivery. For partners with a history of diseases or conditions, it’s probably advisable that you and your partner consult your doctor for a preconception plan.

As part of the maternity series, we’ll be covering all the important things you’ll need to know related to pregnancies. Couples planning to conceive need to be well wary of the risks and steps they can take to ensure that they have a smooth pregnancy.

What is pregnancy planning and why is it important?

Pregnancy planning begins prior to conception for some women, and it’s targeted at helping women manage and deliver successful pregnancies. Although they aren’t exactly pivotal prior to conception, they can offer immense stress relief and additional support for mothers. It also helps mothers get all their questions and queries answered as they plan for their pregnancy.

The preconception period – approximately 3 to 6 months – is the best time for mothers-to-be to make life changes that can boost fertility, lower pregnancy risks, and assist with birth recovery.

Pre-pregnancy

Having a pre-pregnancy plan can be helpful in ensuring that your baby has the best chances of having good health during and post-pregnancy. What do pre-pregnancy discussions entail?

Health consultations with your gynaecologist

It goes without saying that you would want your pregnancy to be smooth-sailing. Right off the bat, one of the first few things you should ensure is having clear and open communication around you and your spouse’s medical histories.

Diabetes, thyroid, kidney, and heart disease are examples of chronic medical conditions that should be discussed with your doctor so that you can proactively monitor and manage for a healthy pregnancy.

It’s also recommended that women trying to conceive get a fuller picture of their immunisation history and response to vaccinations.

Reduction or cessation of certain activities

Mothers-to-be should also refrain from smoking and drinking – cessation of these activities can dramatically increase the chances of a healthier pregnancy.

Genetic counselling

Taking good care of your health pre-pregnancy is just as important as maintaining a healthy lifestyle during the pregnancy. Couples with a history of inherited diseases or other genetic diseases are encouraged to also slot in genetic counselling prior to conception.

During pregnancy

Many women don’t even realise that they’re pregnant until a few weeks later. That said, the first few weeks of pregnancy can be crucial for a child’s development. Different trimesters entail different stressors and emotional struggles for expecting mothers.

Mothers-to-be are still encouraged to continue living healthy lifestyles. Ceasing smoking and alcohol consumption as you build healthier diets are highly crucial. Consult your doctor prior to adding any multivitamins to your diet.

A healthy diet, sexual intercourse, and moderate exercise are all good elements to support your pregnancy trimesters. That said, these commonly apply to generally uncomplicated pregnancies. Maintaining a good weight is also essential for smoother pregnancies, giving your baby the best chance at having a good birth weight.

Expecting mothers should also be wary of certain conditions such as toxoplasmosis, certain cleaning products, fake tans, and rigorous exercise.

Post-pregnancy

Depending on your method of delivery, be it a C-section or natural, aftercare may also look different. Common pains involve afterbirth cramps, perineum soreness, and breast engorgement. Along with your physical health, it’s necessary to take good care of your mental health as well. Postpartum depression can be more common than you think.

Using maternity insurance for added security

Getting maternity insurance coverage can be a good way of protecting you and your child’s health and well-being. Although hospitals in Singapore are known for a high quality of healthcare, they can also run high on medical bills. From prenatal to postnatal care, maternity insurance here for expats can benefit couples with financial security, reducing the risk of unnecessary strains. Get the support you need from our team today.

Your employees are integral to the long-term growth and success of your business. Training programs, development, wellness perks, and compensation packages are essential to driving higher employee engagement and retention rates. Not only do employees benefit from a clear and well-developed benefits insurance plan, they will come to appreciate a company that prioritises culture over profit. As the saying goes, “Take care of your people and they’ll take care of you.”

More than just a nice-to-have, employee benefits packages are key to hiring and retaining top talents. As more youths join the workforce, we are finding ourselves in a period where the workplace has a diverse age range of employees. The perspective towards employee benefits is slowly but steadily changing to become a priority for most millennials and Gen Z professionals. Where purpose and intention intersects, that’s where the younger generation’s priorities are placed. No longer can companies attract talent purely on monetary basis, there needs to be more. Research shows that employees are more productive and loyal to a company when they feel their needs satisfied. In a highly competitive environment, it is important for companies to refine their benefits packages. With decades of experience working with corporates and individuals, the team of brokers here at Expat Insurance Singapore can help you find the plan best matching your company’s needs.

What typically goes into an employee benefits insurance package?

Employee benefits insurance packages typically cover the indirect compensation and perks afforded to employees at your workplace. From expat and local health insurance to wellness programs initiated internally, there are a myriad of ways you can improve the well-being of your employees.

1. Expat & local medical insurance

It goes without saying that providing your employees, both expats and locals, with group medical insurance is a must. While Singaporeans have subsidised medical bills, expats are encouraged to take up a good policy cover. Though healthcare here is excellent, the costs can get steep. Employers hiring expatriate employees should make it a priority to secure comprehensive medical coverage.

Group medical insurance covers inpatient, outpatient, and GP consultations to a degree. Depending on the policy provider, the terms may differ. Finding the right medical plan while reconciling business budgets can be challenging, but our team can help you with the process.

2. Paid time-off (annual leave)

It’s incredibly important and mandated that your employees be given paid time-off from work. Commonly referred to as annual leave here in Singapore, employees need to be able to take days off work, whether it’s due to illness, personal commitments, or a need to unplug and recharge.

3. Dental insurance

Oftentimes, you’ll be able to find dental insurance offered as part of the group medical plan. Designed to support employees taking better dental care, both preventive and emergency, dental insurance can be offered together or on its own, depending on the company’s budget.

4. Maternity & paternity leave

With both parents now needing to work, it’s vital that companies offer maternity and paternity leave. For expats working here in Singapore, companies can look into offering paid time off for mothers and fathers expecting a new arrival in their family.

Welcoming a new baby can be incredibly stressful and it’s crucial that parents be given the assurance of time-off to transition and adapt to this change. Employers need to be human with their approaches as well.

What are some other benefits that employees look for in companies?

Aside from insurance, you could look into flexible work arrangements, healthy snacks in the office, company bonding sessions, and off peak travelling hours to offer employees more choice, flexibility, and autonomy. Skills development and in-company niche activity groups (think running club) also rank pretty high on what most employees today would consider as important culture nodes in a company.

Flexibility

Because the pandemic has prompted a massive shift of sorts in the world of work, it’s pivotal that companies adapt accordingly as well. The transition to remote work has accelerated the need for flexible work arrangements.

It’s more than a little known fact that the younger generation values flexibility. Hence this is no better time for companies to incorporate greater flexibility into work schedules.

Mental well-being

Spending extended hours of work alone at home can stress many employees out, blurring the line between work and personal life. Companies are encouraged to prioritise wellness, especially mental well-being. Taking breaks during the work day and having a clear time for when work ends can be immensely beneficial for employees, especially for those with children at home.

Seek expert advice on employee packages

Finding a comprehensive and tailored employee benefits package doesn’t have to be difficult. Providing a well-designed plan can make a huge difference in the hiring and retention efforts in your business. Get the support you need from our team today.

Like many other insurance policies, income protection is one of the ways you can keep an eye on your financial protection in the long run. As the name suggests, income protection insurance is a policy that helps pay out an income if an individual becomes unable to work due to an illness, accident, or death. As macabre as it may be, it’s important to think about how you’ll be managing your finances, especially if you have dependents.

Living and working here in Singapore can be a wonderful experience for expats. With great schools in every neighbourhood and high security, raising a family here can be a good thing. Likewise, the healthcare system here is one of the best in the world, making it an ideal place for expats to move with their families. That said, it’s incredibly important that expats working here do not leave it to chance as sole breadwinners of the family.

Also referred to as disability* or sickness insurance, expatriates are encouraged to take this into consideration when they’re mapping out their insurance needs here.

*Total disability would refer to a state of incapacity, resulting from illness or accident, which translates into the individual being unable to perform duties of his own occupation or profession.

How does income protection insurance work?

If you’re the sole breadwinner of your family, income protection insurance becomes a sole part of your insurance needs. Because income protection insurance will help you take care of everyday expenses when you can’t work, it’s one of the foolproof ways of ensuring your dependents and yourself included, will be taken care of. It’s akin to a rainy day’s savings.

Depending on your provider, the insurance policy will have varying definitions of incapacity listed. This is how the provider is able to qualitatively assess your ability to work and kick-start payouts. Often, the definition depends on whether that said individual is able to continue working in that same organisation, post incident. If it’s not possible, the insurance policy will begin payments until after an individual returns to work or encounters death. In other cases, it’ll be when the policy ends.

Income protection insurance is a great safety net – the individual is able to claim multiple times if they do encounter incidents again, provided that the policy hasn’t paid itself out. As an integral component to yours and your family’s well-being, our team at Expat Insurance Singapore urges you to include it as part of your insurance needs.

How much insurance should I get or is recommended?

As it directly correlates with your ability to earn income, you should pay a premium that’ll grant you at least 50 to 70% of your current salary. In Singapore, the maximum cover stands at 65% if you don’t contribute to your CPF. The cost of an income protection plan also varies greatly depending on your choice of provider, deferred period, and level of risk you encounter at work. Some of the more common factors that go into play include:

type of job
age
medical history
term
deferred period
ideal benefit payout

Consider the situations in which the income protection insurance might come in handy. It’s much better to have planned for it than not. By offering you some control over your finances in a time of need, it eases the pressure off you and your family.

What should I take note of when buying one?

Already planning to procure a comprehensive income protection insurance? We compile the aspects you’ll need to consider deeply prior to making a purchase.

Policy exclusions

There’s nothing worse than finding out you aren’t covered for something months or years into paying premiums consistently. Exclusions refer to conditions that aren’t a part of your policy. Be sure to check on all the policy exclusions, if any, before you agree to a premium. Different insurers will have different exclusions, so reading all your terms and conditions is in fact a must!

Underwriting

Underwriting is a process applied by insurance companies to be able to better assess your risk for a policy. This, eventually, helps them figure out a premium that’s worth your risk. For instance, questions around your medical health are targeted at measuring your risk of falling ill and the amount of benefit you’ll receive if you encounter an incident.

Getting started on income protection insurance with Expat Insurance

Well-versed and experienced with both corporate and individual clients, our team is committed to providing top-range advice and service when it comes to your insurance needs – be it income protection or GP insurance. In a saturated market, getting the right kind of help can vastly alter your experience. Consult our experts today.

With almost 582 million entrepreneurs around the world, entrepreneurship isn’t just a fad. It’s steadily gaining traction, not just among millennials, but also with middle-aged professionals. More than just a fad, the appeal of financial and career independence, along with better income and better work life balance draws aspiring entrepreneurs in. Likewise, entrepreneurship brings many benefits to the overall revenue of a country and keeps the economy innovative.

Because success is not without failure, entrepreneurs should be wary of the various risks that come with starting a new venture. From funding and hiring staff to daily business operations, maintaining a business comes with a diverse set of challenges, and with it, several risks that you’ll need to manage. Some of these risks are completely manageable, and others, not so much.

Why should we talk about business insurance as part of management?

Business insurance is a must, whether you’re an entrepreneur or a well-established CEO of a multinational corporation. Natural disasters, a weak financial market, and client lawsuits all exemplify the need for comprehensive business insurance. As experienced brokers, we can tailor-recommend small business specific insurance plans for those starting out.

Not only does it offer financial security for the entrepreneur, it also provides backing for the employees. Business insurance is the security blanket for anyone affiliated with the organisation if things do go south.

Our top insurance tips for business spending and start up

Even if you are a small business owner, having a good insurance plan will give you a peace of mind, allowing you to focus on the important tasks. We recognise the inherent complexities involved in navigating the set-up and running of a business. We’ve compiled a list of our top tips concerning business insurance specifically.

Diversify and spread your risks

This applies to most things – don’t put all of your eggs in one basket. Sure, being an optimist is an encouraging way to be, especially when you’re starting a business. However, forecasting potential risks and its accompanying scenarios can be a good way to plan ahead.

Having business insurance to shelter you in bad business times is essential. That said, it’s important that you still diversify your risks and not invest all of your money into your business alone. By ensuring that you have a fallback plan, you can breathe easier knowing that you won’t be financially stranded if the insurance and the business itself encounters a major risk.

Acquire a comprehensive business insurance

On top of diversifying risk, your business insurance needs to be more than just basic. A comprehensive one will have you covered for a majority of scenarios – intellectual property theft, damages incurred related to professional advice, and if a key personnel like a founder, dies.

Getting a comprehensive business insurance means having your professional indemnity, life, disability, property and casualty segments all included. According to a study by Deloitte, only 59% of family businesses have detailed contingency plans in the event of a death or disability.

Ensure emergency savings

As it is with most things in life, you have to save for the rainy days. Even with a business insurance policy, we recommend having an emergency cash cushion. The rule of thumb is to have three to six months of emergency cash on hand should suffice. However, if your business is your only income stream, then it makes prudent sense to expand on your emergency savings as well.

Emergency savings not only keep you protected, but also give you an assurance so that you aren’t stressed out while working on the issues that matter during a venture start up.

Consult Expat Insurance

Having your money matters well-planned out can be instrumental in helping your business take off smoothly. Starting a business involves a whole lot more than insurance alone. That said, business insurance is an integral part of entrepreneurship. Having worked with corporations and individuals alike, our team of brokers are well equipped to support you with your business insurance needs.

Get in touch with a specialist today.

It’s a new year and still, the effects of the coronavirus are as pervasive as ever. Not only has it disrupted global economic chains, it has also dramatically transformed and introduced new challenges for organisations all over. Inevitably so, this translates to a shift in business priorities and spending for organisations.

Work-from-home routines, closures in businesses, and a dip in consumer spending all contribute to a need to cut down on spending. Though the answer is obvious, there are some areas in which businesses shouldn’t skimp on, and that’s insurance. Business insurance is indelibly important for both multinational corporations and start-ups.

Just how essential is business insurance?

Beyond just a safety measure, business insurance is pivotal to helping you weather through times of uncertainty and turmoil. Many consider the potential mishaps as far and few, but just the occurrence of one can wipe out the capital and resources put into a business. Protection from intellectual property theft, boosted efforts in hiring and retaining employees, and lowering risks of cyber threats – these are all examples of how comprehensive business insurance could aid your business.

Ways to manage your business insurance spending

Now that we’ve established the importance of business insurance, how do you innovatively keep your business covered for potential mishaps without cutting coverage? Although unfortunate events seem unlikely, the price to pay being uninsured outweighs the cost of insurance itself. Also, because business insurance considers a range of aspects, our team of experienced brokers can help small or growing companies to focus on SME insurance packages.

Research available business insurance policy options

As it is with most things, you shouldn’t pass on the value of good, backed-up, well-supported research. Before you purchase, it makes sense to check on the product offerings, other choices in the market, and what exact needs this policy fulfills for you and your business.

No purchasing decision should be rushed, especially when it comes to your business insurance. Planning for and working on your business takes up a significant amount of time but it’s equally important to invest resources into insurance planning as well. With good research, you’ll have a better understanding of what you are looking for in a plan as well, especially for SMEs.

Reassess and refocus spending

Assuming you already have business insurance set up, crisis management calls for a reassessment of your spending. Keeping the lights on, paying bonuses, and making up for losses, especially during the pandemic, can be extremely stressful and put a strain on your overall budget.

Reassessing your spending can help you get an idea of where you may be overpaying. This is also one of the reasons why working with an insurance broker might be an ideal solution. Your broker will be able to guide you along the conversation should there be a need to redress and refocus your business insurance premiums.

Cut down on other expenditure

Finally, because business insurance plans are a must for organisations big and small, a good way to manage spending would be to cut down on other expenditure. And no, we don’t mean cutting down on employee benefits. Your employees are the bedrock of your business – failing to serve your community, employees, and customers during a pandemic could tarnish your business reputation.

One way you could cut down on costs will be to reduce payments for physical leasing space, since everyone is working from home. It can also be helpful to review insurance payments from time to time. Other non-consequential elements could be food for the pantry, unnecessary equipment or hiring new employees during a tricky time.

Consult our team of specialists for advice

Having worked with corporations large and small, our team of insurance brokers at Expat Insurance Singapore are well versed to help you figure out the right kind of small business insurance plan for your needs. Crisis management is not a problem with our trusted advisors. Get in touch with our specialists.