Blog

Medical Insurance For Expats In Singapore GET A QUOTE

 

So it’s the weekend, you’re up and about early and you’ve decided to treat man’s best friend to a day out and spoil him with the best Singapore has to offer.  Well, here’s our ultimate guide of all the best spots to hit with your furry friend!

 

1. Tanjong Beach, Sentosa

 

An awesome spot to start the day!  Lots of parking nearby and one of the rare spots for your dog to be able to be off the lead (as long as they’re controlled!).  You’ll find lots of other dog owners down here and dogs can swim and run along the sandy beach.  Afterwards, head to Tanjong Beach Club or Coastes (on Siloso Beach) for breakfast and find a welcome bowl of water for doggies.

 

2. Singapore Botanical Gardens, 1 Cluny Road, Singapore

 

Again, easy access via various gates around the gardens, plenty of parking or taxi drop-off spots, a popular place to walk with dogs.  Lots of places to explore on the lead and a chance to meet lots of friends along the way.  Drop into Casa Verdé for a refreshing drink for both humans and dogs!

 

3. West Coast Park and Dog Run, Pasir Panjang Road

 

A great park to explore on the lead, but the dog run itself (located at the eastern end of the park) is an off the lead heaven! It’s easily the largest dog run on offer and is always full of potential new friends at the weekends (much quieter during the week).  Open 24/7 it’s a great spot to head to, to burn off some excess energy and there’s plenty of water on tap.

 

4. A spot of pampering

 

Having thoroughly exercised and no doubt covered in a little salt water, sand and/or mud, it’s time for some serious spoiling!  We suggest heading to some of the following:

 

A dog’s life pet salon, 32 Eng Hoon Street, Singapore 169780 – for everything from teeth cleaning to facials and wash ‘n’ blow, all your furbaby’s favourite treatments are on offer here!

 

Wagging Rights, 337 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427590 – your one-stop spot for doggy fun!  Gourmet food, grooming, doggy daycare, socialising and training, everything you could possibly need in one place!

 

The Barkery, The Daffodil 01-12, 568 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 466584 – celebrating Fido’s birthday, or just looking for a special treat, this is the place to come!  This doggie-bakery, started in 2011, provides home-made treats especially for dogs made with the best ingredients, everything from cakes, sausages or probiotic duck feet treats!

 

5. Sunny Heights, 110 Turf Club Road, Singapore 288000

 

Another one-stop shop for your canine friend, this centre provides doggy daycare, boarding and another place for your dog to mingle with other dogs and come along to enjoy a play and a swim.  Afterwards, head to Pawlicious Bakery for a dog-friendly treat and a coffee for you, take in some grooming at Fur’N’Away Grooming or enjoy a bite to eat at the dog-friendly Ah B Café.

 

6. Dog Couture

 

The day is nearly done, but it wouldn’t be a proper day out without a spot of retail therapy! Little Cherry, 21 Lorong 3 Toa Payoh, #05-05, Singapore 319581 (and online) has everything your spoilt furkid could possibly need!  We’re talking jewellery, pajamas, fancy dress, and even their own cheongsam, how cute! Fine, you’re Great Dane may not love you for bringing him here, but he’ll be the best-dressed giant around!!!

 

7. Dog-friendly events

 

Don’t forget to keep your eyes open for the many doggy events Singapore has on offer throughout the year.  Whether it be the PetExpo at Singapore Expo Hall in March, Woof-a-thon in Bishan Park in April, Discover Dogs Championship Show at Singapore Expo in August, or the Singapore Specials Run in East Coast Park in November, there’s something to keep everyone amused throughout the year, check local media for updates.

 

8. And when the day just proves too much….

 

Hopefully your fun day out hasn’t resulted in more than a thoroughly happy and worn-out doggy ready to hit the sack for some good rabbit-chasing dreams, but just in case, it’s always good to have a 24-hour vet on standby. Mount Pleasant Veterinary Group have locations island-wide for when your dog needs a little extra care and their After Hours Clinic is located at 232 Whitley Road, Singapore 297824 (6250 8333).  No appointment is needed but a call ahead is appreciated, they are open all night, weekends and Public Holidays included.

 

We hope this guide has given you some ideas of new and exciting places to head to in Singapore with your best friend, so go ahead, show him how much you appreciate him, get pampering!

 

Written by Fay Ashworth

Consultant at Singapore Expat Solutions

 

 

Singapore Expat Solutions offer relocation and lifestyle services that help expatriates call Singapore home.  Our range of services were established through our own experiences of being expatriates and wanting to make life easier for everyone setting up home on the little red dot.  Find out how we can make your life easier in Singapore right HERE

 

 

Medical Insurance For Expats In Singapore GET A QUOTE

 

 

Presented by Expat Insurance

Travel Insurance For Expats In Singapore GET A QUOTE

 

Where?
Langkawi Island

 

First Impressions?

Laid back kampung life but with several luxurious beachside resorts with life’s little indulgences such as signature restaurants, spas and recreational activities plus, the added bonus of duty-free shopping.

 

What’s Special?
Langkawi successfully pulls off being a destination to indulge or to travel on a budget and get close to the unhurried lifestyle of the locals. While there are 99 islands, just a few are developed and sailing around them or island hopping is recommended especially a sunset cruise with Crystal Yachts (www.crystalyacht.com). Enjoy a cycling tour through rural Langkawi or a mangrove tour with Dev’s Adventures (www.langkawi-nature.com). Ride the cable car up Mount Machincang to get a bird’s eye view of the island and neighbouring Thailand.

 

Who Should Go?
Langkawi has several luxurious resorts for intimate couples’ escapes (Westin, Four Seasons, The Andaman and The Datai), great family resorts (Pelangi, Berjaya and Frangipani) and a range of budget accommodation along the popular Pantai Cenang strip (AB Motel).

 

Getting There
There are direct flights from Singapore to Langkawi on SilkAir with the flight taking a little over one hour making it the perfect weekend escape.

 

Where to Stay
Bon Ton and Temple Tree Resorts (www.bontonresort.com) are two adjoining boutique resorts located in a coconut plantation and centred on a handful of antique houses sourced from around Langkawi and Malaysia, tenderly relocated and lovingly restored and decorated with period and designer interiors. There are two pools, Nam Restaurant and a leisurely vibe for total but indulgent relaxation.

 

Where to Dine
You haven’t visited Langkawi until you’ve dined in Nam Restaurant within Bon Ton Resort. The Balinese-inspired restaurant, with open sides to enable the tropical air to circulate, overlooks a tranquil lagoon. The menu features ‘West meets spice’ cuisine and a carefully curated wine list adds to the magic that is Bon Ton. The Breakfast Bar in Pantai Cenang is where the locals rub shoulders with tourists. There are many local stalls selling seafood with some being influenced by cooking styles from Thailand.

 

Tips
Hire a car at the airport for just RM70 per day (they’re mostly rented with an empty tank so you’ll need to fuel up immediately). Stock up on duty-free wines and spirits at PL Soon Huat in Padang Matsirat near the airport.

 

Get Connected www.langkawi-info.com, www.langkawi.com and www.langkawigeopark.com.my

 

David Bowden is the author of Enchanting Langkawi published by John Beaufoy of the UK (www.johnbeaufoy.com) and sold in Singapore and Langkawi.

 

Travel Insurance For Expats In Singapore GET A QUOTE

 

Brought to you by Expat Insurance

 Home & Contents Insurance For Expat In Singapore GET A QUOTE

You’re a bicycle riding aficionado, a liability conscious individual, or a house proud expat with loads of personal belongings. Many travel regularly, for business or pleasure, with valuables such as cameras or computers, a four-figure valued watch or a five-figure valued diamond engagement ring? If you match any of these profiles, you may want to consider a Home and Contents insurance policy while living and working in Singapore.

You can protect your valuable items, general contents, residential properties, and personal liability all under the Home Insurance umbrella. The type of Home Insurance available to you will depend on your situation as an owner or a renter.

The majority of expats in Singapore rent condominiums or landed houses. We often spend a great deal of time and money decorating our homes and enjoying the stories behind the acquisition of these items. Silk textiles from Laos, paintings from Vietnam, Indonesian ikat fabrics used as upholstery, antique teak wood benches from Indonesia, Tibetan handmade rugs, Imperial Chinese furniture, or fine colonial antiques. Available to you are home Insurance policies that protect your valuables and the general contents of your home.

If you own a non-landed property (HDB or Condo), you can also purchase Home Renovations Insurance that will cover your fixtures and fittings. If you have an eye for renovation and remodel any part of your property, you can add the fixtures associated with the renovations to your policy as a separate add-on within the term of your current policy. No need to wait until renewal. And if you own a landed property, your Home Insurance would cover the property as well.

Regardless of your situation as an owner or renter, the Home Insurance you take out will also have a Personal Liability element. Personal Liability protects you and your family against situations where you may be legally responsible.

Accidentally opening the driveway gate onto the gardener’s equipment; a child who scratches the neighbour’s car while riding a bike; a pet dog that bites; these are all unexpected incidents that could lead to a third party seeking damage costs from you. You can choose the amount of Personal Liability cover, but like insuring valuables, you can only select Personal Liability as an element of Home Insurance cover.

If you experience a life change such as marriage, divorce or the birth of a new-born, or have made financially lucrative decisions such as selling art or other personal items of value, Home Insurance policies are flexible and can be changed to add valuable items or remove them, in the first case it may add to the premium, and in the latter it will lower the premium. Likewise if you suddenly find yourself in an expat-relocation situation and you cancel a policy midterm, a pro-rated refund rate may apply based on the terms and conditions of your policy.

The value of covered items, claim history and coverage denial will all impact your premium. Speak with a qualified Home Insurance Advisor to have your valuables and contents assessed for an accurate quotation and protect your belongings from Day One in Singapore.

Home & Contents Insurance For Expat In Singapore GET A QUOTE

 

Medical Insurance For Expats In Singapore GET A QUOTE

 

We live in a multichannel world. With the continued rise of smartphone technology and digital interactive means of communication, not everyone wants an emotional connection. Technologies can aid in the research and initial quotation of a proposed insurance policy, so once you submit a quote with us, we focus on good old-fashioned customer care, and make it very easy for you to reach a human.

 

We are often referred to on social media as a leader, even the authority in the field of Expat Insurance. You are our greatest supporters, satisfied clients who drive our passion to serve you better. Testimonials such as “All I wanted was the original broker to listen to what I needed, so I truly appreciate your help”, “we appreciate that you took the time to explain the varying complexities of the medical insurance we’re seeking in Singapore”, and “I was unsuccessful at finding the right policy for coverage of a newborn baby as most Singapore companies exclude them for the first 14 days, I spoke to Expat Insurance and my mind was immediately set at ease.” These words of encouragement and praise go to show, our clients are not only satisfied but well-educated and equipped to make a qualified decision when selecting their level of cover.

 

When you submit a quote request with Expat Insurance, we take the time to personally contact you to delve a little deeper, as no two clients can be treated with the same intention. We customise our recommendations for you to ensure you have all the right information to select the most appropriate cover for you and your family.

 

Often a client will call us to arrange Travel Insurance. Upon investigation, and with a clear understanding of the cover associated with Travel Insurance policy terms and conditions, a client will further consider Home and Content Insurance to cover valuables such as cameras or computers, a four-figure valued watch or a five-figure valued diamond engagement ring.

 

The majority of expats in Singapore rent condominiums or landed houses. We often spend a great deal of time and money decorating our homes and enjoying the stories behind the acquisition of these items.  Silk textiles from Laos, paintings from Vietnam, Indonesian ikat fabrics used as upholstery, antique teak wood benches from Indonesia, Tibetan handmade rugs, Imperial Chinese furniture, or fine colonial antiques. Available to you are Home Insurance policies that protect your valuables and the general contents of your home while living and working as an expat in Singapore.

 

Are you planning a family? In Singapore, welcoming a newborn to the family is costly. We can advise on the most economical way to plan for your pregnancy to ensure you are prepared financially, to alleviate any risk that might be associated with the unexpected – as bills for a complicated pregnancy or pre-mature birth in Singapore can reach upwards of $20,000 to $150,000

 

Expat Insurance is registered as an independent insurance broker with MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore). We currently keep more than 20,000 people safe. We work directly for our clients, so when you engage our brokerage we focus on your needs and understanding your family’s needs before recommending appropriate products and solutions in the market.

 

We work with all carriers regulated in Singapore. So you have access to all products.  Our job is to take great care of you and your family to ensure you get the best value for money coverage available in the market.

 

Medical Insurance For Expats In Singapore GET A QUOTE

 

Brought to your by Expat Insurance

Medical Insurance For Expats In Singapore GET A QUOTE

 

Life is full of surprises. We can’t predict the future which is exactly why we have insurance. But over time, needs change so it’s always best to consider, or at least revisit, an existing medical insurance plan, to make sure it still offers the coverage we need.

 

Your insurance specialist can guide you through the fine print of eligibility, scope and limits of coverage, general inclusions and special conditions associated with your plan. All your questions can be discussed openly with an insurance advisor. The idea is for you to take control of your policy, fully understand your coverage and be familiar with the policy terms, not just the Table of Benefits.

 

Here are five common scenarios to consider:

 

Why is my pre-existing condition excluded?

A pre-existing condition is a health problem that existed before your first day of coverage of your policy. It can be something as common as hay fever or a more serious condition such as diabetes or cancer. Some conditions may not affect your coverage at all, while other conditions could result in limited coverage, exclusions or an increased premium.

 

When you apply for coverage, an underwriter will review your history of previous conditions to determine the possibility of recurrence or potential that the existing condition may develop more at a later date. The underwriter will then advise the insurer of the most appropriate exclusions moving forward.

 

Why has my premium increased at renewal?

An increase in the premium is policy dependent and can vary between insurers. Premiums are often primarily based on age. The older you are, the higher the premium. This is because the chance of health deteriorating increases as we age and, consequently, increases the likelihood of more claims. Some insurers will penalize you for making a claim during the policy year. In turn, this contributes to your premium increasing when you renew. Medical inflation will also come into play. As new drugs and technologies advance, medical costs increase. In order to remain profitable, insurers will review their rates and adjust them accordingly.

 

Why is my claim under consideration?

This can be a little disconcerting, especially when you have paid your medical insurance premium on time and expect your insurer to respond accordingly. Some policy benefits may limit the number of visits to a medical practitioner. Keep in mind, if your visit to a general practitioner (GP) is not medically essential, it’s likely your claim will be rejected by your insurer.

 

What else should I know?

Check whether or not your policy requires a referral from your GP before you see a specialist. Also, check if the practitioner must be accredited and recognized by the relative health authority in order to be covered. It’s important to contact your insurer directly before required treatment or hospitalization to ensure your policy will cover you.

 

Should I consider a Top-Up?

 

It’s not uncommon for expats in Singapore to feel they are under-protected when it comes to medical insurance. Healthcare plans provided by employers often have low limits that can leave you financially exposed to large hospital bills should you have an accident or illness. Common gaps in insurance provided by employers which leave individuals and families financially exposed to large medical bills:

 

* Low hospital and surgery limits

 

* Limited or no outpatient benefits

 

* Caps on critical illness and cancer coverage

 

* No freedom of choice, restricted to a panel of doctors or lists of approved clinics

 

* Local coverage only, not worldwide

 

* No maternity benefits

 

* No dental benefits

 

We all need a health check from time to time. Maybe it’s time your policy had one, too!

 

For personalised assistance and complimentary advisory services, contact Expat Insurance at 6401 9201 or visit www.expatinsurance.com.sg

 

Medical Insurance For Expats In Singapore GET A QUOTE

Diamond engagement ring lost in the sand…

 

Home & Contents Insurance For Expats In Singapore GET A QUOTE

 

Losses like this often bare a shocking response: “it’s not covered!”  These types of losses are all too common, but the policies that provide coverage for such claims are not.  The priority at Expat Insurance is to provide customers with professional advice on distinctive Home Insurance products, so that disasters like these do not end in disappointment.

 

 

Rolex Disappears from Man’s Wrist

After swimming at Sentosa, Mr Smith noticed his Rolex missing from his wrist.  Typically, unexplained losses are not covered, as most Home Insurance policies only cover loss by theft.  Mr Smith had received good insurance advice and his insurer issued a cheque for the full value of his watch.

 

 

Pearl Earring Goes Missing from Pair

What use is one earring without the other?  Unfortunately, many Home insurers do not recognize the loss of part of a pair.  Because Mrs Smith chose the right coverage, her insurer offered to either source a new earring or surrender the remaining earring and receive full payment for the value of the pair.

 

Camera Lost of Tokyo Train

Mr Smith left his Canon on a packed Tokyo subway.  Later, he was shocked to learn the camera was not covered by his travel insurance, as these policies do not reimburse you for valuable items lost or damaged abroad.  Fortunately, Mr Smith’s home insurance policy covered his articles worldwide and he received a cheque for the exact value of his camera.

 

 

Red Wine Spills on Oriental Rug

A dinner party guest dropped red wine on Mrs Smith’s oriental rug. A loss such as this is usually not covered by standard policies and if it is, the policy may impose depreciation on the rug and apply a deductible on the claim.  Mrs Smith’s coverage had no such limitations.  When the stain could not be removed, she was paid 100% of the insured value.

 

 

Expat Insurance is Singapore’s most respected insurance intermediary since 2008 exclusively for Expats. We provide complimentary advice on a complete portfolio of products including: home, medical, travel, motor and business.

 

Home & Contents Insurance For Expats In Singapore GET A QUOTE

 

Brought to you by Expat Insurance