Medical Insurance For Expats In Singapore GET A QUOTE
Medical Insurance For Expats In Singapore GET A QUOTE
When you live in the tropics and more so if you reside in humid Singapore, it is not uncommon to be in the line of fire of a constant hacker – you know the ones! You’re on a bus, a train and also without doubt, when travelling in a taxi or private car and people in your direct vicinity cough and sneeze without shielding the nose or mouth. This is a common occurrence worldwide, but be warned, if you are new to Singapore, get used to it. It comes with the territory.
A cough is one of the most common reasons why people see a doctor. Not to disregard the reflex, coughing is important and keeps lungs and airways free of secretions or foreign objects that might interfere with breathing. In most cases a cough doesn’t require medical attention. On the other hand, coughing can be a response to an irritation or obstruction in the throat, larynx, bronchial tubes, or lungs, and in some cases a cough can quite aggressively develop into the early stages of a condition referred to as Mycoplasma Pneumonia.
This microorganism is sometimes responsible for atypical chest infections amongst older children in the community. It is spread through infected water droplets from coughing and sneezing, and individuals develop symptoms 2-3 weeks after exposure. Because close contact is needed for spread, it is not unusual to find Mycoplasma infections within families, with individual’s developing symptoms weeks apart. Initial symptoms are described as flu-like and include: fever, persistent dry cough, tiredness and general body aches. Whilst infected individuals are usually not severely unwell, these symptoms can be persistent for weeks or even months.
Most cases are suspected from the clinical history and the diagnosis is confirmed with a blood test measuring the body’s antibody level against Mycoplasma. Sometimes a chest x-ray may be needed if significant pneumonia is suspected. In mild cases of Mycoplasma, symptoms are self-limiting and resolve spontaneously with time. Treatment is available for persistent infections and involves taking an antibiotic for up to 2 weeks after an outpatient visit. There is no vaccine to protect against this organism but preventative measures like shielding the nose and mouth on coughing or sneezing and avoiding close contact in crowded areas when unwell can help reduce spread in the community.
Interestingly, medical insurers respond in different ways to your outpatient visits, depending on your terms of policy. Some will demand a deductible up front, other will respond by allowing you to flash your medical card and direct bill at point of service. In Singapore International Medical Clinic is known for their ease of specialty medical service and after consultation convenient direct billing option. So a word of advice, be mindful when considering Medical Insurance coverage in Singapore or when reinstating a Medical insurance policy. Consider the ease in which your claim is managed and how your insurer will respond when you need to claim. If in doubt, call on the free advisory services of Expat Insurance.
Medical Insurance For Expats In Singapore GET A QUOTE
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