{"id":279,"date":"2017-02-17T08:36:33","date_gmt":"2017-02-17T00:36:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.pacificprime.sg\/blog\/?p=279"},"modified":"2023-08-04T17:05:26","modified_gmt":"2023-08-04T09:05:26","slug":"vision-insurance-singapore","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.sg\/blog\/vision-insurance-singapore\/","title":{"rendered":"Taking a look at vision insurance in Singapore"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People these days are spending a great deal of time indoors, with their eyes constantly glued to their tablet devices and computer screens. This lifestyle trend in part helps explain the surge in vision conditions worldwide. This is especially true for myopia (short-sightedness), which is due to affect <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/news\/singapore\/young-children-with-myopia-at-higher-risk-of-poor-vision\/3184272.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5 million Singaporeans<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by 2050 &#8211; 15% of which will have an eye prescription above 500 degrees. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Singapore\u2019s Asian counterparts have also been found to be heading towards a myopia epidemic. For example, <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/nsw\/myopia-epidemic-experts-blame-devices-tell-kids-to-go-outdoors-for-two-hours-a-day-or-risk-blindness-20151117-gl16lt.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">81% of teenagers in China<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> have myopia, and 95% of school leavers in Taiwan require glasses to see into the distance. As such, the importance of maintaining eye health has been increasingly put into the spotlight.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\"><!--td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}--><\/style>\n<p><span data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:573,&quot;3&quot;:[null,0],&quot;5&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:[{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:0,&quot;5&quot;:[null,2,0]},{&quot;1&quot;:0,&quot;2&quot;:0,&quot;3&quot;:3},{&quot;1&quot;:1,&quot;2&quot;:0,&quot;4&quot;:1}]},&quot;6&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:[{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:0,&quot;5&quot;:[null,2,0]},{&quot;1&quot;:0,&quot;2&quot;:0,&quot;3&quot;:3},{&quot;1&quot;:1,&quot;2&quot;:0,&quot;4&quot;:1}]},&quot;7&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:[{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:0,&quot;5&quot;:[null,2,0]},{&quot;1&quot;:0,&quot;2&quot;:0,&quot;3&quot;:3},{&quot;1&quot;:1,&quot;2&quot;:0,&quot;4&quot;:1}]},&quot;8&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:[{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:0,&quot;5&quot;:[null,2,0]},{&quot;1&quot;:0,&quot;2&quot;:0,&quot;3&quot;:3},{&quot;1&quot;:1,&quot;2&quot;:0,&quot;4&quot;:1}]},&quot;12&quot;:0}\"><div class='code-block code-block-3' style='margin: 8px 0; clear: both;'>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.sg\/plans\/family-health-insurance\/?campSource=PPSG-Blog&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=content_banner&utm_campaign=banner&utm_content=family\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-777\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/SEO-Banner-General.webp\" alt=\"Family insurance banner\" width=\"1138\" height=\"493\" \/><\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the key ways of ensuring good eye health is to have regular eye exams. There is no set price charged for eye tests, but some opticians in Singapore do charge a pretty penny, especially for more comprehensive eye checks. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although more thorough eye tests can be costly, it can\u2019t be stressed enough how important it is to go beyond simply checking how well you can see so that early signs of more serious conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts are detected early. Fortunately, vision insurance can be a great way to cover the expensive costs associated with optical care. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The high cost of vision treatment in Singapore<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ranked as <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/business\/economy\/singapore-still-worlds-most-expensive-city-for-expatriates-eiu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the most expensive city for expats<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it\u2019s not hard to see why healthcare costs are so high in the city, especially for the majority of expats that don\u2019t have access to the Medisave social security system available to the city-state\u2019s permanent residents and citizens. While you can find fairly affordable basic eye exams in Singapore, more comprehensive tests can cost a fair bit. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As can be expected, more extensive vision treatment such as eye surgeries will cost a lot more than eye tests or buying a new pair of corrective glasses. For example, LASIK surgery at a private hospital can charge up to SGD 4,820, and glaucoma surgery can cost up to SGD 6,693. Feel free to refer to the Ministry of Health <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.moh.gov.sg\/content\/moh_web\/home\/costs_and_financing\/hospital-charges\/Total-Hospital-Bills-By-condition-procedure.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">website<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for further information on costs. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While these fees certainly are expensive, those who have secured vision insurance are able to offset some of its associated costs without breaking the bank.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An overview of how vision insurance works<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Usually, people secure vision insurance as a supplementary benefit to make up for the gaps in coverage in their standard private health insurance plan. This add-on benefit, commonly referred to by insurers as a \u2018rider\u2019, will come with its own additional premium, the cost of which will depend on the plan you select and how comprehensive the benefits offered are. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you choose to include coverage for your spouse or children, the average cost you pay per person often works out to be a bit less than the rate charged for an individual plan. Some insurers also offer standalone plans that feature mostly vision benefits, so it\u2019s best to shop around to find which option suits you and\/or your family best. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What\u2019s normally covered?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Those who secure vision insurance can expect coverage for routine eye check-ups, frames, and contact lenses. These will be covered up to a maximum amount, and some plans will also impose a co-pay system, whereby there will be an amount that you will need to pay for accessing every optical service covered by the plan. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More comprehensive vision plans will also provide coverage for eye disorders and eye surgeries deemed medically necessary. Elective surgeries like LASIK are generally not covered, although many plans offer discounts for these types of procedures, so you\u2019ll be able to pay a lower rate. You may also receive discounts for upgrades on frame lenses, e.g. anti-reflective coating. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Things to consider when choosing a vision insurance plan<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many people make the mistake of thinking that they are covered for everything, just because they have health insurance. All plans are different, and some plans offer a more comprehensive list of benefits than others. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is why it\u2019s essential to be familiar with the policy wording on your plan, and be aware of any caveats or exclusions. It can also help to talk to a broker like Pacific Prime Singapore if you\u2019re still unsure about your plan\u2019s limitations. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To help you find the best-fitting plan for your needs, here are a few questions you may want to ask when finding a plan:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is there a preferred network of providers?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A preferred network of providers refers to the facilities that are contracted with your plan. If the answer to the question is yes, then it\u2019s a good idea to check if the optometrist or ophthalmologist that you visit regularly is included in the network, as your claim will likely be rejected out right if you chose a facility outside of the plan\u2019s network. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What\u2019s the benefit period?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vision insurance runs on a rolling cycle. What this means is that certain benefits can only be accessed once per a certain duration of time, i.e. one eye check every 12 months. However, the benefit period on some plans can be as long as 24 months. To ensure you get your money\u2019s worth, be sure to access the benefits covered before the next benefit period begins. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does the vision plan have a waiting period?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To prevent people from having an expensive procedure right after they have secured insurance, some insurers will impose a waiting period on plans. The waiting period, which usually lasts anywhere between 1 month to 24 months, is the time you will need to wait once you have purchased your plan before you are eligible for claiming any benefits. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Everyone\u2019s vision needs are different, and there are no one-size-fits-all plans out there. That is why it often pays to have an expert\u2019s opinion by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.sg\/contact-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">getting in touch<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with an established broker like Pacific Prime Singapore so that you get the best value plan for your needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\"><!--td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}--><\/style>\n<p><span data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:573,&quot;3&quot;:[null,0],&quot;5&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:[{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:0,&quot;5&quot;:[null,2,0]},{&quot;1&quot;:0,&quot;2&quot;:0,&quot;3&quot;:3},{&quot;1&quot;:1,&quot;2&quot;:0,&quot;4&quot;:1}]},&quot;6&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:[{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:0,&quot;5&quot;:[null,2,0]},{&quot;1&quot;:0,&quot;2&quot;:0,&quot;3&quot;:3},{&quot;1&quot;:1,&quot;2&quot;:0,&quot;4&quot;:1}]},&quot;7&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:[{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:0,&quot;5&quot;:[null,2,0]},{&quot;1&quot;:0,&quot;2&quot;:0,&quot;3&quot;:3},{&quot;1&quot;:1,&quot;2&quot;:0,&quot;4&quot;:1}]},&quot;8&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:[{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:0,&quot;5&quot;:[null,2,0]},{&quot;1&quot;:0,&quot;2&quot;:0,&quot;3&quot;:3},{&quot;1&quot;:1,&quot;2&quot;:0,&quot;4&quot;:1}]},&quot;12&quot;:0}\"><div class='code-block code-block-6' style='margin: 8px 0; clear: both;'>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.sg\/compare-quotes\/step-one\/?campSource=PPSG-Blog&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=cta_banner&utm_campaign=banner&utm_content=quote\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-781\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/PPSG_Gen_02.jpg\" alt=\"Get an Insurance quote banner\" width=\"1138\" height=\"493\" \/><\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>People these days are spending a great deal of time indoors, with their eyes constantly glued to their tablet devices and computer screens. This lifestyle trend in part helps explain the surge in vision conditions worldwide. This is especially true for myopia (short-sightedness), which is due to affect 5 million Singaporeans by 2050 &#8211; 15% &#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":281,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[769,768,38,315,316,259,313,314],"class_list":["post-279","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-insurance","tag-ban_fam","tag-cta_gen","tag-health-insurance","tag-insurance-tips","tag-private-health-insurance","tag-singapore","tag-vision-insurance","tag-vision-insurance-in-singapore"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Taking a look at vision insurance in Singapore - Pacific Prime Singapore<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"This article looks at some of the questions you may want to ask when finding the best-fitting vision insurance plan in Singapore.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.sg\/blog\/vision-insurance-singapore\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Taking a look at vision insurance in Singapore - Pacific Prime Singapore\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"This article looks at some of the questions you may want to ask when finding the best-fitting vision insurance plan in Singapore.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.sg\/blog\/vision-insurance-singapore\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Pacific Prime Singapore&#039;s Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2017-02-17T00:36:33+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2023-08-04T09:05:26+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/PPSG_feb17_blog.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"300\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Serena Fung\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Serena Fung\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Taking a look at vision insurance in Singapore - 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With 2+ years of experience writing about the subject, she aims to demystify the world of insurance for readers with the latest updates, guides and articles on the blog. Serena earned her Bachelor\u2019s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it\u2019s cognitive psychology!). Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel\/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/serena-fung-849902126\/"],"url":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.sg\/blog\/author\/serena\/"}]}},"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/279"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=279"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/279\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":876,"href":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/279\/revisions\/876"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/281"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=279"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=279"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=279"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}