Insurance for newborns and babies - is it part of your ‘must-haves’?

Asian family

No matter how prepared new parents are, insurance for newborns or young babies is often something that is overlooked until it is too late.

Mums and dads, do include this in your checklist to ensure that your child is protected as early as possible. Keep reading to find out why it’s such a must-have and how NTUC Income is making it even easier to get a plan for your little one with its Plus Rider for Newborns promotion!

Pregnancy is a time of joy, but it can also be overwhelming.

As parents-to-be gear up to welcome a newborn into the family, preparations start right from the confirmation of the little bundle. Mum is encouraged to eat healthy, hydrate, keep fit, and take supplements for the development of a healthy baby.

If you are a first time parent googling ‘things to buy for a newborn’, be prepared for the onslaught of swaddles, rompers, diapers, and nappy cream – not to mention, the huge shock that such a small being requires so much stuff!

It can get overwhelming and it’s not surprising that we tend to focus only on the positive aspects. Asian mums-to-be are especially encouraged to think positively and to avoid bad thoughts, because of the belief that it can affect the baby in the womb.

Preparation IS key

Even though parents think that preparing for future illnesses falls into the category of "negative thoughts", they should be aware that it’s simply a part of life.

Babies are born with an immune system that is not fully developed and one can’t deny that they do fall sick often within the first year.

As they grow and are exposed to germs and viruses from their peers, various childhood illnesses really can’t be avoided, no matter how careful parents are.

When a child falls ill

When your baby develops a high fever that doesn’t subside or a prolonged chesty cough, sometimes a visit to the A & E department of the children’s hospital is all it takes to put your mind at ease, with the doctor’s word that all is well with the child.

For new parents especially, nothing beats the relief that specialized equipment and immediate blood/urine tests bring, when results show there is nothing seriously wrong going on.

But if and when the doctor informs you that your child needs to hospitalized and monitored, it’s always better to err on the safe side and let the professionals do a thorough check-up.

Every parent wants the best for their child

This includes the best medical attention and the most comfortable hospital stay possible. And at a time when you are worried about your child’s wellbeing, this should be the focus of your attention, not the sizable hospital bills or financial burden you might incur.

Of course, comfort and specialized attention require money; so it helps that the costs can be covered by an insurance plan.

When to get an insurance plan for your newborn

Research on a suitable insurance plan should thus be part of a couple’s preparation before their child’s arrival.

Once the baby arrives, it is natural to feel completely overwhelmed and this important item gets pushed to the back of the exhausted parents’ minds. However, the thing about insurance is, that by the time you have a need for it, it might be too late to get the coverage.

It’s therefore best to prioritize it and to get coverage for your child as soon as it’s possible.

Insurance plans for babies, made easy for mummies and daddies!

Now that you understood the importance of getting your child protected, how do you go about choosing what’s best for your child and for yourself?

It is essential that you select a reputable insurance company with a good track record and an established system in place to make claims.

You might want to take a look at NTUC Income, one of Singapore’s most established and trustworthy insurance providers for extensive and affordable coverage for you and your child.

NTUC Income’s Enhanced Incomeshield plan

Most of us are aware of the CPF Board’s Medishield Life plan but not many know that you can get a more comprehensive coverage under private insurance coverage.

The Enhanced Incomeshield Plan from NTUC Income is an Integrated Shield plan which gives you additional benefits on top of those provided by Medishield Life.

Apart from features like a more comfortable stay at the hospital and higher coverage for selected illnesses, it allows you peace of mind knowing that you can be reimbursed for various inpatient, outpatient, pre and post hospitalization treatments up to 90 days before admission and 90 days after discharge respectively.

There are also various riders that you can opt for with the Enhanced Incomeshield Plan. For example, the Plus Rider pays for the deductible and co-insurance under the main plan. If you stay in a ward that is lower than your entitled ward, you will also receive a daily hospital cash benefit. It also pays up to $80 per day (maximum of 10 days for each hospital stay) for the extra bed provided to the parent/guardian of an insured child under 18 years old.

‘Plus Rider for Newborns’ Promotion

For babies who are born between 1st May 2016 and 31st December 2016, you are in luck!

NTUC Income is currently offering 50% off the first year premium for your newborn’s Plus Rider. Parents can choose from Enhanced IncomeShield or IncomeShield Standard Plan, as well as opt for the Plus Rider at the point of application.

Application for the policies must be made by 28 Feb 2017. Click here for more information about the promotion.

Learn more

As with all insurance policies, you are strongly encouraged to speak to a qualified insurance adviser to ensure that it is suitable for your needs.

For more information, you can visit the NTUC Income website at www.income.com.sg or call their health insurance hotline at 6788 3113.

Written by

Siti Zubeidah

InsuranceNTUC income