Switching of PMI ( IncomeShield, PruShield, SupremeHealthshield, My Shield, HealthShield, etc )

Every now and then, many policyholders will switch their PMI ( IncomeShield, Prushield, Healthshield, SupremeHealthshield ) from one insurer to the other.

For easy reference, there is a comparison of plans between all insurers at Ministry of Health website at http://www.moh.gov.sg/mohcorp/hcfinancing.aspx?id=11222

You can download the pdf file that will show you the comparison of benefits between insurers, though it was updated in February 2009, it should be updated next year. But this can be a reference as most insurer would have made some minor improvements over the time.

At any one time, only one "Shield Plan" is allowed, thus cancelling each other out during a switch.
My advice is -
1. Choose an appropriate plan
2. Look at options for downgrade at latter part of life ( FROM SAME INSURER)
3. PLEASE DO NOT SWITCH WHEN ONE HAS EXISTING CONDITION, BY SWITCHING WITHOUT DECLARING, IT FALLS UNDER NON DISCLOSURE, AND CAN RESULT IN DISPUTE IN CLAIMS.

My personal comment is, when a plan is switched to the other company, it is counted as new business and add on to the company's overall total, in the insurers' quest for positioning, if insurers are fighting for positioning in the industry. So you find that some will suddenly do a promotion campaign for the plan. Sorry that I am mentioning this including Income but you will see that NTUC Income promotes the IncomeShield whole year round as we believe that this plan is the basic needs of everyone. Of course the other more more valid reason is that there need to be a good base to sustain the plan.

My personal conviction is PMI ( Private Medical Insurance or Shield Plans ) are basic needs for all, and all should have at least a Shield Plan, as I have always shared. Whichever Shield Plan you have, just ensure you know the benefits and are comfortable with it. DO NOT SWITCH ONCE THERE IS EXISTING CONDITION LIKE HYPERTENSION OR DIABETES ALREADY SET IN. AND PLEASE DECLARE ALL HEALTH CONDITIONS IF YOU WANT TO SWITCH.

My exchange in CPF Board Facebook on DPS definition of Permanent Incapacity against PTD or TPD

Thomas Phua
Will CPF Board look at DPS Permanent Incapacity clause?Life insurance plan covers on PTD or TPD, total permanent disability. When insured lost the use of two limbs and on wheel chair, will be considered as PTD. Same condition, claim will not be paid as DPS's definition is Permament Incapacity, meaning one must not be able to continue to earn a living. Wheel chair bound insured, is not deemed as Permanent Incapacitated. This is really not fair to those insured on DPS. Should not DPS follow PTD term and condition for disability?
October 22 at 2:51pm

IM$avvy
Hi Thomas, thanks for the feedback. We will feedback to the relevant dept on this. Have a great weekend :)
October 24 at 7:57pm · Report

IM$avvy
Hi Thomas, thank you for your feedback.Members who are covered under DPS and subsequently become physically or mentally incapacitated from ever continuing in any employment may apply for claim benefits under DPS. A member who is physically/mentally inacapacitated should not have the ability to work in any form of employment. Members who are still able to perform some form of work but have difficulty in finding employment are not eligible to claim under the scheme. A person whose medical condition(s) has caused him to be wheelchair-bound, would be certified as being incapacitated as long as his conditions prevent him from ever continuing in any employment.
October 27 at 4:25pm · Report

Thomas Phua
This is the point, thank you for clarifying, I assisted in a case of wheel chair bound person, it is PTD or TPD as according to insurers' term and condition and claim was easily admitted. The same condition was rejected as DPS term it as not Permanent Incapacitated. A wheel chair bound person, is still deemed to be employable, selling tissue papers, or become a tele-marketeer because his hands and upper body is still functioning well. This is why I think it is not right that DPS defines PI as such and very different from PTD or TPD.
October 29 at 10:53am · Delete · Report

Thomas Phua
Statement from insurer is "we find reason to pay claims" Not to dispute claim on technicality. Poor chap already lost the use of two limbs and we still want to fault him on employability, this is heartless. It took first claim in 1995 to be rejected, and this year, 2009 it was rejected again, but we managed to find reasons enough to appeal and find reason to pay the claim after the policyholder retired from employment, still on wheel chair. He was on wheel chair for more than 10 years and finally paid, after overcoming the technicality of PI condition. I do not know how many cases have been rejected because of employability clause of PI. But is cruel.
October 29 at 11:07am · Delete · Report

IM$avvy
Hi Thomas, thank you for taking your time to provide us your feedback. We would like to invite the DPS member you mentioned to contact us directly at 6229-3312 if he has any further queries regarding his claim, we would be happy to clarify the details with him directly.
November 2 at 4:55pm · Report

Thomas Phua
Is okie, I managed to overcome the tough terms and managed to get the doctor for second opinion to prove him Permanent Incapacitated and claims paid after the initial rejection.My point is why DPS defines disability with PI instead of follow industry standard of PTD or TPD. DPS is a kind of term plan, and should follow PTD or TPD as in term plan condition. Afterall, DPS premium is not any cheaper than term plan today.
Wed at 5:45pm · Delete · Report

Thomas Phua
CPF Board should review the terms and conditions of DPS's Permanent Incapacity to follow what it is with commercial insurer's TPD or PTD definition. If the plan is to help the public, it should not be more stringent than any of the commercial insurer. This is not fair to the public who probably are not aware of this.
Wed at 5:47pm · Delete · Report

A successful Permanent Incapacity claim for DPS

(Have been receiving appreciative client's invitations to meals and even getting moon cakes for several claims lately. Wonder what will happen to me, if ever there is a claim disputed, I HOPE it will not happen. So far has been so good.)

Compliments to Mr Chew Kia Wong and Mr Thomas Phua

To: CEO

NTUC INCOME

Dear Mr Tan,

It is with much pleasure that I'm sending this email.

My experience with the recent claims that I made on my DPS and Eldershield insurance policies have been delightful for me because of two of your staff members, namely Mr Chew Kia Wong and Mr Thomas Phua.

It is not because I have been successful in my claims that I'm writing to you. You see, Mr Chew has truly been very professional in his dealings with me. Yet he has shown competence coupled with compassion. When he and his staff spotted some technical inconsistencies in the documents which I submitted to support my claims, he did not take the stance of coldly rejecting my claim outright. Instead, he gave me reasonable and valuable advice on how to mitigate the problems and thus make good the claims.

He has indeed displayed the sterling quality of an empathetic gentleman who understands the predicament of a genuine claimant.

I must also add that my agent for many years now, Mr Thomas Phua, has given me immense support by championing my claims. He has been both an agent par excellence as well as a good friend to me.In my humble opinion, both Mr Chew and Mr Phua are indeed valuable assets to NTUC INCOME and are great examples of how service should be rendered to your customers and policy holders. I should mention that the other staff members I have dealt with have also been very efficient and responsive. You should be justly proud of them all!

With best regards,

DPS - Dependent Protection Scheme

Will CPF Board look at DPS Permanent Incapacity clause?

Life insurance plan covers on PTD or TPD, total permanent disability. When insured lost the use of two limbs and on wheel chair, will be considered as PTD.

Same condition, claim will not be paid... as DPS's definition is Permament Incapacity, meaning one must not be able to continue to earn a living. Wheel chair bound insured, is not deemed as Permanent Incapacitated.

This is really not fair to those of us insured on DPS. Should not DPS follow PTD term and condition for disability?

I have posted CPF Board this question. Will they give an answer on this?

Ya Kun @ Orchard Central

If you are in Orchard area and wants a cup of nice coffee or toast, you can head for Orchard Central level 5, there is a Ya Kun outlet there. I am quite surprised that you get such nice coffee and yet the pricing is same as in any other outlet.

Surprisingly, Ya Kun is also in Takashimaya basement 2 and Far East Plaza. Just realise this from their website.

Does Children need insurance?

I am thinking of how to write about how a child should be insured as some ask if a child need life insurance.

I have been wanting to write about this and trying to be sensitive about it.

It is more to help parents to understand the importance of Incomeshield and some insurance planning for children and at the same time trying to be sensitive over this issue.

My view is that some form of insurance planning is advisable for the child as our parental responsibility and if they grow to adulthood, then the plan will meet their needs as parents for their family too.

Incomeshield is the primary important plan and the other plan is Vivolife other than just planning for Education Plan.

Newspaper articles are so common. I know it is rather sensitive issue for some to discuss about this.

Is Basic Medishield sufficent ?

Minimum one should have is a Basic Medishield and if one needs better medical care, upgrade to Private Shield Plans. My personal experience is Medishield is not sufficient if one needs kidney dialysis. I hope those who write and advocate that Medishield is enough will not continue to write from his own point of view in bitterness, as this will make those who followed his advice to face financial strain in time of need. One should understand their own needs and standard of medical care they need, to decide if Medishield or upgrade to private Shield plan is good for them rather than continue to condemn the private Shield Plan.

How CPF Life works.

(Click on the How CPF Life works or the picture on the right, and at the website click the pic to get to the info)

Member who opt in CFP Life will get the L Bonus, there is no free lunch, give you first, then collect from the yield of the "premium" in the future and put in the pool.

Normal annuity do not have such penalty and the whole premium grow with the principal sum, and refund with draw down accordingly.

Will the annuity payment will better or as good as insurer's annuity.

Below are two passage from the attach booklet I extract from their website.

(From CPF Life Guide Book, page 9)

Yes. Interest earned on the RA savings will continue to be paid into the RA. Interest earned on the annuity premium will be paid into the Lifelong Income Fund and pooled with the interest earned from the annuity premiums paid by the rest of the CPF LIFE participants to provide the life long payout under the scheme.

(Look like depending on which plan, the premium interest will be "penalised" and thrown (contributed) into the Lifelong Income Fund. Premium interest are being contributed by everyone into the pool. As plan will be compulsory for those age 55 by 2013, there is no choice to opt out if one finds a better annuity plan else where)

(from CPF Life Guide - Page 8)

There are 3 LIFE plans which provide a refund of the unusedannuity premium 9 on death, namely the LIFE Basic, LIFE Balanced and LIFE Plus Plans. Under any of these plans, the full premium will be refunded if you pass away before any payout has been made from your annuity. If you pass away after the monthly annuity ... payout has started, the unused premium will be refunded. Any refund will be made to your CPF account and paid to your beneficiaries.

(so look like from page 9, members will contribute the yield of the Annuity premium to the pool once a member join in the CPF Life, refund premium will be fixed without yield?)

Based on the CPF Life book, if the premium for Plan Basic Plus, the default plan, there is a 30% of RA to be set aside as premium.

At $120,000 in RA, $36,000 will be set aside as premium and DDA draw down from 65 to 80 and life long premium kicks in.

$36,000 set aside at age 55 @2% = $59,061 at age 80

$36,000 set aside at age 55 @4% = $95,970 at age 80

The amount of yield set aside to contribute to the pool seems a tidy sum.

Singaporean grossly under insured

If you click on the title, you will be linked to the article.

Today there is an article in the Straits Times, reporting a finding by an NTU Associate Professor that Singaporeans are Grossly underinsured.

This is a timely reminder and infact should be a constant reminder.

How well are we covered in terms of Medical, Protection & Health insurance coverage? We plan not to benefit from it, but just in case a need arises and one is not stressed out.

I am not trying to capitalise on the situation to remind you, but it has always been my motto "plan to meet your needs and not wants".

I have written several topics on Shield Plan, proper protection planning (especially on a claim case in 2005) and timeline planning for retirement and savings needs.

Perhaps it is time to review again and reflect again.

A quick calculation, if our family depend on us for $30,000 a year and our kid is young, example age 1, we need to see them to independence at age 21. If unforseen circumstances happen, we need to plan for next 20 years = 20 X $30,000 = $600,000.

Insurance premiums for $600,000 is not as high as one imagine, as proper planning with comfortable budget is possible. Talk to your trusted financial planner.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is not new, infact is everyday problem.

I am thankful I covered my mum for Incomeshield and every month her dialysis is $2700 and we claim $2100 to $2400, if not it will be very serious financial burden.

My widowed client came to our agent event last month, invited to speak to us on how she benefitted in 2005 when her husband passed away leaving behind a 3 and 5 year old daughters, and the whole meeting broke down, because we are reminded once again of our role to plan for the needs of our clients. I admired her spirit and courage to come because she did it with hope that her testimony can benefit others. I had a DVD of her speech, but could not upload it as file size is too big.

Planning needs common understanding.

I am always prepared to listen and discuss if any one wish to see me for review.

Some time I think some clients are overly suspicious of agent's intent.

Yes, we need to earn commission, but it has always been mission before commission for me.

If you have big gap and big needs, I earn big commission.

But those who cannot afford, is commission a bother to me? I would be at peace if I can meet their needs in planning, even if I do not make much out of the commission.

Most of all, I like my client to treat me as a friend.

100,000 women lack Medishield

Sunday Times headline, "100,000 women lack Medishield" and I believe many more children also are not insured.

Shield Plans are basic needs for everyone, as I have always been advocating.

I hope with this article, more can be more aware of the need to consider the Shield Plan.

Ten Financial Tips for Everyone

Ten Financial Tips for Everyone - Tan Suee Chieh

1. Be a super saver, not a super spender. Savings should come first before spending, and it should take first claim on your income. Saving what is left after spending does not work. Saving should rank as high as staple needs like rental, food, and other commitments and certainly above luxuries such as holidays, and entertainment. If you are unable to do this, you have to adjust your lifestyle. Acquire assets and not liabilities. Credit cards, cars, and club memberships are all liabilities.


2. Start early. Start saving early, but it is never too late to start. My grand dad used to tell me that it is what you save and not what you earn that will make you financially secure. Everyone must save at least 10% of their income, preferably 20% to 30% of your income.

3. Basics first. First plan for emergencies, illness, disablement and death. It is important to have term and health insurance. Purchase your insurance when you are young because it is much cheaper. NTUC members should get NTUC Income’s LUV plan – which is a low cost insurance coverage for the entire family. Our Incomeshield is an excellent health insurance plan that covers hospital bills. i-Term is the best and lowest cost term insurance plan in the market today. Do not hesitate nor delay in getting these basics. If you do, it is like going on a long car journey to a remote area without sufficient gasoline or spare tires. It is simply asking for trouble.

4. Education and retirement are important building blocks. Always plan for your children’s education and your own retirement. This is best done by saving regularly (monthly) for long periods. The best plans for these are life insurance, investment linked plans and unit trusts. Consult a financial advisor or someone you trust for advice on this. Be committed to finish a plan once you have started on it.

5. Do not be greedy or let your emotions rule. Do not be tempted by high returns as high returns always mean more variability in returns (risks), and sometimes no return. You must also understand your own tolerance of risk. Do not be swayed by emotions when making financial decisions as they cause you to make the wrong turns. Remember, there is no such thing as a free lunch. In any event, a good rule is never test the depth of water with both feet, i.e. do not risk everything you have in one go – risk only money you can afford to lose. And certainly, do not borrow to invest – they call it leverage.

6. Have no fear; Long term means you can take a bit more risk. Equities carry higher risk than bonds. But if your saving horizon is longer term, say 20-30 years, then you can have more investments in equities. Typically if your age is x, you can take say 100 –x in equities. So if age 45, you can take 55% (100-45) in equity. The rest should be cash or bonds or with profits insurance products. However, if you have a lower risk appetite or you are nearer retirement, use 85-x. In any event, a good rule is never put all eggs in one basket, i.e. diversify!

7.You are no expert. Do not buy stocks directly, unless you are a financial expert or are prepared to spend a lot of time managing your stock portfolio. If I were to invest or realise a lump sum, I believe in averaging in and averaging out. For example, if I have $100,000 to invest, I will break them into ten installments and spread them over ten months. Similarly, if I want to sell something, I will tend to average out, for example, selling 20% of the investment at a time. In doing so, I minimise my risk. The truth of the matter is that no one knows the market top or market bottom. Neither do I. Remember, it is not timing the market. It is time in the market that matters.

8.Simplify your life and own only what you need. Have interests, not possessions, which enrich your life, and go for meaningful value rather than quantity. Buy things which last and which really give you pleasure. Do not buy things just because they are cheap. Never buy something just because somebody else has got it. It is silly and will not give you happiness. If you buy things you don’t need, you’ll soon sell things you need. And, never buy or spend on credit unless it is for your own property. It is possible for most of us to have a good life in Singapore without being super rich.

9. Your greatest asset. Your greatest asset is not money. It is you. Take care of your physical, mental and spiritual health and the well being of all your relationships. That also means buy all the term, disability and health insurance you need. And remember to help others less fortunate than you.


10. Be inspired. Read good books and guides. , Some of best books I have come across on the subject of personal financial planning are The Millionaire in You by Michael LeBouef, Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and How Much is Enough? by Arun Abey. Besides reading, talk to the right people for knowledge and inspiration.

Shield Plan - Do it !

I have always been very passionate about the importance of a proper Shield plan ( hospital & surgical plan).

When I wrote private shield plan, I am referring to Healthshield ( AIA ), PruShield ( Prudential ), SupremeShield ( Great Eastern ) ,MyShield ( Aviva ) and Incomeshield ( NTUC Income ).

At any one time, there can be only one Shield inforce, and it will replace each other out if one Shield is taken.

Not many know that by taking another private Shield, it will replace the existing Shield plan that you have.

So be careful when you decide to switch, be careful to declare any existing illness but my advice is if one has any chronic illness, stay put, like diabetes, hypertension etc, as exclusion on switching is to the disadvantage of policyholder, unless the insurer covers it, which is HIGHLY unlikely unless one has supporting medical report that is positive.

It is not wise to swing here and there, because any existing illness not declared, will fall under exclusion, so be very careful if you switch from one Shield to another Shield. Many ethical agents will advise you on this except rookie agents who do not know what they are doing and only keen to do a case, I am sorry that I have to comment on this. But such agents are now few in the market.

I will advise upgrading from CPF Basic Medishield to any Shield Plan as medical cost will be high forward.

If you noticed, I always write "take any Shield Plan that you are comfortable with". Check the benefits and get one that suits your needs and go with an insurer you are comfortable with. Bear in mind agent is not important as we will one day retire or have to leave industry because we cannot meet the target. We are as useful as we are around. So choose an insurer you are comfortable with.

To me, as a beneficiary of the plan because my mum is currently claiming for dialysis, I am very thankful for Incomeshield.

It is very tedious to contrast and compare, as most may have almost same benefits.

Do not compare and contrast until cow come home, at least take on a plan for safety first and do whatever comparison later and switch, if you have no time now. Like my muslim client wrote "Just do it ! Mati pun mahal"

So take one Shield Plan that you are comfortable with, though I want to say Incomeshield is the best. But it depend on which insurer you want to trust.

Incomeshield has been the first such plan since 1994 and we are there for a social purpose, and with it, competition for the plan came after year 2001. Shield plan was supposedly a plan insurers are not keen to offer and Income was the only insurer carrying this burden from 1994 and for commercial reason, competitors start to join in, which is good that Incomeshield is much improved and to me is the most comprehensive plan.

My parting word is, be kind to agents selling Shield Plan, it is really for service only.

Cactus Flowers

Bloomed on 24th March 2009

This morning, I read the papers and saw a client in the orbituary, he is age 70.

Just last month, he called me, to do a travel insurance for him and his wife to visit his son in Taiwan.

He has always been a jovial and positive person. Happy and feel blessed to have a good family.

He will make me a cup of coffee whenever I visit him and we will have a good chat.

Goodbye Henry, I will miss your cup of coffee.

Do your Shield Plan proper before a routine checkup

Before you do start to do any routine regular checkup, say from age 40 or 50 onwards, for chronic diabetes or ladies to start to do mammogram , do ensure that your medical plans are already properly in place or upgraded to proper Shield Plans before doing any such routine regular checks. Reason being if anything is fished out, it will be too late to do upgrade or the plan, as exclusion will be imposed on existing conditions.

Or if you are considering to review the critical illness plan, do it before such routine check. I am not saying anything will surely happen during a routine check, but do ensure all necessary plans are reviewed before doing such milestone checks.

Here is a lament of normal routine check -
"I should have upgraded my medical insurance plan last year to Plan A or even Plan P. Sigh…delayed and ended up may not be able to do so. What has happened to me? You know, I did my mammogram last Dec 28 and got a very unpleasant result on March 09. It says that my mammogram shows some changes and requires further investigation and it was during the CNY period. So damn worry and instead of going back to the Health Science Authority – Breast Screening Centre, I went to my company’s doctor. Was sent to do a re-scan and ultrasound. The re-scan mammogram was ok but the ultrasound shows some small nodules and one small cyst. Thus doctor sent me to a SGH specialist and she said that I should have gone back to HAS because they will just do another mammogram which is quite common for a lady of reaching 50. Now, it is not for the mammogram but ultrasound that I have to go back in 6 months’ time for a review"

Confirmed - Successful liar wins !

CONFIRMED.

I got a client who met with an accident, and TP (the other party) lied and turn the report from minor road to main road situation when TP came out of minor road to hit OI (my client)'s car.

TP report it as parallel on main road and sued OI, and instead of being at fault, it become 50-50. Well, in the court of law, the judge see it as one man's word against the other.

SUCCESSFUL liar wins ! Does that mean judge is being misled and insurers are suckers?

Well, this world has many who has no integrity, when come to accident, their moral integrity is just down the drain. Of course, there are also those honest one and it make things easier for all.

My advice to my client is always report with integrity and we will assist.

Who is the greatest crook? First, the liar, then the workshop who probably taught the lady to lie, and then engage lawyer who acted to fight the case in court.

Who is the loser? All policyholders, as more fees has just been paid to the lawyer and workshop for the claims. Not the fault of the insurer, but the liar and surely something is wrong with the claims framework.

Successful LIAR can win accident claim

I noticed some time successful LIARS win a claim when they file an accident claim.

We can see that in an accident, integrity of a person went down the drain, even in situation when a victim died. They will lie until case is over.

It is very sad and very unfair to the deceased family members having to file civil suit.

There is no penalty for one filing such false report, even after investigation found them guilty and report is incorrect and pack of lies.

Problem is they normally got a fine and insurer pays the damage.

Worst, some time the LIAR is successful and win the case as well.

If the law will punish the liar motorist if found to be making false report, I am sure more motorist will not dare to lie in reporting.

Something is wrong with this aspect of accident reporting that the law should come hard on liars and people will think twice about twisting reports.

Perhaps GIA should work with the police on this aspect of false report, if proven.

Do not forget to put on seat belt when driving in Malaysia

The Malaysian traffic police have their eyes wide open to catch your rear sear passengers for not wearing seat belts. It is by per passenger that they will be fined. And obviously, you know how to get out of the situation. So beware if you are driving in Malaysia, do not forget to buckle up. By law, they are doing their duty but.....why risk getting fined.

Seat belt rule in Malaysia is harsher than what I thought - Jail term 1 year
(From their press release found in internet)

PETALING JAYA, MALAYSIA: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) and police will start issuing summonses from Jan 1 to all passengers for not wearing their rear seat belts.JPJ director-general Datuk Solah Mat Hassan said vehicle owners and passengers would be given a six-month grace period during which they would only be issued a compound of RM300 for not wearing their rear seat belts.

From July 1, drivers and passengers caught not using their seat belts would have to pay a fine of up to RM2,000, serve up to one year's jail or both under the Road Transport Act, said Solah.

Medishield and private Shield Plans are important plans

I will quote to you 2 scenarios on how Private Shield Plans are basic important plan in life.

(Insured with Incomeshield)
( Scenario 1) - My own mother is now on kidney dialysis. If not for the fact that we have a few siblings, the burden can be heavy, even with Incomeshield in place. But Incomeshield is really the plan that cushion off the burden in large proportion for my family.

In Singapore, dialysis in a private dialysis centre cost about $2300 to $2700 depending on frequency and Erythropoietin medicine. Incomeshield Plan Basic pays for up to $2400 per month for dialysis.

Basic Medishield pays up to $1200 a month.

Only in particular for dialysis, one need to take a Private Shield Plan as Basic Medishield cannot meet the need of dialysis treatment.

Reason being in Singapore, there is no government restructure dialysis centre, and most are classified under private, which quite badly impacted basic medishield claim limit as well as some Private Shield Plan claim limit.

(Scenario 2) - If one has no Incomeshield it is really very hard. Yesterday, I brought my mother to visit a distant relative in Yong Peng, Malaysia, she was blinded by diabetes and kidney failed 6 years ago and now on kidney dialysis.

Life is tough in Malaysia, a session of dialysis cost RM220 and after discount is RM170. Twice a week. Erythropoietin drug injection cost another RM60 a week. total RM400 a week.

They live in Kampong, and the children has to bear this cost, which is rather hard on them.

We are fortunate in Singapore, that we have proper insurance scheme like Medishield or Private Shield Plan to help us. But the sad thing is people still do not see the reality of life.

Many people do not appreciate the reality of our blessedness in Singapore.

As I write this in my blog, there are people who will write to me that I am capitalising on my mother's case to sell insurance, can u imagine that? But I still feel the need to write.

Stay Cool in event of an Accident

Some time in event of an accident, it can be frustrating and stressful.

I like to advice that in event of an accident, before vehicle is shifted away from scene, to try and take picture of the scene, if it does not cause danger to you.

I can only say that in this world, there are lots of great liars around.

Their report can turn from black to white and whatever colours they can too.

I have been handling claims liaising for clients with office, and some claims are just ridiculous.

Example,
1. My own brother, hit by a taxi coming out of minor road, the taxi driver reported my brother hit his taxi, speeding. It took me 3 years to use a lawyer to sue him and got some compensation for injury. Imagine my brother nearly died and the taxi driver has the conscience to report otherwise.

2. A client's car got hit, same by a car coming out from minor road, collided onto his side left rear back. I was asked to assist in private settlement, went to a workshop with client, but the other party do not want to pay, so we decided to claim insurance. Hold and behold, the other party initiate a claim with a writ of summon, and she ( imagine a lady ), reported that while her car was parallel on the road, my client's car, cut into her lane, result in her car collide into his side left rear back. Such lies will become a 50-50 case or even she winning the case.

But she is stupid not to realise I was with client at workshop and in court I can be called up as a witness. I told the client, yes, submit my name to the court and I will be there.

There are simply many scenarios. Just report any accident with integrity, if you are right, insurer will defend, if you are at fault, insure will pay the claims.

But bear in mind, some time the LIAR wins, even though you are RIGHT.

Just do not be too stressed, even if lost to a great LIAR.

Car Rear Passenger seat belt campaign

Very interesting and creative rear seat belt campaign, play it and have a good laugh.....

Means testing starts on 1st Jan 2009

Those in B2 and C class wards will be asked to consent to checks on their income.

PATIENTS warded in B2 and C class wards in public hospitals from today will be means-tested to determine the level of subsidy they will get.

H ours of happy times with friends and family
A bundant time for relaxation
P rosperity
P lenty of love when you need it the most
Y outhful excitement at lifes simple pleasures

N ights of restful slumber
E verything you need
W ishing you love and light

Y ears and years of good health
E njoyment and mirth
A ngels to watch over you
R emembrances of a happy year!