Not Having This Could Have Broken Us

​When Mateo was hospitalized in Singapore, we had SO MUCH to worry about. Will we see him awake ever again? Did his brother get the same bacteria? How do we break the news to our family? Who will take care of work while we're attending to him? Will we have enough strength to face tomorrow?

It's been over a year, and we are in a much better place. Grief is never gone, but waves have been far apart these days.

As Mike and I reflect on the past year and strategize for the coming ones (however much we can plan with life's uncertainties), we both agree that God has been gracious.

What could have put so much pressure on our family during and after Mateo's passing? We think it would have been the lack of FORESIGHT. In practical terms, not having HOSPITALIZATION INSURANCE for Mateo could have broken us. 

Yes. Sounds trivial, right? But it isn't. 

Having a HOSPITALIZATION INSURANCE allowed us to FOCUS on making the best decisions to try to save his life (so we won't ever have regrets), and on the LIFE we still have around us after he left.

I can't imagine what an ordeal it would have been if we were worried about paying the specialists, treatments, and all the care Mateo received if we didn't have an assurance that all those will be paid for by our insurance. We probably would be so preoccupied with figuring out how to liquidate our investments, pull out our savings, and possibly even ask for money from other people. That would have pinched my dignity.

If you are a non-citizen/PR in Singapore (lots of my Filipino friends here are not), this is something to act on QUICKLY. Reality check:

One day of admission in a public hospital in Singapore is at least $600. Our 14-week stay in the hospital with all the procedures done on Mateo was at least $120k. That is P4.4M that can send five children to Ateneo for a 4-year degree. Or afford you a house and lot in Quezon City. We did not have to pay a peso/dollar out of pocket.

Will you have peace of mind if you ever have to be hospitalized here? Or if any, God forbid, of your children does? Or are you thinking of just banking on the generosity of friends and family in times of crisis? Or the public's help through GoFundMe? That will be torture. I know of family and friends who had to suffer the consequence of not having any hospitalization insurance. It becomes a burden on everyone.

I've been a strong advocate of health and hospitalization insurances as part of your overall FINANCIAL PLAN since experiencing plenty of crisis since young. If you are spending on STAYCATIONS but have no health or hospitalization insurance, you're probably not being wise. If you can afford three high-end meals in a year but have no insurance, you're probably too careless. I'm blunt because I know someone needs to hear this.

If this ever crosses your mind again and you want to share this news with a family or friend, you can share this link to the same blog post. If you need sound, unbiased financial advice, especially if you're in Singapore, I can connect you to an advisor. Message me.