It’s a known fact that women generally tend to outlive the men. In the Singapore context, women live an average of 83.2 years vs men at 78.4 years (Source: Health Facts Singapore 2008). This is good news for women but this genetic make up also puts them at a higher risk of diseases, specifically female related illnesses.
Facts:
- From 2003 to 2007, on average, about 2046 female Singapore residents are diagnosed with breast cancer annually. That translates to 5.6 cases per day.
- Among the top 5 female cancers, Breast, Ovary and Uteri cancers are ranked 1st, 4th and 5th place respectively. (Cervical cancer is ranked 6th)
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) occurs 10-15 times higher in females than males.
- Rheumatoid arthritis hits women 3 times more than men.
- 70% of Chronic Auto-immune Hepatitis cases occur in women
- Osteoporosis hits 1 in 3 or 4 females over age 50
A comparative look at historical statistics revealed a rise in the incidence of breast, cervix, ovary and uteri. For instance, between 1993-1997, there were 3,574 breast cancer cases. For the same 5-year period between 2003-2007, the incident rate for breast cancer went up to 6,798. That is close to a 50% jump!
Carcinoma-in-situ vs Cancer
When we talk about cancer, we need to first understand the difference between Carcinoma-in-situ and Cancer.
Carcinoma-in-situ refers to a pre-malignant stage without invasion of the cells. As for cancer, it points to the presence of malignant tumours where there is abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells and evidence of invasion of cells.
A plan which covers critical illness covers cancer. A female illness cover, on the other hand, covers both carcinoma-in-situ as well as cancer.
Other Special Needs of the Woman
Motherhood and maternity, plastic reconstructive surgery due to accidents and burns, medical procedures on female organs and annual routine medical check ups are also special concerns of the females.
In the competitive marketplace, there are a few insurance companies that offer female illness cover. Some come in the form of standalone plans whereas others are riders to basic plans.
With a plethora of options in the market, which female illness plan is most suitable for your needs?
What to look out for in a Female Illness plan
- Check if it covers carcinoma-in-situ stage of major female illnesses
- This is one of the key differences between female illness cover versus normal critical illness cancer. A female illness plan allows for claims even at early stages.
- Pay attention to the number of sites the plan covers i.e. 1 or 2 sites for some and others 6 sites
- Look out for coverage of specific illnesses that females are prone to
- A free medical check up (usually bi-annual) would be useful
- Maternity cover – this benefit covers pregnancy complication and congenital anomalies. It is mostly optional and it comes at a substantial cost. If you have a Shield plan that reimburses for these, then this may not of importance to you.
- Female surgical procedures reimbursement – if surgical procedures are required and done in a hospital, then this can be taken care of by your Shield plan.
In conclusion:
- Get yourself covered with a female illness plan now before it is too late
- Protection is an investment and it is one of the best forms of leverage for your money
- Ensure you have adequate critical illness coverage in place (If you do not know what is your ideal coverage, seek professional help.)
- Lead a balanced lifestyle – pay attention to your physical, mental and emotional health
- Spend quality time with yourself and with your loved ones; cherish the blessings you have been given
- Go for a health screening every year
