Private / Public Hospital?

Just yesterday, I was supposed to have a follow-up appointment but I ended up leaving because…

I waited too long. 🥹

For a little background context, I experienced body & joint pain so severe I could barely move on certain days. I had trouble moving around and even my fingers and toes started to hurt.

Took me about 2 weeks before I decided to pay a visit to the polyclinic. Why? Because:

1. Worries about money issues

2. Didn’t feel like I had enough coverage (insurance wise)

3. I couldn’t take the pain anymore

So fast forward to my medical appointment yesterday, it was a follow up after a few visits cause the pain was subsiding. I waited for about 3 hours before I decided to walk out. I was being pushed to the back of the queue because I was late for 10 minutes (my fault i know) but then a thought strike me.

Would I’ve to wait so long if I was in a private hospital instead?

I knew the answer. Here’s my total waiting period:

I took a bloodtest in the polyclinic ➡️ waited 2 weeks before I went back for the results ➡️ got a referral to the hospital ➡️ waited 3 months before the appointment came ➡️ took a full blood count ➡️ waited 1 month before I could get my results ➡️ nothing showed up ➡️ follow up appointment 5 months later.

So yes, the whole process took me close to an entire year. & when I waited for that 3 hours, I was really upset.

I know public hospitals are probably overwhelmed, but almost an entire year… 🥲 I’ve public hospital coverage, hence I didn’t choose to go to a private hospital. And honestly, if budget allows, I’d have totally went to a private hospital.

There’s so many factors to consider when choosing whether you want public or private hospital, for me personally I think the waiting time really matters a lot. Cause what if it was my kid who needs to see the doctor? I wouldn’t be okay having to wait for a long time.

If you’re unsure about your hospital coverage, do speak to your financial consultant about it, cos I can’t emphasise enough how important it is to know what you’re covered for.

But 1 thing I definitely learnt is, don’t wait until the last minute or for a health scare to get your insurance coverage. For all you know, you might not be able to get coverage by then.

All the agents (including myself) always say this but really, health is wealth.