Dear ,

You probably read or heard about this news...

If you know someone who is a Great Eastern policyholder, forward them this email it could save them from a shocking and costly surprise at the hospital. Sometimes, the right information shared at the right time makes all the difference.

What Is Pre-Authorisation & Why It Matters

In the past, many insurers (including Great Eastern) offered pre-authorisation — meaning you could get your estimated medical bill approved before being admitted. This gave you clarity on what’s covered and made hospital stays smoother and more cashless.

With this suspended, Great Eastern policyholders may now be required to pay large deposits or even full medical bills upfront, before getting reimbursed. That’s a huge cashflow strain during an already stressful time.

Other Important Changes...

Claims-Based Pricing — A Hidden Cost Few Know About

Great Eastern (and some other insurers like Prudential and AIA) use a claims-based pricing model. Here’s how it works:

• Make a claim under $1,000 (non-panel doctor)? Your premium could increase by 20%.
• Claim over $1,000? Premium may spike by 70%.
• Multiple or larger claims? Expect hikes of up to 250%.
• (E.g., if your rider premium was $800, it could jump to $2,000 next year.)

This means even if you claim rightfully and necessarily, you’ll be penalised with higher premiums — every single year going forward.

What This Means For You

Even if you’re not with Great Eastern, it’s time to be aware because:

1. All hospitalisation plans now require you to use panel doctors to limit your co-payment cap (usually $3K–$5K).
2. If your insurer also adopts pre-authorisation rules or claims-based pricing, you could face:

• Unexpected cash payments during hospitalisation
• Steep premium hikes after making claims
• A dilemma—claim and pay more next year, or avoid treatment?

What You Should Do Now?

• Don’t panic or switch plans blindly. Hospital insurance is tricky, and switching without understanding can cause exclusions for any existing conditions.
• Check if your plan has claims-based pricing or pre-authorisation requirements. Not all riders are built the same.
• Know your insurer’s panel of doctors. Choosing the right panel doctor can keep your costs low and claims smooth.
• Talk to me if you’re unsure. I can help you review your policy and explore solutions to reduce cost increases — including ways to cover co-payment or premium hikes without using your savings.

Final Thought

Insurance should protect you—not punish you for using it. If you're unsure how these changes may affect your future claims, hospitalisation, or costs...

Let’s have a quick chat. I’ll help you make sense of it all, no pressure.

Warm regards,

Zest Chia

Executive Wealth Consultant | Associate Estate Planning Practitioner |

Licensed General Insurance Advisory

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