Anna Agoncillo, Author at MoneyDigest.sg

Is The Alarming Zika Virus Covered By The Insurance Companies?

It is highly likely that infections of Zika virus will continue to elevate in Asia, according to the recent statement given by the reputable World Health Organization. This statement encourages heightened awareness as 70 countries were already affected. Zika virus has been endemic in Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. In our country alone, there have been over 400 reported cases this year.

For those of you who are not familiar with this illness, let me enlighten you! The first case of the Zika virus was reported in the 50s. It is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito (much like dengue). What is unique about it is that only 1 in 5 infections are symptomatic. That is alright because Zika is generally mild and self-limiting. However, it is dangerous for pregnant women due to the congenital Zika syndrome. Rare cases showed that some individuals developed serious neurological complications. This can potentially harm an unborn child. Unfortunately, there are no vaccines or anti-viral drugs to treat this illness.

Due to this alarming outbreak, many Singaporeans were quick to purchase protective measures such as mosquito repellents and insecticides. Further protection led for some people to pursue insurance policies. To their favor, more and more insurance companies are now offering extensions for Zika virus. These extensions are under personal accident or travel policies.

Among the five insurance companies that offer Zika coverage, NTUC Income came first. NTUC Income’s Personal Accident Assurance policy included Zika virus in the optional infectious disease coverage back in April. Ms. Annie Chua, the VP for personal lines at NTUC Income, once said: “This could be extended to other products with infectious disease cover.”

Great Eastern allows its previous and new Personal Accident policyholders to claim up to S$300 for medical expenses and S$30,000 in the event of death due to the virus. A pregnant woman who has been diagnosed with the illness is entitled to twice the amount of medical reimbursement. Furthermore, Great Eastern will pay a total of S$3,000 if the baby is born with an abnormally small head or with a Zika-related microcephaly.

Other insurance companies that provide Zika coverage are Prudential Singapore, Sompo Insurance Singapore, and AIA Singapore.

Mosquitos that cause Zika and dengue breed around homes in small amounts of clean water. This is why it is important to dispose waste in flower pots, discarded tyres, and other vessels that may accumulate water. Watch this short video to learn more about the efficient preventive measures:

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

6 Budget-Friendly Ways To Achieve Gorgeous And Healthy Hair

Since your crowning glory is an asset, you must take good care of your beloved hair. Homemade and natural remedies have abundant benefits to nourish your scalp and roots. Instead of forking out over S$10,000 for hair transplant, consider restoring the health of your locks by following these inexpensive tips:

1. CREATE A BENEFICIAL HAIR MASK

Aside from trimming your belly fat, avocado has a myriad of benefits for your locks. You will not believe what this impressive fruit can offer! Let us start with the fact that it is a rich source of vitamins, proteins amino acids. This is why it is able to soothe your scalp, add moisture, restore shine, and nurture strong growth.

Enjoy all these by combining one avocado, a tablespoon of coconut oil, two eggs, and a tablespoon of honey. Apply this mixture to your hair. Let it settle for 20 minutes before you rinse it.

2. MASSAGE YOUR MANE

A quick homemade remedy for dry and damaged hair only takes one ingredient – butter. Raid your kitchen to get a relatively small amount of butter. Massage this generously to your dry hair and cover everything with a shower cap. Do this for 30 minutes. Then, rinse all the butter out by using shampoo.

3. LET IT ALL DOWN

You deserve to have a meaningful rest after months of back-to-back deadlines and major projects. The same idea goes for your hair. It needs every break it can possibly get. Simple things such as wearing your hair down or fixing it loosely can make a difference. Elastic bands can put stress on your hair roots and shaft. This is why you must not sleep with any hair accessories.

4. ABSORB THE ONION’S JUICE

Onion has a high concentration of sulfur, which helps hair growth by increasing collagen production. Use the onion’s juice to control hair fall. Start by chopping the onion well and squeeze out its juice. Massage the mixture to your scalp and let it sit for 15 minutes. When the time is up, rinse your hair with mild shampoo.

As a friendly reminder, do a patch test before using the onion as hair treatment.

5. WRAP YOUR DAMP HAIR

Do you know why some women keep their hair wrapped in a “towel bun“? Well, wrapping the wet hair in a cotton towel leads to the absorption of moisture. This act can help to protect the hair against further split ends.

6. BRUSH YOUR HAIR BEFORE SLEEPING

One of the best treats that you can bestow upon your hair is to brush it before you sleep. Opt for a natural-bristle brush or a wide-tooth comb. Run this through your hair from roots to tips. According to the Owner of Cambio Salon Mary Rascon, doing this will help to move your scalp’s natural oils through your hair.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

Image Credits: pixabay.com

We are weeks away from the spookiest event of the year – Halloween. Due to the relatively short period of time left, you must go through a pile of costume ideas swiftly. A good (and cheap) place to start is your home.

1. MAGICAL FORTUNE-TELLER

If you are fond of gypsy or bohemian fashion like me, raid your closet to dress up as a fortune-teller. Pick a loose top that will go well with a long skirt. Do not forget about the headscarf, shawl, and golden accessories! Finish this magical look by bringing a deck of tarot cards.

2. DESPICABLY ADORABLE MINIONS

Creating Gru’s adorable minions is an fun task. Start by looking for a yellow top and denim overalls. These items are the base of your costume. For the eyes, you can create goggles out of Styrofoam cups and grey paint. Covering your face with yellow face paint is optional, but doable!

3. VIBRANT CRAYONS

I can only imagine how vibrant your life has become ever since your beloved child came along. So, why not have your child wear his or her favorite Crayola crayon? Let your child strike a pose in a monochrome ensemble from head to toe.

Amp up the costume by using temporary colored hairspray and by placing a black label that says “Crayola”.

4. MESMERIZING METALLIC ROBOT

Instead of throwing your boxes in the recycling bin, use them to assemble a homemade robot costume. Purchase a metallic craft or spray paint (e.g., purchase it here for S$5.50) and decorate the box in a way that you desire. Use plastic bottle caps or excess buttons for the face.

Keep your creative juices pumping!

5. A PUN-TASTIC THEFT

Due to the advancements in technology, authorities caution the public about the possibility of online fraud. Support the cause and rock a puntastic costume becoming an identity theft for Halloween. Start by looking up a “Hello My Name Is…” template online. Then, print 10 name tags using a sticker paper. Stick these tags in a plain black shirt.

You may use the names of your friends or co-workers to amuse them.

6. PAGE CANNOT BE FOUND

This last Do-It-Yourself outfit is arguably the easiest among the bunch. Simply get an old white tee and a permanent marker. Embody the essence of the “Error 404: Page Cannot Be Found” by writing “Error 404: Costume Not Found”, instead.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

You do not have to explain yourself because the witty guests will get it!

Sources: 1 & 2

How To Grow Your Nest Against Future Healthcare Costs

Singapore’s public and private hospitals offer some of the world’s most exceptional healthcare services. The only drawback is the rising healthcare costs of about 8-9% each year. Other countries are embracing this upward trend due to the global inflation.

The question now is: “How will you save for future healthcare costs?”

CREATE A SEPARATE SAVINGS ACCOUNT

If you have a trusted financial advisor in your network, discuss about the feasibility of opening a separate savings account for your healthcare costs. You may choose to categorize this under your emergency fund for fuss-free budgeting. Otherwise, you will have to adjust your budget to accomplish this.

EVALUATE YOUR OPTIONS

Whether we are purchasing a plane ticket or a small furniture, we are constantly on the hunt for the good deals. However, we can easily spend thousands of dollars on medical costs without comparing the hospital prices. Avoid sinking in a pile of debt by not jumping into the first offer.

For instance, you have a substantial amount of time to evaluate your options for an elective surgery. Maximize your time by shopping around.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE

A surefire way to manage overwhelming healthcare expenses is to prevent them from happening. Your road to wellness starts today! Make healthier choices by eliminating your unhealthy vices including your indulgence on junk food. Afterwards, commit to eating a balanced diet and to cultivating an active lifestyle.

COMPARE THE INSURANCE POLICIES

Get the best health insurance that your money can afford! Frame your current situation and compare the insurance coverages that will suit your medical needs. For instance, some insurance policies cover long-term care. This only make sense if you plan to retain the policy throughout your retirement years.

Perform a quick cost-benefit analysis by check it out Singapore’s first health insurance comparison website: gobear.com.sg. It provides basic information such as the premium amount per month as well as the maximum payout per year.

FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF ABOUT MEDISHIELD LIFE

Central Provident Fund administers a health insurance plan called MediShield Life. It aids in paying out huge hospital bills and certain outpatient treatments such as dialysis and chemotherapy. MediShield Life’s coverage is ideally for Class B2/C wards at public hospitals.

You may choose to stay in a Class A ward or a private hospital, but the payout will only make up a small proportion of your bill. You will have to fork out cash or pay from your Medisave.

No one is entirely certain about what the future holds. Preparing now can help you manage the financial pain of later years!

How Millionaires Spend Their Cash

Singapore values money and money follows the country with equal passion. According to Forbes, the Little Red Dot is one of the world’s fastest growing wealth hub with about US$1.3 trillion (S$1.8 trillion) assets under its hood. The latest data highlighted that 1 in 30 Singaporeans were millionaires in 2012. It was predicted that this statistics will elevate to 1 in 20 Singaporeans by 2017.

Along with these figures come the stories of outrageous affluent indulgences. Here are just some of them:

BAGS MADE FOR THE ROYALTY

Nothing says luxury better than a designer bag that is artistically touched by the hands of a royal craftsman. Singapore-based designer EthanK utilized his artistic skills to design bags for the members of the Middle Eastern royalty.

Stand out from a crowd of Birkin-toting women by carrying an extraordinary handbag by Ethan Koh! His bags are made with a technique that fuses exotic skins (e.g., lizard or python) with dyes, which are often in stunning jewel hues. People are attracted to Ethan’s creations due their unique designs and superior quality.

No design is restricted for Ethan, who stated that: “My creations are for the nonconformists and imaginatives. A true result of cultural and couture dialogues.”

COCKTAIL INFUSED WITH DIAMOND

Do you want to experience an extravagant cocktail at one of Singapore’s most luxurious nightclubs?

If you answered affirmative then, you have to fork out about S$32,000 to experience the “Jewel of Pangaea”. The Jewel of Pangaea consists of vintage Krug, Richard Hennessy cognac, smoke-infused sugar cube, and 1-carat triple X diamond from Mouawad.

The renewed mixologist prepares the shining jewel garnishing over foamy liquid of gold in just 45 seconds. 45 seconds – the short amount of time it would take to flush your S$32,000 down!

NAILS THAT ARE LOVED BY HOLLYWOOD’S A-LIST STARS

Some millionaires do not settle for the average mani-pedis as they prefer the world-class services of Bastien Gonzalez’s Studio at the St. Regis Singapore. St. Regis Singapore’s recognized Remède Spa houses the Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio by Bastien Gonzalez. Its renowned treatments were reported to be the favorite of celebrities in the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Naomi Campbell.

The basic manicure (about S$145) or pedicure (about S$195) are completed with pearl-infused buffing cream,chamois buffer, and more. It leaves your healthy-looking nails with quality luster at the end of the service. Book a reservation by visiting the website at remedespasingapore.com/bastien.

RENT THAT QUALIFIES FOR THE 5-FIGURE REALM

A millionaire has over S$20,000 at his or her disposal. With that mind, one can move into The Ritz-Carlton Residences for merely S$21,000 per month. This significant amount of money allows you to savor a 4-bedroom space that spreads across 3,057 square feet.

Image Credits: propertyguru.com.sg

Not to mention, there is a spectacular view of the city skyline from the balcony and the entire space is fully furnished! Not to mention, there is a spectacular view of the city skyline from the balcony and the entire space is fully furnished!

Source: CNN

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