Unlike Singapore citizens and permanent residents, expats cannot turn to Medisave to alleviate maternity costs in the Lion City. That’s why many expats secure maternity insurance in Singapore.
Compare maternity care costs
The differences in cost between public and private hospitals can be significant, especially if you’re looking at the best maternity hospital in Singapore. While both options are of a high standard in Singapore, private hospitals have more perks. For expectant mothers, this can mean shorter waiting times, OB-GYN choices, and semi-private or private rooms.
Depending on the type of delivery, a standard private room can cost anywhere between SGD $6,000 to SGD $11,000. Factor in other maternity-related costs, such as the cost of prenatal care in Singapore, and it’s easy to see why maternity insurance is the recommended route.
Watch out for waiting periods
Maternity insurance policies come with a waiting period of 9 to 12 months at a minimum. During the waiting period, policyholders cannot claim any benefits that are related to maternity. That means you need to purchase a maternity insurance plan before your pregnancy if you want to avoid paying for maternity costs in full.
Upgrade your existing employer-sponsored plan
If you’re living and working in Singapore, you probably already have expat health insurance from your employer. Some plans allow you to extend coverage for the entire family. This option offers a cost-effective way to upgrade your employer-provided health insurance plan with your chosen benefits.
Add your newborn to your policy
Once your baby is born, they will be covered under your existing maternity insurance policy for the first 30 days. As long as your baby is under your plan, their medical history doesn’t apply. Therefore, adding your newborn to your plan instead of getting a separate policy can save money, especially if they have any congenital diseases.
Buy your own maternity insurance plan
If you cannot top-up your employer-provided plan, your next best option is to purchase an individual or family health insurance plan and add maternity benefits. Doing so will help you save on maternity-related medical costs in Singapore.
ANZA members are getting together to support the Australian Cancer Council’s 7 Bridges Challenge. Choose to join the 28km walk – Woodlands to Marina Bay – following the Green Corridor on Sunday 25 October.
Join the 28km walk – Woodlands to Marina Bay
If you aren’t up for completing 28kms in a day then you can do it it stages by joining one, or all, of the four 7km walks, organised daily next week.
Join thousands of people walking in Australia and raise funds and awareness for a cancer free future. Register your participation and find out how to fund raise at https://www.7bridgeswalk.com.au/event-details
It’s more important than ever to come together this year to raise funds for people impacted by cancer. All funds raised go directly to research, advocacy, prevention and support for people as they go through their cancer journey.
How long have you lived in Singapore?
Five and a half years in total. I came for two years in 2014, then was in the UK for six months and have been back in Singapore for three and a half years. I live here with my husband Arran and two boys Aiden, 11 and Charlie, 8. My kids have now lived longer in Singapore than their home country, Australia.
What’s your connection to ANZA?
My husband and I became members when we first arrived. He started with ANZA Cycling, our kids have been in ANZA Soccer and now ANZA Nippers. I cycle with the ANZA Cycling Chix group.
Lisa and her family on a bike ride – Lisa also cycles with ANZA Cycling Chix
What’s your work-life history?
I’ve mainly worked for global businesses in human resources, organisational development and more recently in diversity and inclusion. I’ve enjoyed the opportunities to travel and live overseas that these businesses have given me.
How do you support women in business?
I write a blog, i-develop-me.com, about supporting people in their careers, particularly women. I’ve run women-focused events and during the circuit breaker period I ran a weekly webinar, ‘The Wine O’clock Series’, which featured inspiring speakers.
I co-created a 3-day digital conference called ‘Face Forward’. We collated 10 amazing and inspiring speakers to help women emerge from the COVID-19 period in a stronger way.
What’s your best advice to women looking to do business in Singapore?
Be tenacious, resilient, and spend time building your networks.
What’s your advice to anyone who’s lost work during COVID-19?
This has been such a tough period and I don’t think it’s going to get easier any time soon. Learn something new during this time that will help you secure your next role. And if possible take time out to rest and reflect on what you want to do in the future.
Current passion projects?
I’ve learnt to make fresh pasta in lockdown and have also dusted off the sewing machine to make some masks.
What’s your favourite way to spend a weekend?
We’ve been using the COVID-19 period to do many beautiful nature walks around Singapore. My favourites have been the Lower Pierce Reservoir, Monkey Mile and Upper Pierce Reservoir area.
Favourite eateries and bars in Singapore?
Manhattan Bar, at the Regent Hotel and 13% Gastro Wine. I love the Zion Rd Hawker centre for dumplings and satay, Cut if I’m craving steak, Jim Thompson for amazing Thai food and Spago Dining Room to take guests visiting Singapore or to celebrate something special.
Frequent hand washing, wearing masks and hand sanitising have now all been fully integrated into our everyday lives. However, the prospect of traveling, and in particular flying, is still very daunting, more so if you have kids. We all know how many viruses and bacteria live in airports and planes so how can we protect ourselves and our children when we have to travel? Many of us will simply choose not to but there may be times when we have no choice but to brave the airlines with our little ones.
The good news is that overall, flights are much more hygienic than they used to be. Airlines have upped their game in terms of cleanliness due to the current pandemic. The air filtration on planes is very effective and in fact the air is cleaner than the air we breathe in offices and schools. The filtration systems should capture 94%-99.9% of airborne microbes.
Below are some tips to help reduce the risk of catching infections, in particular COVID-19, while flying.
Make sure you are all wearing masks and take spares. Most airlines have mandated this now. If your child is too young to tolerate a mask you can use a face shield. If you have a baby and can wear neither, try and place them in the window seat.
Take your own blanket to cover the seats so children are touching clean surfaces and are less exposed to germs on seats and surfaces.
In general, if an infectious person sneezes or coughs, it can spread up to a metre. This means window seats are the safest place to sit, as you are less exposed to people walking in aisles. This is the best seat option for kids. In public spaces, like waiting in queues, stay at least 6 feet (two adult arms lengths) away from others.
Window seats are the safest place to sit for kids
When you get to your seats, use alcohol wipes to clean down all surfaces – seatbelts, arm rests, tray tables and monitors. If you are using the airline bassinet or baby seat, wipe this down too and place your own blanket over them. We are unsure how long some viruses, including coronaviruses, can survive on different materials so it is best to be cautious and wipe everything down.
Regularly use hand sanitiser to kill germs on hands.
Try to stay in your seat and refrain from walking up and down aisles unnecessarily, as you are increasing the number of people, and therefore germs you are coming into contact with. This is especially important for kids.
When visiting the toilet, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and then use hand sanitiser once you are back in your seat.
Try and avoid unnecessarily touching your mouth, eyes and nose – this is very difficult to do with children but try your best and frequently use hand sanitiser on those little hands.
Stay well hydrated. In flight, air has low humidity which can dry out mucous membranes in the nose, making them less protective against infections.
Keep overhead vents on. The strong currents attract in air and therefore germs directly down onto the floor so you are less likely to breathe them in.
Limit the number of toys/items you take with you to entertain kids on the flight. Clean all items, especially if they fall on the floor.
Once you are off the flight and home/in the hotel, have a shower and wash all flight clothes.
Dr Gina Dahel is a paediatric trained doctor based at IMC Children’s.
Art Restaurant & Bar has relocated from a lower floor to take prime location on level six in the historic National Gallery, affording diners the opportunity to enjoy elegant Italian dining while soaking in one of the best views in Singapore.
The dining room décor is elegant and understated; white linens and professional, friendly service perfectly align with a fine dining experience. Italian Michelin starred chef-owner Beppe de Vito delivers a special evening of beautifully curated Italian gastronomy.
Degustation menus are available as a four or six course meal. We opted for four courses ($128) plus wine pairing ($70) and a ($40) beef supplement.
Our evening began with a glass of champagne on the balcony before settling on for an amuse–bouche, expertly explained by Chef Beppe, who came to talk us through the selectively sourced produce and artisanal technique.
Tuna Belly Carpaccio with Roya Oscietra Cavier
Our next course was a deliciously bright and vibrant Tuna Belly Carpaccio with Roya Oscietra Cavier and white peach, followed by the highly anticipated pasta course of Spaghetti “Monogramo Felicetti”, Scampi and Young Ginger, which did not disappoint. Next was the main course, the Kadoshima Beef, grilled Sucrine (baby gem lettuce) with Bagna Cauda (a classic Italian dish made from garlic and anchovy that have been processed in olive oil). We finished with a spectacular desert of Gianduja Chocolate, Hazelnut Gelato and Expresso Marsala.
Gianduja Chocolate, Hazelnut Gelato and Expresso Marsala
The wine pairing was excellent quality and value, beginning with champagne, followed by one white, two reds and a dessert wine. The pours were generous and we appreciated the expert selection to compliment the delicious Italian feast.
The stand-out dishes were the melt in your mouth delicious beef, served with the Bagna Cauda, which personified classic Italian ingredients and techniques (and well worth the $40 supplement) and the Gianduja Chocolate, one of the best desserts I have ever had.
Verdict: Aptly named, chef Beppe’s cooking style connects a profound passion for Italian cuisine and culture with art; the aesthetics are just as important as delivering an innovative menu with classical flavours. If you’re looking for stunning views and exquisite food, I would highly recommend visiting. Treat yourself to a taste of Italy without leaving the Little Red Dot!
Spend in store with your Wirex card and receive up to 1.5% back in Bitcoin
The ultimate travel companion
Travelling or moving overseas is undoubtedly a rewarding experience, but that doesn’t mean it’s without difficulties. Language barriers and culture shock aside, an area equally impacted by transitioning into a global lifestyle is your finances.
That’s where Wirex comes in. Wirex is a borderless banking alternative that gives you instant access to multiple currencies, all in one handy app. And of course, a card to spend them with. The Wirex card lets you seamlessly switch between currencies, automatically making payments in your local currency at no extra cost.
Forget exorbitant foreign exchange kiosks or outdated travellers cheques. With Wirex, exchange fees are a thing of the past and all currencies are equal. Even cryptocurrencies.
Easing into crypto
Wirex brought the world its very first crypto-enabled debit card back in 2015, in a momentous step towards the digital future we can see just over the horizon. By 2019, the Wirex card had become available in Singapore and the company had amassed over 3 million customers across 130 countries.
If you’re new to crypto, Wirex is the perfect place to start. Every time you spend in-store with your Wirex card, you’ll automatically receive up to 1.5% back in Bitcoin. You’ll never leave home without it again – think of it as your personal bitcoin generator.
The Cryptoback™ scheme makes cryptocurrency accessible to all – literally. If you’ve heard about crypto but never plucked up the courage to get involved, this is the perfect “in”. Wirex helps you start saving up some crypto without having to do anything at all. Then what you do with it is up to you – see how much bitcoin you can build up or convert it straight back into your local currency – the choice is yours.
If you fancy testing the waters with something other than Bitcoin, you can exchange your cryptocurrencies in just a couple of taps in-app, in the same way as you would your traditional currencies. What’s more, we give you exclusive access to the best rates on the market with which to do so.
Why try Wirex?
It’s simple. You get 24/7 access to up to 20 digital and conventional currencies in your pocket – so you can take the world with you wherever you go. Buy, store, exchange and spend any of your currencies quickly and securely, with no hidden fees and zero fuss.
In food-obsessed Singapore, seafood is a way of life. As a nation that grew from a quaint fishing village, the island today is chock-full of excellent seafood restaurants. And who among us hasn’t heard of some of our finest national dishes – fish head curry and chilli crab?
Seafood is also suitable to feed a growing population – it’s high in protein, low in fat and full of nutrients. The good news is that aquaculture – or rather, the farming of aquatic organisms – can provide sufficient seafood for everyone in an environmentally-efficient way.
“For a country like Singapore that is so dependent on imports as its food supply, trade embargoes and geopolitical manoeuvring may impact on the ability of nations to import food in the future. It is thus extremely important that the country builds a buffer and has a degree of resilience to any perturbations in its food supply in the future,” explains Professor Dean Jerry, Director of the Australian Research Council (ARC) Research Hub for Advanced Prawn Breeding, and Director of the Tropical Futures Institute at JCU in Singapore.
He adds, “The way it can do this is to foster local production and/or alternative forms of food and protein generation, along with helping establish new trading partnerships. Aquaculture is the ideal industry to foster to help meet Singapore’s food security goals.”
Indeed, Singapore has made plans to have 30 per cent of our nutritional needs produced locally by 2030, up from approximately 10 per cent today.
To contribute to the aquaculture industry, JCU has highly skilled scientists and researchers covering all the major pillars of aquaculture research and development needs. What’s more, the University has cutting-edge tools and facilities, which can add great value to Singapore’s aquaculture R&D ecosystem. This includes the Aquaculture Research and Teaching Facility, which launched in the Singapore campus of JCU in 2019. The state-of-the-art facility ensures a comfortable environment for the aquatic life that are being kept, while allowing us to expand our understanding of aquatic life and identify more efficient methods of aquaculture production.
In addition to partnering with other innovative companies and institutions in the industry, JCU in Singapore also offers the Bachelor of Business and Environmental Science (Majoring in Aquaculture) and Bachelor of Science (Majoring in Aquaculture Science and Technology) These efforts are key to investing in aquaculture and paving the way for greater food security for Singapore.
Current role: Full time Mum and part time financial consultant Years in Singapore: 6 Why did you want to join the ANZA Exec? I joined the ANZA Exec to make a positive difference to the Australian and New Zealand community in Singapore. It’s a great way for me to use my professional qualifications for ANZA, who plays such an integral role in the expat community and the charities they support. What skills or experience do you bring to the committee? I am a Chartered Accountant by profession and very comfortable with accounting, financial statements and all things numbers.
Who are ANZA Action?
ANZA Action is the community affairs arm for ANZA in Singapore. We support charities in Singapore through fundraising and connect ANZA members with volunteering activities. Involvement in ANZA Action is a way of giving back to our adopted communities as well as experiencing a different side of life here in Singapore.
How do people get involved?
All ANZA Members can join ANZA Action. We have opportunities for everyone to get involved. Check out our ANZA Action page at anza.org.sg/groups/anza-action or sign up to our ANZA Action Facebook page. Look out for what sparks your passion and get in touch.
What’s the best thing about the group?
Volunteering is a wonderful way to feel connected to Singapore and with your ANZA community.
ANZA Action beach clean up
What sort of commitment are you looking for?
This is the great thing about ANZA Action – the commitment is completely flexible. You can be involved in just one beach clean up or commit to a weekly time slot at New2U thrift shop or another charity. It’s up to you.
It’s important to note that with the current COVID-19 situation, volunteering needs to be done in small groups. It’s an ever-changing landscape so we are flexible, adjusting to ensure we comply with the rules and most importantly, keep our members and the community safe.
What current projects are ANZA Action working on?
Our latest venture is GADGETS4Good where we will repurpose your old phones, iPads, laptops and even re-home old computers.
Whether you have outgrown your mobile phone or want to upgrade to a newer model, there are better things to do with an old phone than stick it in a drawer! Connection is more important than ever in times like these. Some of our grateful recipients include migrant workers via TWC2 or ANZA charity partners Babes and Melrose House.
TekkieHelp are assisting us with this venture as part of their ongoing charitable works, offering valuable tech support.
Environmental concerns are another reason to donate via GADGETS4Good. Materials in mobile phones are damaging to the earth. If you put your phone in the bin and it goes to landfill, these chemicals could leach into the ground.
If you are interested in donating your tech, please ensure it is free of personal information, that it still charges okay and works reasonably efficiently.
Jurong Lake Gardens are a hit for mini adventurers!
Jurong Lake Gardens
nparks.gov.sg
This expansive nature playground is set in the peaceful greenery of Jurong’s Lakeside Gardens. It will appeal to both younger and older kids, with different swings, two long flying foxes, rope bridges, in-ground trampolines, sand and water play tables, log and rope obstacle courses and a large climbing structure with several long slides.
Get ready to climb, slide, leap and bounce your way through HydroDash, Singapore’s first floating aqua park. Challenge friends, family and loved ones around the slippery, thrill-seeking floating obstacle course, located on Sentosa’s picturesque Palawan Beach. The minimum age is five years old, and tickets start at $13 for a one hour pass. Book ahead – it get’s busy on holidays and during peak times.
Jewel Canopy Park
Jewel Canopy Park, Changi Airport jewelchangiairport.com
Jewel’s top floor is a 14,000 sqm play wonderland. The Canopy Park on L5 features the art installation ‘Discovery Slides’, which doubles as a climbing and sliding structure, and there’s ‘Foggy Bowls’ that lets kids wander among puffs of cloud and hide away in gentle bowls of mist and an animal themed ‘Topiary Walk’ and colourful Petal Garden. Separate charges apply for the hedge and mirror maze, bouncing and walking Sky Nets and the Canopy Bridge. Wear comfortable covered shoes with shorts or pants.
Kiztopia, Marina Square kiztopia.com
This fun-filled indoor park features 18 play concepts in a massive 18,000 square feet space. Each play zone is designed with specific learning objectives in mind to cultivate your little ones social, emotional and motor skills. Try the ninja obstacle course, augmented-reality games, climbing structures with twisty slides, sandpit and ball pits. There’s a train ride and a car circuit complete with roads and petrol station. An extensive role-playing section features a dress-up room, grocery store with trolleys and cash registers, and kitchen/café.
** For safe playing, Kiztopia now has three sessions daily, with cleaning intervals between sessions. They’re closed the first Tuesday of every month for deep cleaning.
Nestopia
Nestopia, Sentosa shangri-la.com/singapore/rasasentosaresort
This outdoor playground is located next to the newly renovated Trapizza restaurant on Siloso beach. Run by the Shangri-La Rasa Resort, it’s open to the public but a $10 per hour entry fee applies and you’ll need to make a play reservations before your visit via nestopia.sen@shangri-la.com or calling 6371 1067. With towering climbing structures and high slides, this one is best for kids over five (although extensive netting provides a soft fall and safety). Kids under seven need an adult to accompany them – one adult gets free entry with a child.
Jubilee Park, Fort Canning
Jubilee Park, Fort Canning
nparks.gov.sg
This lovely playground is located right behind the Fort Canning MRT station. The highlights are several winding slides built into the steep slopes of Fort Canning hill, and some huge, multi-user seesaws. The playground area is spread over a beautifully landscaped area. Swings include a hammock swing and inclusive swings for wheelchair users, there’s a rope climbing structure and plenty of logs to climb and balance on.
Amazonia, Great World City amazoniafun.com
Amazonia playcentre underwent a major revamp last year. Some of the highlights of the new space are the 8-metre-high wave slide, a trampoline area with basketball rings, and an interactive digital wall for games and dance videos. The standout feature for the little ones on our visit was the snowball fountain. This mega ball pit has several clear vacuum tubes for kids to insert balls and watch them race through the tubes.
** Amazonia is open for 4 x 2 hour sessions a day, between sessions there is a 30 minute spray and deep cleanse process. Book your slot ahead of time.
Future World, ArtScience Museum
Future World, ArtScience Museum marinabaysands.com/museum
Although not strictly a playcentre, the permanent Future World exhibition, created in collaboration with teamLab, is a massive favourite with kids. There’s a digital waterfall, a musical wall, crystal forest, interactive digital art displays, as well as an interactive slide and oversized glowing ball pit.
** Pre-purchase tickets online prior to visiting. There are limits in venue capacity and timed entry to exhibitions. Each guest is limited to 5 tickets per purchase. In light of safe management measures, the artwork Sliding through the Fruit Field is only available for viewing and not for public interaction.
Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden
Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, Singapore Botanic Gardens
nparks.gov.sg
One of Singapore’s best-loved outdoor playgrounds The Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden is the first garden in Asia dedicated to children. Its theme of ‘Life on Earth Depends on Plants’ aims to educate and instill a love for nature in children. The Garden offers exploration, adventure and play, with a farm, orchard, and a forest with its own stream and ponds. Young adventure seekers can explore the suspension bridge and nature play areas; budding naturalists can walk along the stream and climb into the tree-houses and urban gardeners can observe how plants grow. The Food for Tots café also has a little play corner so parents can grab a peaceful coffee.
Photo: Hort Park, NParks
Hort Park nature playgarden
nparks.gov.sg
National Parks conceived this playgarden with pre-schoolers in mind, to encourage children to reconnect with nature. Set in the natural surrounds of Hort Park it features teepee-like play structures, sand and gravel pits with child-sized tools supplied, and musical play area with windchimes and wheels. A series of tunnels and hideouts, log steps, secret dens, and a small water play area foster both active and creative play.
