The New Paper's report today, Tuesday 31 August 2010
Shree Ann Mathavan of The New Paper came to visit me yesterday and we had a nice chat about my insurance policies (among other things — she is a lovely girl and a hardworking journalist).
Her story came out in today’s New Paper and I felt it was a really fair and clear report of what happened. I was dreading a super-sensationalist header like “She Loses A Breast… And They Won’t Pay!” LOL!
Shree Ann was really respectful of my reasons for talking about this — it is not to complain that Prudential bullied me (which they did not, a contract is a contract) — but to alert other women who might be in the process of buying a policy, or may not have taken a look at her existing policies to make sure her coverage is full. Hence her report came out as such.
I’ve received emails, calls and comments to this blog — financial advisers who very kindly explain how it works (I just wish it was BEFORE not AFTER, but thank you all), women who have been through the same experience, and women who never even realised hospitalisation and critical illness policies are two different policies! So it only confirms that there is definitely a gap in the information that women need to have about their health insurance.
I am also happy to hear from friends who have bought the women’s only policies from AIA, Prudential or Great Eastern, and the GE Early Payout Critical Care, and were covered when the need arose. Happy!
Today, for once, I feel like there is something worthwhile that has come out of my cancer experience.
Happy!
A Clean Breast Of It 
Aug 31, 2010 @ 07:47:41
So proud of you Threez! =)
Aug 31, 2010 @ 08:05:12
Threez I think you are awesome to the max! You’re such a precious treasure, I really really reckon so! Stay cool and chic, lady!
Aug 31, 2010 @ 09:06:14
i just bought the New paper…thanks again!
Aug 31, 2010 @ 09:25:50
Auntie Threez – Way to GO!
Aug 31, 2010 @ 10:15:20
Dear Threez,
Thanks for being so brave for all of us (woman). You story has made us more aware of the contracts and policies that we have. I do pray that there will be some fair pay out for you too fromt The company…
Your life has made a difference! Keep up the good job! =)
Aug 31, 2010 @ 10:39:39
Wendy, yes please pray for me. My agent is going to try and appeal for me. Covet your prayers.
Aug 31, 2010 @ 10:28:06
Hi Aunt Threez,
You are one great, awesome and strong lady! Keep on keeping on!
Aug 31, 2010 @ 10:39:05
Elijah, you are one awesome young man set to make a difference in your generation! I am inspired by you!
Aug 31, 2010 @ 11:26:54
Hi Theresa, u are true fighter n woman knight 🙂
Sep 01, 2010 @ 10:09:21
I feel like a punching bag, actually, Jayne. :p But God is my strength. And my constant reminder that to smile more.
Aug 31, 2010 @ 15:14:39
Hi Theresa,
Today is the first time i’m visiting your blog. I count it a blessing to be able to read your sharing on your road to recovery, etc. I’m amazed by your optimism and selfless sharing, not many can do that. I’m not going to comment much about the policy woes, since many have given their valuable and helpful advice and information.
I can relate to that prayer you had made for Jesus to let you see angels in your post, “I See Angels In The Operating Theatre”. – A church friend was admitted to the hospital some years back and if my memory serve me right, he saw angels, i mean real angels, gathering around him when he was going to have the operation. At that time, he was not a believer, but this incident changed his life. He is happily and activitly serving God now, got married and just welcomed his little bundle of joy. =)
What i want to say is God’s hands is really upon your life, admist all the anixiety you get from knowing that you had breast cancer, you are still so strong and optimistic about things. I can’t imagine if an average lady going through the same thing as you.. I guess it would probably be tougher and dramatic for them to cope with the fact.
So keep on keeping on, Theresa! And I wish you the speediest recovery and keep your humor on, always because I love it! Oh ya, you have got yourself another subscriber! Haha! I would spread the word about your meaningful blog and i’m sure you will hit 1000 subscribers before you know it! Take care, Theresa! =)
PS: Hope you get your kites tomorrow morning.
Sep 01, 2010 @ 10:01:23
Thanks Roger, for your kind words. God makes ALL the difference. ALL. Sometimes when I am feeling bitter and sorry for myself (which is quite often) I think about how He plucked me from death’s hand and protected me. Angels are for real – I can’t say I see them every day, but they definitely exist! 🙂 PS We did get the kites, thank you!
Sep 01, 2010 @ 13:40:03
Yes, HE sure makes ALL the difference and I guess words alone will not be able to express how our thankful we are to Him for coming true for us whenever we are facing adversities in life.. and I know its tough not to have those feelings you had on yourself about the whole eposide, but i’m very sure you will always use this testimony to encourage others and at the same time, touch them with the love of Jesus. 🙂
Anyway, after I dropped my comment last night, i realised that you are actually the one that my friend, Yee Tat, shared the link from to your blog on FB. When i saw your name earlier, it didn’t occur to me that it was you, until I went to click your name in FB after leaving my comment. Hope you get what i’m saying. Haha! Pastor Kong rocks right?! 🙂
ps: Yup, i saw your post on your day out flying kite with Little and Big B. I’m glad you got the kites just in time for this wonderful activity with your kids. =)
Sep 01, 2010 @ 01:19:16
Hi Theresa,
I chanced upon your blog recently and would like to let u know what a huge inspiration you are. 🙂
Sep 01, 2010 @ 09:59:33
Thank you Cher… I’ll feel more worthy of it when I am standing straight and my scars have lightened, haha!
Sep 02, 2010 @ 03:21:40
Just emailed my agent after reading your blog and the article. She flatly told me I’m NOT covered despite my policies. Thanks for the heads up and for sharing your experience. Spoke to my colleagues today and all eyebrows went UP.
Sep 02, 2010 @ 13:43:31
Hi Kim, may be a good idea to go to an independent financial planner and see what gaps you have across your policies (that’s what I did with mine). My current FP Brendan Yong started his own company Singcapital, and I know some good people at IPP and iPac. Brendan was the one who made me buy the Aviva Shield Plus 1 three years ago and it’s paid off.
Nov 20, 2010 @ 17:17:21
My mum has breast cancer too, (2+1) and still surviving, still fighting
I find it dam hard to buy prudential’s early crisis cover plan.
Due to strong family history, the slapped me with a 50% loading and exclusion for carcinoma in situ for ALL female organs. I rejected it instantly. Are they mad? I’m buying an early crisis cover plan but they want to exclude cis? Prudential is full of ****
I ended up taking a similar plan with AIA at no exclusions.
I wish someone can come interview me and blow this up too! I’ve been v upset over prudential’s underwriting requirement.
Nov 21, 2010 @ 02:47:47
Hi Angel I am so sorry to hear about your difficulties with Prudential. On the other hand I am VERY HAPPY you took your business to AIA and that you have proper coverage! I wish I had the chance to do so, because now, the more I study it, the better the other companies seem to handle early payouts, esp AIA and Great Eastern. You should email Lorna Tan of the Straits Times – she interviewed me for today’s Sunday Times about my bad experience. Her email is at the end of her story.
Nov 21, 2010 @ 09:51:34
Hey T
Yeah, u know I told my Prudential consultant I’m gonna write to Lorna Tan too cos Lorna is famous for stiring up stuff about financial institutions. LOL! My consultant gave me his blessings….because he too, is frustrated. He fought with his underwriters over my case! LOL!
Yeah I figured now while I have the health, I’d better get proper coverage. I am meeting a GE agent next week.
Just curious as I have some questions…and I’d like to privately write to you, do u have an email address that I can write to you?
I hope you are recovering well. My mum seem to be doing well now just 1 week after her 2nd mastectomy.
Nov 21, 2010 @ 16:11:48
Hi Angel,
Yes you can email me at theresa@word.sg. 🙂
Theresa