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Cost-effective for insurers to help policyholders get health checks

It would be cumbersome for the Health Ministry to keep track of every citizen’s health indicators because not everyone shares the same criteria in health checks. (“Good-health bonus instead of no-claims bonus”; Aug 18)

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Paul Chan Poh Hoi

It would be cumbersome for the Health Ministry to keep track of every citizen’s health indicators because not everyone shares the same criteria in health checks. (“Good-health bonus instead of no-claims bonus”; Aug 18)

But it is common knowledge that good health is good business, and since insurance is a profit-oriented business, it is fair and necessary for paying policyholders to be entitled to some discount if no claim has been made.

It is even wiser and more cost-effective, though, for the insurance industry to pay for their annual medical check-ups, so that in case of any potential illnesses, both parties can prevent further deterioration and save costs.

To keep healthcare costs low and affordable, we must also rein in medical charges. It is imperative that the healthcare industry publishes the prices of services for patients to make informed choices. Insurers should also stop paying for overpriced medical bills and challenge them in court to deter unethical practices.

The best approach is to keep a healthy lifestyle, with proper balance in nourishment and exercise. Prevention is indeed better than cure.

If people were to heed the advice of ancient physician Hippocrates that food should be our medicine and medicine should be our food, fewer people in our ageing society would be unhealthy.

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