When conception gets costly

16 Nov 2006, Today

Question

Name of the Person: Ushadevi Kannan

When conception gets costly

Medisave benefit should cover intra-uterine insemination treatments 

Thursday, November 16, 2006 

I read with interest Victor Ng's letter, "Time to think out of the crib" (Nov 14). 

I strongly agree that apart from urging Singaporean couples to have more children, the Government should do more to financially help those who are willing to have children but are less able to meet the costs - including the medical expenses - of doing so. 

I am in my mid-30s and have been trying for a baby for five years. After seeing several gynaecologists, I was finally referred to one at a private hospital where I underwent intra-uterine insemination (IUI) treatment. 

I had to go for two rounds and prior to the second treatment, I underwent an endroscopic operation. Although I was lucky to have conceived after the second IUI treatment, the cost of the entire procedure including the operation came up to more than $10,000. 

This has depleted our savings substantially, but we did not have a choice. Since my conception, I have had to constantly go for check-ups, scans and injections - meaning I will be incurring medical expenses until I deliver my baby. 

I believe many couples trying to have babies seek special medical attention due to their inability to conceive a child naturally. Many factors - including age, health conditions, environment, stress - contribute. 

Perhaps, the Government can consider providing medical subsidies for those seeking medical attention for conception and infertility in both government and private hospitals. 

Some may ask why I went to a private hospital, where the costs are considerably higher. It is because the medical expertise that I sought was not readily available at government hospitals. 

Also, appointment dates and follow-up dates were almost immediate. The doctor was able to monitor my progress every day, unlike at government hospitals where appointment dates were almost two weeks apart. I believe these were crucial to the success of my procedure. 

According to the CPF Board, a maximum sum of $6,000 can be deducted from Medisave under the Assisted Conception Procedures (ACP). But the ACP only covers in vitro fertilisation procedures and not others like IUI. 

Perhaps the ACP can be extended to cover IUI procedures and any medical procedure undertaken to enhance the possibilities of conception, as these, in my opinion, are also "assisted conception". 

I am fully aware that Medisave is reserved to meet our medical needs in our old age. I can work the next 30 years to build up my Medisave reserves. But no matter how hard I try, I will not be able to conceive if I miss my chance now. 

Couples seeking medical help to have babies often have to go for regular check-ups and treatments during office hours. In this regard, organisations and employers can be more understanding and supportive. I am blessed as my bosses and colleagues have been very encouraging. I do not have to worry about being penalised at work. 

And I can foresee myself being with this organisation for a long time to come. Unfortunately, I have friends who are not as lucky. 

It is our dream to have at least three children, but the process of having my first child alone has been stressful and financially challenging. 

A helping hand could encourage couples like us to achieve our dream.

Reply

Reply from MOH

Medisave can be used for IUI 

In "When conception gets costly" (TDY, 16 Nov), Ms Ushadevi Kannan asked why Medisave cannot be used to pay for intra-uterine insemination (IUI), a form of treatment for couples with difficulty conceiving. 

Ms Kannan must have been mis-informed. Medisave can be used for IUI in medical facilities that are Medisave-accredited. A list of such facilities is available on the MOH's website. 

We invite Ms Kannan to contact us at 1800-2254122 so that we can look into her case.