Compare health insurance- group vs. individual plan

Differences between group and individual health insurance plans

Differences Between Group and Individual Health Insurance Plans

Your health is important, so having a health insurance plan should always be a priority. But if you are already covered under your company’s plan, do you still need your own individual health insurance? And if you have an individual plan, is employer coverage still relevant?
To answer these questions, it helps to compare health insurance types and understand the differences between an individual health insurance plan you purchase for yourself and a group or corporate health insurance plan provided by an employer.
This guide breaks down the key differences to help you compare health insurance online easily and confidently.

Differences: Group and Individual Health Insurance

What Is Group Health Insurance vs. Individual Health Insurance?

Group Health Insurance

Typically, this refers to health insurance coverage offered by a company to all its employees as an employment benefit.

Individual Health Insurance

A personalized health insurance plan designed for a single insured person and, if selected, their spouse/partner and dependents

What Do Group Health Insurance and Individual Health Insurance Include?

Group Health Insurance

While specifics differ across employers, group health insurance plans usually offer fixed, uniform coverage for all eligible employees.
Some companies may also extend coverage to employees’ dependents.
Group plans may be available as local plans (Singapore-only coverage) or global plans for worldwide protection.

Individual Health Insurance

Individual plans offer customized coverage tailored to personal needs and preferences, with options to enhance benefits based on your own requirements.

What Do Health Insurance and Individual Health Insurance Cost?

Group Health Insurance

For employees, group health insurance is generally provided at no cost or at a subsidized cost by the employer.

Individual Health Insurance

Premiums vary depending on the coverage selected and personal factors such as age, health condition, and family medical history.

What Are the Pros of Health Insurance and Individual Health Insurance?

Group Health Insurance

A low-cost or no-cost way for employees to gain medical and healthcare coverage through their employer

Individual Health Insurance

Offers greater flexibility to tailor coverage according to personal needs, including the ability to add riders and optional benefits

What Are the Cons of Health Insurance and Individual Health Insurance?

Group Health Insurance

Coverage is defined by the employer, not the employee, and may not fully meet individual needs.
Plans are usually non-portable, meaning coverage ends when employment ends.

Individual Health Insurance

Premiums are fully paid by the individual and are not subsidized by an employer.

Cigna Healthcare Says

There is no one-size-fits-all answer when comparing group health insurance vs. individual plans. Everyone has different medical needs and lifestyle requirements.

In general:
• Group health insurance provides a broad baseline of coverage for all employees.
• Individual health insurance offers personalized protection that is tailored to your unique needs.

For many people, layering group health insurance with an individual health insurance plan offers more comprehensive coverage.

Speak to our consultants to compare the pros and cons of group health insurance vs. individual health insurance and decide what works best for you.

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Cigna Europe Insurance Company S.A.-N.V. Singapore Branch (Registration Number: T10FC0145E), is a foreign branch of Cigna Europe Insurance Company S.A.-N.V., registered in Belgium with limited liability, with its registered office at 152 Beach Road, #33-05/06 The Gateway East, Singapore 189721.

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