Healthcare in Singapore is getting more expensive, and fast. The latest WTW Global Medical Trends Report predicts medical costs could jump 16.9% in 2026, up from 15.5% last year and just over 12% in 2024, putting Singapore at the top of the Asia-Pacific chart.

At the same time, new insurance rules coming into effect this April mean patients may have to pay more out of pocket before coverage kicks in, even as premiums for some plans dip.

What’s behind these rising costs? Is healthcare becoming less affordable for everyday Singaporeans? 

On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Dr Akshar Saxena, Assistant Professor of Economics at Nanyang Technological University, to find out more. 

Healthcare in Singapore is getting more expensive, and fast. The latest WTW Global Medical Trends Report predicts medical costs could jump 16.9% in 2026, up from 15.5% last year and just over 12% in 2024, putting Singapore at the top of the Asia-Pacific chart.
At the same time, new insurance rules coming into effect this April mean patients may have to pay more out of pocket before coverage kicks in, even as premiums for some plans dip.
What&rsquo;s behind these rising costs? Is healthcare becoming less affordable for everyday Singaporeans?&nbsp;
On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Dr Akshar Saxena, Assistant Professor of Economics at Nanyang Technological University, to find out more.&nbsp;

Money Matters is your guide to navigating the day's most important topics, from politics and current affairs to wealth management and trending issues. Every evening, the team delivers insightful discussions on business news, market movements, and the latest in alternative assets. Whether navigating the political landscape, understanding the economy, or uncovering emerging investment opportunities, Money Matters keeps you informed and ahead of the curve. Tune in daily to Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian from 4 pm to 7 pm on MONEY FM 89.3.

Money Matters is your guide to navigating the day's most important topics, from politics and current affairs to wealth management and trending issues. Every evening, the team delivers insightful discussions on business news, market movements, and the latest in alternative assets. Whether navigating the political landscape, understanding the economy, or uncovering emerging investment opportunities, Money Matters keeps you informed and ahead of the curve. Tune in daily to Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian from 4 pm to 7 pm on MONEY FM 89.3.

Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

MONEY FM 89.3 is Singapore’s first and only Business and Personal Finance station. MONEY FM is a 24-hour English talk format station featuring local and international business and financial news. We provide you with financial market and currency updates and insights from analysts, economists, policy makers, industry experts and business owners.

In the lighter hours, listen to discussions on social issues and features on topics that include health, education, arts and music.

MONEY FM 89.3 is Singapore&rsquo;s first and only Business and Personal Finance station. MONEY FM is a 24-hour English talk format station featuring local and international business and financial news. We provide you with financial market and currency updates and insights from analysts, economists, policy makers, industry experts and business owners.
In the lighter hours, listen to discussions on social issues and features on topics that include health, education, arts and music.

MONEY FM 89.3 is Singapore’s first and only Business and Personal Finance station.

MONEY FM 89.3

Your evening guide to the day's most important topics — navigate the key events in politics, business, markets, wealth management, and top investment opportunities. Keeps you informed and ahead of the curve, daily.

Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian (4pm - 7pm)

The Big Story: Medical cost inflation to hit record high - Will healthcare become less affordable in Singapore?

Nearly half of Bitcoin’s supply is now underwater, long-term holders are selling at multi-year losses, and market stress indicators are flashing red.

Yet prices remain relatively stable, creating a growing disconnect between sentiment and price action.

With investors increasingly hedging for downside risk and some calling for a move back to US$50,000, the question is whether this is a warning sign of deeper weakness or a setup for the next rally.

On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Zann Kwan, Managing Partner & CIO, Revo Digital Family Office, on whether this divergence between price and positioning can hold, how investors are managing downside risk, and what would trigger a deeper sell-off from here.

Nearly half of Bitcoin&rsquo;s supply is now underwater, long-term holders are selling at multi-year losses, and market stress indicators are flashing red.
Yet prices remain relatively stable, creating a growing disconnect between sentiment and price action.
With investors increasingly hedging for downside risk and some calling for a move back to US$50,000, the question is whether this is a warning sign of deeper weakness or a setup for the next rally.
On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Zann Kwan, Managing Partner &amp; CIO, Revo Digital Family Office, on whether this divergence between price and positioning can hold, how investors are managing downside risk, and what would trigger a deeper sell-off from here.

Wealth Tracker: With 47% of supply in the red, is a Bitcoin drop toward US$50,000 next?

On What’s Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Alexandra Parada dive into the rising trend of pet luxury, as a woman in Shanghai spends around S$2,200 a month to send her dog to “kindergarten” with complete with training, social activities and even a school bus.Then, they unpack a bizarre heist in Europe involving over 413,000 stolen KitKat bars, exploring how such a massive shipment could vanish and what happens when crime turns into a logistical challenge.

On What&rsquo;s Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Alexandra Parada dive into the rising trend of pet luxury, as a woman in Shanghai spends around S$2,200 a month to send her dog to &ldquo;kindergarten&rdquo; with complete with training, social activities and even a school bus.Then, they unpack a bizarre heist in Europe involving over 413,000 stolen KitKat bars, exploring how such a massive shipment could vanish and what happens when crime turns into a logistical challenge.

What’s Trending: Why would someone steal 413,000 KitKat bars? Also, would you send your dog to school for $2,200?

Global sentiment saw some improvement as US futures turned positive, following reassuring comments from Donald Trump and Jerome Powell.

Volatility remains a key theme, with the CBOE Volatility Index climbing above 30 and rising sharply this month. The move signals elevated fear and rapid risk repricing, raising questions on whether this spike is temporary or the start of more sustained market stress.

On oil, talk of prices potentially reaching $200, while not a base case, highlights the risks ahead. Such a scenario would likely push inflation higher, pressure growth, and add further volatility across global markets.

On Market View, Sean Cheong speaks to David Chow of Azure Capital to break down the latest market movements.

Global sentiment saw some improvement as US futures turned positive, following reassuring comments from Donald Trump and Jerome Powell.
Volatility remains a key theme, with the CBOE Volatility Index climbing above 30 and rising sharply this month. The move signals elevated fear and rapid risk repricing, raising questions on whether this spike is temporary or the start of more sustained market stress.
On oil, talk of prices potentially reaching $200, while not a base case, highlights the risks ahead. Such a scenario would likely push inflation higher, pressure growth, and add further volatility across global markets.
On Market View, Sean Cheong speaks to David Chow of Azure Capital to break down the latest market movements.

The Big Story: Medical cost inflation to hit record high - Will healthcare become less affordable in Singapore?

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