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“How William Russell helped when I tore the meniscus in my knee”

Matthew has been a member with William Russell for over 20 years. Find out how we helped when he injured his knee.

About Matthew

heart icon Matthew has been a William Russell member for over 20 years.
star icon He’s grateful the team at William Russell understand the panic you’re feeling, and go out of their way to ease that worry so you can focus on recovering.
crutches icon Matthew shares his story on his claim for a torn meniscus and Baker’s cyst on his knee.

Q1/ How did you first hear about William Russell?

I initially joined William Russell through my old UK health insurance provider. I was moving to Asia and needed a similar level of service to the likes of Bupa, but at a more cost-effective price. William Russell was who they recommended.

Q2/ What is it about our plan that gives you confidence in William Russell as a provider?

Being a UK-based provider and being regulated by the SCA. When you’re shopping for insurance, especially overseas, you want that extra level of security in knowing you’re going to be looked after. And that’s what William Russell provides.

It gives me confidence to feel that I’m dealing with a competent company and a regulated business. Having Allianz as the underwriter is another source of security. It’s a big, well-known name so that gives extra peace of mind and comfort.

Q3/ Can you tell us a little bit about your claim and how William Russell helped?

I’ve made a few claims over the years, but this latest one was for my knee. I had a torn meniscus and a Baker’s cyst which was a result of swelling from a previous accident. I saw a specialist, and they recommended surgery to get it fixed.

Within a day or two of contacting William Russell, everything had been agreed. They’d sent through the letter of guarantee and three days later I had the operation.

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Q4/ How was your hospital stay?

It was very smooth, and because William Russell are private I had my own room.

It’s almost as good as staying in a hotel.

Q5/ Do you remember how much your operation cost?

Singapore is notoriously very expensive when it comes to healthcare. I remember the doctor saying to me, “Oh, this one’s not an expensive operation. It’s only going to cost around $30,000 SGD.”

I think that just shows how expensive this could have been if I didn’t have cover.

It’s just so important to have that peace of mind that even if something does go seriously wrong, William Russell still have you covered.

Q6/ What was it like dealing with the team at William Russell?

The team at William Russell are always very calm and informative. This time around, I was speaking to Cosmina. She was extremely helpful. She called me and we had a chat about what was needed.

I think when someone tells you’re going to have to have an operation and it costs anything between $30,000 and $50,000, it’s quite scary. Because if you’re not covered, it’s a tonne of money that not everybody has to hand.

Cosmina was very thorough and very efficient and confirmed straight away that we’ll get coverage, and even physio afterward.

It means a lot that William Russell really understand the panic you’re feeling, and go out of their way to ease that worry so you can focus on getting better.

I remember the doctor saying to me, “Oh, this one’s not an expensive operation. It’s only going to cost around $30,000 SGD.” I think that just shows how expensive this could have been if I didn’t have cover.
Matthew
William Russell Member

Q7/ What would you tell someone who’s looking for international health insurance?

I’ll always recommend William Russell to friends.

Based on my personal experience, they deal with you in a very timely and friendly manner, and provide pretty much the same level of coverage as big companies like Bupa and AXIS, but at nowhere near the same expense.

I would also advise them to always look for good underwriting and the ability to have a deductible if needed, so that you can manage the claims accordingly.

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At William Russell, we have nearly 30 years of helping expatriates settle into their new lives overseas by providing world-class international health insurance.

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