From a life-changing health scare to recovery, Paul Foster reflects on the importance of self-care and insurance.
SINGAPORE — Paul Foster steps out of his electric car, the midday sun casting a warm glow over him. Dressed in a casual blue T-shirt and surf shorts, he chuckles as he tells his dog, Bam Bam, to stay put.
At 42, Paul is a well-known figure in Singapore’s entertainment industry, celebrated as a host, actor, and TV personality. His schedule is often packed with projects: from modeling for his friend’s clothing line to attending meetings, helping his mother settle into her new place, and shooting full-day scenes for various shows. And, of course, there’s always time to hit the gym, his second home.
However, a few months ago, Paul faced an unexpected health crisis that would change the course of his life. He underwent surgery following a routine health checkup that revealed life-threatening coronary heart disease.
A Routine Health Checkup Gone Wrong
Paul’s fitness regimen and healthy lifestyle — from gym workouts to a balanced diet — had always been a source of pride. But it was a routine CT scan in April 2023 that uncovered alarming results: dangerously high lipoprotein levels and major blockages in two arteries. Despite his youthful appearance and healthy habits, Paul was diagnosed with the heart condition of a much older person.
Paul recalls, “I had no idea my heart was in such bad shape. My doctor told me that I could have had a heart attack in the next two to five years.”
Amid shooting for the physically demanding show Camo Kakis, Paul had to push through without realizing how hard his heart was working during intense physical activities. His heart condition was revealed to be much worse than expected, requiring an invasive angiogram and the placement of four stents and two balloons to restore blood flow.
Health Scares and Their Hidden Costs
Though Paul wasn’t immediately aware of the severity of his condition, his surgery turned out to be much more complex than anticipated. He recalls feeling shocked when he learned that he would need multiple stents rather than just one. Thankfully, the surgery was successful, but it came at a steep price — $66,000. However, his foresight in purchasing AIA hospital insurance back in 2015, when he first learned of his high cholesterol, covered most of the expenses.
The $58,000 insurance payout, along with MediSave, left Paul with only $4,000 to pay out of pocket. Despite the financial relief, Paul was most concerned about the toll his health scare would take on his loved ones. “I didn’t want to burden my family or friends with the news,” he shares, laughing nervously. “But I learned the importance of having the right insurance and planning ahead.”
The Road to Recovery
Following the surgery, Paul’s recovery was swift. After staying one night in the ICU, he was cleared to go home. Now, he’s focused on his health and taking a more balanced approach to work. “I’m being more selective about the jobs I take now,” he says, reflecting on how his priorities have shifted since the scare. “It’s about listening to my body and taking care of myself.”
Paul now relies on blood thinners and bi-weekly injections to maintain his cholesterol levels, with each injection costing about $500. Thankfully, his critical illness coverage will help cover the medication costs for the year.
A Heartfelt Message
Looking back, Paul considers himself fortunate to have caught his condition early, and he’s eager to share his experience as a wake-up call for others. “We often take our health for granted until something goes wrong. We need to listen to our bodies and take preventative measures,” he says earnestly.
He’s also more committed than ever to helping raise awareness about the importance of insurance, particularly in the face of critical illnesses. Paul adds, “I’m one of the lucky ones. I could have been in a much worse situation, but I’m thankful for the coverage and the lesson I’ve learned.”
As he prepares to return to work and resume his fitness routine, Paul’s message is clear: take care of yourself, plan ahead, and never underestimate the importance of health and insurance.
