Healthcare in Singapore

Probably the best level of health care in Asia, and the prices are affordable (at least compared with similar standards in Western countries).
Health insurance is usually included in employment contracts, but not compulsory and uncommon for non-employed people.

thanks for your post beppi !

Are there new innovations on medical technology here (since it's the best in Asia)? I am making a write up about the new discoveries in terms of health and medicine; any response will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Hello.

I am moving to Singapore in 2 weeks. I am booking travel/expat insurance to cover me for the first week or so moving there.

How does the healthcare system work for someone with an EP (Employment Pass)? I am a non-resident and have heard mixed advice that a non-resident can 'voluntarily register and contribute to Medisave and Medisheild'. Others are saying that if you are a non-resident, then tough-titties, you need to fork out for private medical cover.

Can anybody kindly shed some light on this topic? I'm going round in circles...

Thank you in advance!

Medishield and Medisave are not insurances, but subsidized savings schemes - you can use only the money you have collected up to that point. I am not sure if foreigners on EP are eligible, but it is anyway probably not what you want.
Most employers in Singapore provide some kind of health cover as part of the package. It is never as comprehensive as in the West (and has maximum amounts beyond which you pay yourself again), but most locals have nothing more than that.
Local insurance, which covers hospitalization and emergency treatment, is available very cheaply, e.g. from NTUC Income.
If that is not enough, you only have a choice of expensive, international Expat insurers. Better get one in your home country before you move!

Great thanks for that!

So how much on average can I expect to pay? S$150/mo? S$400/mo?

Thanks

Hi stuartkerr,

Foreigners cannot contribute to cpf medisave. Medisave contributions are made by employer if the employee is Singaporean or PR. There are private medical plans available which are specially catered for foreigners who work here, and the premium is affordable too.

Hi Stuartkerr, I sent you a private msg.

definitely a must get - insurance!

Singapore healthcare is one of the top in the world that explains why rich people in Asia will come to singapore for medical treatment or major surgery. Gov hospital is subsidised by the gov and there is no subsidy in private hospital. But that will affect you if you are foreigners

Getting a healthcare insurance will help insured you from the expensive medical fee.

I used Pacific Insurance because they are well known to reimburse quickly.

I would definitely get insurance. The fees are pretty good compared to what you might pay in other countries for the same service, but if you need major surgery it's still not going to be cheap.

Good news: there's not the long waiting list problems you might get in other places.

You can see whichever doctor you like - you don't have to select from the doctor in your area/etc. Some insurance providers have preferred clinics which will reimburse more fully/more directly. Most insurance companies will want to see a referral from a GP before they reimburse fees for specialists.

Basically it's an excellent system for those who can afford it. There are certainly people in Singapore who struggle to pay, though - good to remember this at tax time in light of the low taxation.

Hi,

In order to help expats and soon-to-be expats, we would like to invite you to share your experience on this topic, with updated info on the healthcare system.

Thank you in advance,

Julie
Expat.com Team

We have Aviva worldwide cover, which was organised before we left the UK. Easy to sort reimbursements but there are caps and restrictions. Whilst you can find local GP surgeries who will consult and medicate for under $50, some seemingly routine treatments you would receive for free from the UK NHS are pretty hefty here. Vaccinations, routine kids checkups etc. So I would definitely get insurance sorted before you move if possible. On the plus side the level of care is really good, and there are specialists widely available, no queues!