Singapore Health Insurance

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In order to help prospective clients have a better understanding of Health Insurance and the healthcare system in Singapore, we have complied a basic overview of the industry. Please note this page is for reference only, and we suggest you contact our local partner* by completing the above form for more specific information.

Singapore Health Insurance & Healthcare

Singapore enjoys very a high quality of healthcare, with some of the finest healthcare providers in the world and a finely balanced financing system that is comprised of mandatory payroll deductions, a national catastrophic health insurance plan as well as government subsidies, and the regulation of healthcare supply and prices.

The Singapore healthcare system falls under the responsibility of Singapore’s Ministry of Health, and while much of the task of financing the healthcare falls under the auspices of Singapore’s public sector, there is an abundance of private healthcare providers present in the country. Much of the primary healthcare administered in the country is done by private practitioners, who provide up to 80% of primary healthcare services to the Singaporean populace.

Hospitals in Singapore are renowned for their high quality of care and modernity. The country has 13 private hospitals as well as 7 public, government run hospitals and a number of polyclinics and health centers focusing on a variety of medical specialties. Public hospitals offer affordable, high quality medical services, which are available to every Singaporean resident. The Singaporean government provides hefty subsidies for patients in acute public hospital wards, although the level of subsidy may be determined by the ward they stay in, as well as their income level, as the Singaporean Government instituted means testing for some patients in January 2009. Foreigners are unable to avail themselves of these subsidies, and may face a marked up price for services in public hospitals.

The private hospitals in Singapore are renowned centers of medical excellence, and are markedly more expensive than the government-run public hospitals. While they will be able to provide you with comprehensive medical services, the out-of-pocket costs put private hospitals out of the reach of those who do not have health insurance in Singapore, as the government does not provide subsidies for their use.

Singaporean residents, including both Singaporean nationals and international expatriates, are required to contribute a portion of their monthly salary into the Central Provident Fund (CPF), a comprehensive social security savings plan. The monthly payroll deduction is split between three accounts for the resident; the Ordinary Account, the Special Account and the Medisave account. Employers are also required to make monthly contributions to their employees’ CPF accounts.

The savings accrued in the Ordinary Account can be used to buy a house, as well as paying for education, and approved CPF insurance and investments. The Special Account is reserved for retirement savings as well as investments in financial products related to retirement. The Medisave Account, into which an employee can expect to contribute 6.5-9 percent of their monthly paycheck, can be used to cover hospitalization related expenses, including some out-patient work including chemotherapy and radiotherapy as well as paying for Medishield premiums or Singapore medical insurance.

Medishield is the national catastrophic Singapore health insurance program, which provides Singaporeans a low cost method of pooling risk. It is designed to help protect against the costs of lengthy hospitalizations and serious illnesses, including selected out-patient treatments such as kidney dialysis or chemotherapy. Singaporean residents may also avail themselves of Medisheild plus, which offers increased coverage options, or Integrated Shield Plans which Singapore health insurance plans run by private medical insurance companies, both of which can be paid for through Medisave Accounts.

Since many expatriates enter Singapore working for large companies, they will often be extended some kind of medical insurance in Singapore through their companies. If this is the case for you, and details have not been provided to you already, it is advisable to speak with the human resources department about your Singapore health insurance options. Additionally, many expatriate residents may wish to purchase their own Singapore expatriate health insurance policy to cover themselves and their families for access to Singapore’s private medical centers of excellence, which can be costly.

Singapore Travel Tips

Drugs should be avoided at all costs; possession of even a small amount can lead to prison and/or a death sentence. Smoking, littering, jay walking, and eating or drinking on public transportation can result in large fines.

While Singapore is a safe city, you should be aware of a global terrorist alert and take the necessary precautions. There have been serious terrorist attacks in South East Asia over the last few years and travelers or foreigners living in that area should be aware of the risks, whenever they travel.

Violent crime in Singapore is rare. Most crimes consist of petty theft (bag snatching and pick pocketing). Foreign nationals should leave their valuables in the hotel safe or with their hosts.

Offences that are described as “outrages of modesty” (graffiti, inappropriate behavior in social situations) are punishable by whipping.

Hepatitis, dengue fever, and avian influenza are current health risks in Singapore. The proper precautions should be taken to avoid contracting these diseases. Practice good hygiene, avoid eating food from street vendors, stay away from chicken or poultry farms, and take care to avoid mosquitoes.

Health care in Singapore is costly. You should take the necessary precautions to avoid incurring costly medical bills.

Singapore is hot and humid all year round. Keep hydrated and make sure that you wear lots of sunscreen. In the event that you are dehydrated contact the nearest medical facility for immediate help.

Additional Singapore Information and Resources

For more information about Singapore Health Insurance products, or if you require any additional information about an international medical insurance plan, please fill in the quote form at the top of the page.

If you are traveling to Singapore, we maintain a comprehensive list of Singapore hospitals/doctors in case you want to brief yourself before your visit to be better prepared in case of emergency. Many of our clients travel internationally so we also maintain a list of Embassies in Singapore.

If you are interested in keeping abreast of developments in medical insurance in Singapore, please visit our Singapore Insurance News section to find out more.