Expats’ Guide on Health Insurance in Singapore
Health insurance is not mandated in Singapore, but is highly recommended for expats in The Lion City. Singapore’s healthcare industry is phenomenal but expensive, and the right health insurance plan can help you get access to the medical attention you need without draining your wallet.
Discover the world's top
health insurers.
Compare quotes with
a click of the button.
Are you an expat in Singapore looking for health insurance? In this guide, we will cover the importance of international health insurance in Singapore and what you should look for in health insurance in Singapore as an expat.
Healthcare in Singapore
Healthcare is not free in Singapore. Citizens and permanent residents benefit from MediShield Life and subsidies, but expats and foreigners are excluded from these schemes. This makes private health insurance crucial for foreigners living in Singapore.
Public vs Private Healthcare in Singapore
Public hospitals provide high-quality care but prioritize citizens and permanent residents. Expats face longer wait times and higher fees. Private hospitals offer faster service and luxury amenities, but at premium costs. Insurance ensures expats can access both sectors affordably.
Both the public and private healthcare sectors are regulated by the government in Singapore. Public healthcare systems are run by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and offer subsidized services. Private healthcare services are not subsidized but provide more options and better services.
Why Do Expats Need Health Insurance in Singapore?
Expats need health insurance in Singapore because they cannot access government subsidies, meaning even public healthcare costs are high. Insurance protects against unexpected medical bills, routine check-ups, and emergencies.
Without coverage, a single hospital stay could cost several months’ salary, making health insurance a financial safety net.
Local vs International Health Insurance in Singapore
As an expat in Singapore, you have an option between local health insurance, insurance that only covers within Singapore, and international health insurance, which covers you outside of Singapore as well. Depending on your personal needs and requirements, the right plan for you may differ.
Whilst some employers may offer group insurance, it is recommended for expats to secure their own health insurance plan to ensure that their personal medical needs and requirements are covered.
As an expat, the advantage of securing local health insurance is that it is cheaper than international health insurance. For expats who have relocated to Singapore and spend the majority of their time in the country, local health insurance will suffice.
For expats who have relocated to Singapore but still travel frequently, international health insurance may be the better option. Despite the higher premium costs, international health insurance offers coverage outside of Singapore, ensuring that you are always insured wherever you go.
Benefits of International Health Insurance for Expats
As an expat, there are multiple benefits to having international health insurance. From access to healthcare almost anywhere in the world to evacuation benefits that return you home for intensive medical care if needed.
Expats will find that an international health insurance can often be a more economical option, especially for frequent travelers, due to the international coverage. When traveling to countries with expensive healthcare like Singapore, international health insurance can save you from the high costs.
Factors to Consider When Securing Health Insurance
Aside from the obvious factors such as the coverage and limits, it is important to look at other factors such as the reputation of the insurer, their claiming process, the network of providers, and if the plan has any deductible and copayment options.
Before you start looking for a health insurance plan, the first thing you need to do is reevaluate your medical needs and requirements to determine what you want your health insurance to cover. Once you have determined what you need, you can begin looking at plans from different insurers.
Cost and budgeting are key when choosing health insurance. Balance benefits with affordability by managing premiums through deductibles and copayment options.
A deductible is the amount you pay before your insurer starts covering the costs of your medical treatments.
A copayment, or copay, is a fixed amount you pay for a covered health care service in your plan after you have paid your deductibles.
Both deductibles and copayments will effectively lower the cost of your premiums. The higher your deductible and copayment, the lower your premium will be. These options are great ways to lower your premium costs to get the coverage you need while staying within budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Singapore have universal healthcare?
Singapore offers universal healthcare, but only to Singaporean citizens and permanent residents, and they are not completely free. Citizens and permanent residents are entitled to subsidized healthcare services provided by public healthcare facilities.
Do expats need health insurance in Singapore?
Health insurance is crucial for expats in Singapore due to the high cost of healthcare in the country. Public healthcare facilities provide subsidized services, but these are not available to expats. To avoid paying the high costs out of pocket, it is recommended that expats secure health insurance.
Do I need to undergo medical tests before securing health insurance?
Not necessarily, you can secure health insurance without undergoing medical tests, but you are required to disclose any existing medical conditions and chronic illnesses. You may be required to undergo basic tests for certain illnesses.
When do I need to renew my policy, and how do I do it?
Typically, insurance plans are renewed annually. Your insurer will contact you regarding plan renewal when your policy is about to expire.
How do I know which hospitals and doctors are in-network?
You will be able to find the list of doctors, clinics, hospitals, and other in-network healthcare facilities on your insurer’s website and mobile apps. You can also call your insurer’s customer service number and ask a representative.
Conclusion
The public and private healthcare sectors in Singapore are ranked top in the world. Singaporeans can benefit from subsidized services in the public sector, but this is not available to expats. That is why expats must secure a health insurance plan on their own to avoid the high costs.
When getting health insurance, it is important to consider your needs and requirements, budget, and do extensive research on different plans and insurers to find a plan that suits you. This can be a daunting task, but Pacific Prime can help you.
As a global health insurance broker with over two decades of experience in the industry, we can help you find the perfect plan from our extensive list of partner insurers for you based on your unique needs and requirements.
Contact us today for a free plan comparison and an obligation-free quote!
At Pacific Prime, Grace focuses on simplifying complex concepts on international health insurance to make these topics easily accessible and understandable for our target audience. Being a Filipino born in Hong Kong, she understands the struggles of most immigrants and expats in finding the right insurance solutions while in another country. Her goal is to redefine most people’s perception of insurance, that it is an investment for one’s protection and future.
In her spare time, Grace is either at home or at Hong Kong Disneyland. She loves reading, watching movies and K-dramas, and attending dance classes.
- Pacific Cross Thailand Health Insurance for Expats and Travelers (2026) - August 5, 2026
- UAE Medical Insurance Prices for Expats - June 5, 2026
- How Canadians Can Find Jobs in Dubai - May 25, 2026
Comments
2 Comments
What are some common challenges expats face when accessing mental health services in Singapore? Are there English-speaking therapists available?”
Expats in Singapore often face challenges such as long waiting times for public mental health services, high costs for private therapy, and navigating stigma around seeking mental health support in certain cultures. However, English-speaking therapists are widely available in Singapore, particularly in private clinics, hospitals, and international-focused mental health centers. Health insurance plans can help by covering therapy sessions, psychiatric consultations, and medication, ensuring expats have affordable and timely access to the care they need.
If you’d like assistance finding a health insurance plan that includes mental health coverage, feel free to reach out via our Contact Us page!
Ask a Question
We'll notify you
when our team replies!