Overview
Singapore has one of the world's best healthcare systems, ranking highly for efficiency, quality, and outcomes. The system combines public and private options with universal coverage for citizens and PRs.
Quality Assurance: Singapore hospitals meet international standards. Many doctors trained in US, UK, or Australia. Medical tourism is a significant industry—people fly in from around the world for treatment.
Key Features
- Hybrid system: Mix of public subsidized care and private options
- High quality: World-class facilities and specialists
- Accessible: No long wait times compared to many countries
- Costly: Among the most expensive in Asia
Healthcare for Expats
What You're Entitled To
| Status | Public Healthcare | Subsidies |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore Citizen | Full access | Up to 80% subsidized |
| Permanent Resident | Full access | Some subsidies available |
| Work Pass Holder (EP/S Pass) | Access at non-subsidized rates | No subsidies |
| Dependant's Pass | Access at non-subsidized rates | No subsidies |
As a work pass holder, you pay full (non-subsidized) rates at public hospitals, which are still often cheaper than private hospitals. You do not qualify for Medisave, MediShield, or other government healthcare schemes.
Public vs Private Healthcare
Public Hospitals
- Run by government-linked healthcare groups
- Lower cost even at non-subsidized rates
- May have longer wait times for non-emergency care
- Excellent for serious/complex conditions
- Less "hotel-like" amenities
Private Hospitals
- Shorter wait times, appointment flexibility
- More comfortable facilities
- Higher costs (2-3x public rates)
- Direct billing with insurance common
- English-speaking staff throughout
| Service | Public (Non-Subsidized) | Private |
|---|---|---|
| GP Visit | S$30-50 | S$50-150 |
| Specialist Consultation | S$80-150 | S$150-400 |
| Emergency Room | S$100-200 | S$200-500 |
| Hospital Stay (per night) | S$300-800 | S$800-2,000+ |
| Normal Delivery | S$4,000-7,000 | S$10,000-20,000 |
| C-Section | S$8,000-12,000 | S$15,000-30,000 |
Major Hospitals
Public Hospital Groups
Singapore General Hospital (SGH)
Largest hospital. Full range of specialties. Major trauma center. Located in Outram.
National University Hospital (NUH)
Academic medical center. Strong in research. Located in Kent Ridge near NUS.
Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH)
Second largest. Known for infectious diseases. Located in Novena.
KK Women's and Children's Hospital
Largest maternity hospital. Excellent pediatric care. Located near Farrer Park.
Private Hospitals
Mount Elizabeth Hospital
Premier private hospital. Wide specialist network. Two locations: Orchard and Novena.
Gleneagles Hospital
Part of IHH Healthcare. Strong in cardiology and oncology. Located in Tanglin.
Raffles Hospital
Integrated healthcare. Attached to Raffles Medical clinics. Located at Bugis.
Thomson Medical Centre
Specialized in women's health and fertility. Located at Novena.
Health Insurance
Insurance is Essential
Unlike some countries, healthcare costs in Singapore are significant. Most employers provide health insurance for work pass holders. If yours doesn't, or coverage is limited, get your own.
Employer-Provided Insurance
- Most multinational employers provide comprehensive coverage
- Check what's covered: inpatient, outpatient, dental, maternity
- Understand coverage limits and deductibles
- Know if dependants are covered
Individual Insurance Options
| Type | Coverage | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Local Integrated Shield Plan | Hospitalization only | S$200-500/year |
| Local Comprehensive | Inpatient + Outpatient | S$1,000-3,000/year |
| International Plan | Global coverage including US | S$5,000-15,000/year |
US Coverage Note: Local Singapore plans typically exclude US coverage. If you travel back to the US frequently or want emergency coverage there, you need an international plan, which costs significantly more.
Major Insurers
- Local: AIA, Prudential, Great Eastern, NTUC Income
- International: Cigna, Allianz, Aetna, BUPA
CPF Medisave (For PRs)
If you become a Permanent Resident, you'll contribute to CPF, which includes Medisave.
How Medisave Works
- 8-10.5% of salary goes to Medisave account
- Can be used for hospitalization and certain outpatient treatments
- Can pay for MediShield Life (basic public hospital insurance)
- Can be used for approved dependants
CPF Medisave has complex US tax implications. Contributions may be taxable income for US purposes. Consult a cross-border tax specialist if you become a PR.
Practical Healthcare Tips
Routine Care
- GP clinics: Abundant throughout Singapore. No appointment needed for most.
- Polyclinics: Government-run primary care. Cheaper but may have waits.
- 24-hour clinics: Available in most neighborhoods for urgent non-emergency care.
Medications
- Pharmacies (Guardian, Watsons) widely available
- Many medications require prescription (stricter than US)
- Generic medications available and affordable
- Controlled substances: Bring documentation if bringing from overseas
Emergency
- Emergency number: 995 (ambulance)
- Ambulance service is not free (S$150-300)
- For non-life-threatening, consider taxi to A&E (faster)
- Private hospital A&E often less crowded than public
Dental & Vision Care
Dental Care
- Not typically covered by basic health insurance
- Costs comparable to US private dental care
- Routine cleaning: S$80-150
- Filling: S$80-200
- Root canal: S$500-1,200
Vision Care
- Eye exams: S$30-80
- Glasses: Wide range, can be very affordable
- LASIK: S$3,000-5,000 (Singapore is a popular destination)