A Guide for Foreigners Seeking Health Treatments in Singapore

**Collaborative post**

When it comes to efficient healthcare systems, Singapore ranks at the top. In fact, according to the 2023 Legatum Prosperity Index, the country took the top spot for the health component category, which measures the population’s health and access to healthcare. 

With Singapore’s world-class healthcare, it has no doubt become a top destination for medical tourism. People who can afford the very best private medical care can come to the country to seek specialists for all kinds of diseases. Meanwhile, for citizens and permanent residents of Singapore, access to the country’s remarkable universal healthcare is freely available.

For foreigners living in or travelling to Singapore, understanding how to navigate this healthcare landscape is crucial for ensuring timely and effective medical care. This guide provides an overview of Singapore’s healthcare system, how to access various services, and what to do in emergencies. 

Health Insurance

Singapore’s healthcare system is divided into its public and private sectors, both of which offer high-quality care but cater to different needs and financial capacities. There is great variety available in terms of health insurance options foreigners can explore. 

Universal Healthcare

The public healthcare sector is designed primarily for Singaporean citizens and permanent residents (PRs), with a strong emphasis on affordability and accessibility. 

Through the country’s universal healthcare system, funded by the Central Provident Fund (CPF), almost 80 percent of patients’ needs are covered by the MediSave, MediShield, and MediFund savings accounts. These are funds set aside by the government to cover their citizens’ medical expenses. 

It’s important to note that Singapore’s universal healthcare is not actually free since the citizens are mandated to contribute to the CPF. However, the government subsidises medical procedures and treatments in a public hospital, which makes them much more affordable compared to treatments done in private hospitals. Foreigners may not have the same access to subsidies that permanent residents and citizens do, but public hospitals remain viable and cost-efficient options for basic care. 

Private Insurance

The private healthcare sector offers various insurance and care options tailored for foreigners, including expatriates and short-term visitors. Here are the common health insurance for non-Singaporeans:

• Primary Care Plan (PCP). The PCP for migrant workers provides basic primary care services for migrant workers, ensuring they receive essential medical attention. The PCP is mandated by the Ministry of Manpower for workers in the construction, marine shipyard, or process (CMP) sectors.
• Corporate health insurance. Many employers in Singapore offer health insurance as part of their employee benefits. This insurance typically covers a range of medical services and is a primary healthcare resource for expatriates.
• Local health insurance. Long-term foreign residents can purchase local health insurance policies, which offer a variety of coverage options suited to individual needs.
• Travel insurance. For short-term visitors, travel insurance is crucial. It covers emergency medical treatments and unforeseen health issues during the insured’s stay in SG.
• International health insurance. These include comprehensive plans designed for expatriates and cover extensive medical services, both in Singapore and globally.

Accessing Healthcare Services

Foreigners in Singapore have multiple avenues to access healthcare services, depending on the nature of their medical needs.

General Practitioners (GPs)

GPs are often the first point of contact for non-emergency medical issues. Again, while foreigners can have their consultations in public clinics, they are not qualified to get subsidies that may lower their medical expenses. What’s more, public medical facilities are obligated to prioritise Singaporean citizens over foreigners, so it’s highly recommended that foreigners seek medical attention at private clinics.

• Private clinics. These are widely available and provide quick access to medical care. Private clinics are ideal for minor illnesses, routine check-ups, and preventive care.
• Polyclinics. These are government-run clinics that offer comprehensive primary care services, including vaccinations, health screenings, and management of chronic diseases. While more affordable for Singaporeans, polyclinics may have longer wait times compared to private clinics.

Hospitals

Hospitals in Singapore are divided into public and private institutions, each offering a broad spectrum of services:

• Public hospitals. They provide a wide range of medical services, from emergency care to specialised treatments, at subsidised rates for citizens and PRs. Foreigners can access these services, but they will not be eligible to receive subsidies, which means that the difference between the cost of care at a public hospital and a private hospital may not be that big. 
• Private hospitals. These hospitals are known for their shorter waiting times, personalised care, and more luxurious facilities. They are a preferred choice for those who can afford the higher costs. Additionally, foreigners with international, corporate, or local insurance may benefit from the comprehensive coverage these plans offer. They often include access to private hospital services, specialised treatments, and expedited medical attention.

Specialist Clinics

For specialised medical care, such as cardiology or orthopaedics, referrals from a GP or polyclinic may be required for public hospitals. In the private sector, specialists can often be consulted directly, though this demands a higher price from foreigners.

Emergency Services

In case of a medical emergency, knowing where and how to seek immediate help is vital. Here’s some information that foreigners and expats in Singapore should take note of: 

• Emergency numbers. Dial 995 for ambulance services. This number connects to the Singapore Civil Defence Force, which provides swift emergency response.
• Emergency departments. Both public and private hospitals have emergency departments that operate 24/7, equipped to handle serious medical conditions, trauma, and urgent care needs.
• 24-hour clinics. For urgent but non-life-threatening conditions, 24-hour clinics serve as an alternative to emergency departments, offering reliable medical care round the clock.

Singapore’s healthcare system has a reputation for being robust, efficient, and accessible, and compared to healthcare in other developed nations, it is one of the best that a foreigner can experience. But whether you’re a long-term resident or a visitor to the Lion City, it’s important to understand the structure of the healthcare system and to narrow down your options—preferably well before you need the medical care. Use this guide to assess which medical care and insurance options are best for your situation and make the best investments in your health outcomes.