Navigating Healthcare in Singapore
Singapore ranked 1st among 104 countries in “health”, according to the US International Trade Administration, using a measurement that shows how healthy people are and whether they have access to the services needed to maintain good health. The United States ranked 69th. Residents in Singapore are fortunate to have access to one of the best health systems globally.
These health services are available through private medical clinics and hospitals as well as public polyclinics and hospitals, which are all accessible to citizens as well as permanent residents (PRs) and expats. All offer excellent care.
While expats on international insurance plans paid for by their companies have ready-made healthcare programs, individuals without that level of support will need to look at the options more carefully so that they use healthcare services that are affordable and meet their needs. What you access and how much you pay varies depending on your situation.
Private Clinics
One of the best options for everyday healthcare is private clinics. There are more than 1,800 of them scattered all across Singapore, so it’s easy to locate one that’s convenient. They’re often the first place people go to for their healthcare needs, as they offer care for everything from common illnesses to longer-term support. The GPs at these clinics can develop a relationship with you, so they understand your health history and can offer appropriate care.
To find one, you can ask family and friends or go to the SingHealth website. website.(www.singhealth.com.sg) and use Find a GP. While many are located in HDB estates, there are clinics in the Central Business District or Orchard Road as well as other places around the island. Hospital groups such as Raffles Medical have clinics as well.
While higher-end clinics accept appointments, you’ll often need to queue at ones in HDB estates. Costs are usually relatively low at clinics in HDB areas, with a typical appointment often costing S$25-S$35.
I’ve had excellent experiences with these private clinics and most often choose one close to me, especially since they’re open on Saturday mornings and sometimes even on Sundays.
Polyclinics
Polyclinics, run by the Ministry of Health as a key part of its management of public sector healthcare, are the first level of care for many people in the public system. They are very good at offering basic healthcare services, and you can find support for common sicknesses, vaccinations, health screening, long-term illness management and even small surgeries.
Polyclinics make it easy to get medical help because they’re all over the place. Expats pay higher prices than citizens or PRs. Patients are more often assigned to a doctor who is available rather than being able to choose their doctor.
Public Hospitals
Public hospitals provide a full range of services, from emergency care to specialized treatments and surgery. There are also specialist facilities such as the National Heart Centre and National Cancer Centre that focus on specific conditions. You’ll often need a referral from a GP or polyclinic to access care from specialists in public hospitals. While citizens are subsidized and PRs subsidized to a lesser extent, expat pay full fees. The doctors who have provided care for me in public hospitals have been caring, knowledgeable and skilled.
Private Hospitals
Along with public hospitals, private hospitals such as Mount Elizabeth Hospitals and Gleneagles provide similar services. The key differences with the public sector are that services are often faster, care can be more personalized, and prices are generally higher. You’ll often need to find a specialist who can treat your specific condition at the hospital, so checking with friends or colleagues can be helpful.
Paying for Healthcare
For expats and citizens or PRs alike, basic healthcare costs are usually relatively low. An appointment with a local GP at a private clinic or polyclinic can cost S$25-S$35, and medicines for minor illnesses such as colds may add on another S$15-S$20. Citizens and PRs receive subsidies in the public health system. Doctors in higher-end private clinics as well as in private hospitals may charge substantially more.
While in-patient or outpatient hospitalization can cost less in Singapore than in countries such as the US, costs still accumulate rapidly. The government has fee benchmarks for more than 2,000 situations here (https://www.moh.gov.sg/managing-expenses/bills-and-fee-benchmarks/hospital-bills-and-fee-benchmarks), which can help you estimate the cost.
Healthcare Insurance
Given the high costs of hospitalization, having insurance is preferable. Citizens, PRs and expats can all apply for insurance through companies in Singapore. Along with large and long-standing providers such as NTUC Income and Prudential, a number of newer insurance companies have sprung up in recent years. Local health insurance will usually only pay for hospital and surgical expenses within Singapore.
If you travel abroad, you can supplement the local policy with travel insurance, which may pay for certain healthcare expenses in other countries.
You can also buy international policies from insurance companies in other countries, though they are often quite expensive.
World-Class Healthcare
We’re fortunate to have access to a full gamut of options from the world-class healthcare system in Singapore. While not everything goes right every single time, the outcomes are ahead of many countries and healthcare staff offer care that is top-level.
This article is not a recommendation for any type of healthcare or insurance. AAS and the author are not assessing or endorsing the healthcare system or the companies mentioned. Individuals should research and analyze the options, and make their own decisions.
First published in Living in Singapore by the American Association of Singapore
here.
