Our Guide to Singapore's Healthcare System
“Singapore has achieved extraordinary results both in the high quality of its healthcare system and in controlling the cost of care.”
Brookings Institution, Washington D.C.
Since Singapore frequently boasts first-class medical expertise and facilities, patients from all over the world regularly go here to seek specialist treatment. Currently ranked 8th in the world's best healthcare infrastructure according to the IMD World Competitiveness online, Singapore is among the countries with the lowest infant mortality rate of only 1.8 for every 1,000 live births for the year 2020. Because of this, Singapore is among the best in the world when it comes to healthcare. In our guide, you will become aware of the different options available whenever you seek medical services in Singapore, including how you can pay for them and the costs involved. You will also know what you need to do if you have to see a doctor in Singapore.
Quick Information on Singapore's Healthcare System
Before we discuss healthcare, in case you are unfamiliar with Singapore's financial system, it's worth noting that their money is denominated in global trading markets as SGD, S$, or Singapore Dollars.
It may be challenging to give an exact estimate of your home currency's price because of the consistent fluctuation of the global exchange market. However, if you are searching for updated figures, you may always use the online currency converter to become aware of the value of your money. As a benchmark, this February 2022, SGD 1,000 is equivalent to around US$741.68. When it comes to healthcare, here are the basic information:
Health insurance covers 100% of the population.
Everyone has access to private and public healthcare, while permanent residents (PR) and citizens have universal healthcare.
On average, the cost of a visit to the emergency room is SGD 121.
The average price of public health insurance for a person is approximately $5-75 SGD, which could depend on the age.
On average, a visit to a doctor is SGD 50.
For one individual, private health insurance is at SGD 40.
Singapore has 20 hospitals and polyclinics and 259 pharmacies.
What is the average cost of healthcare in Singapore?
Does Singapore Provide Free Healthcare?
Singapore doesn't have a welfare programme to pay for every healthcare service. Instead, the country requires every permanent resident or citizen to subscribe to the approved basic plan for health insurance that is paid from every person's contribution to the national scheme for social security savings.
The medical fees for private hospitals may be significantly different from government hospitals. Here are the average prices of the standard medical procedures that do not include the cost of ward accommodation.
Quick Comparison of Medical Procedures with Cost in SGD
Every citizen and any permanent resident in Singapore has access to their universal healthcare and offers private and public healthcare options to everyone, including the non-residents.
PRs and citizens in Singapore can enjoy universal healthcare through the mandatory subscription to Medishield Life, the national primary health insurance. This programme can subsidise a significant portion of selected outpatient treatment and hospital bills. Apart from that, the government is also offering grants and additional subsidies to assist those unable to afford the added premiums. The government also provides affordable subsidised rates for public healthcare only at government hospitals and polyclinics.
Temporary Health Insurance for Tourists
Temporary health insurance has a design that can cover anyone for one to twelve months. This kind of plan can be highly flexible as many insurance providers can give you the option to turn your temporary medical insurance into something for the long term.
For most travellers, it can be attractive to get temporary health insurance. With this plan, you can choose where you want to get treatment if you need extensive treatment abroad.
Travel insurance is different as it may only focus on helping you return to your home country. After that, the insurer may no longer provide coverage. With this, you may have to use your money to pay for your medical expenses or have a valid plan for health insurance.
Hospitals and their Average Cost
The average bill size for public hospitals:
Medical specialities: $1,012 to $7,876 SGD
Surgical specialties: $1,638 to $10,541 SGD
The average bill size for private hospitals:
Medical specialties: $3,906 to $24,687 SGD
Surgical specialties: $8,109 to $18,993 SGD
How can you sign up for Singapore's healthcare system?
It can be relatively simple to get medical treatment. You don't need to do prior registration, and the registration on-site can be reasonably straightforward. Here is how you can do it:
Go to the polyclinic or private clinic you prefer and search for the reception desk. You won't be restricted to visiting only one clinic.
If it's your first time being here, make sure to inform the nurse on duty so she can give you a form that you can fill up.
The nurse will provide you with a number once you return the form.
Please wait until your number is shown or called, as it will indicate that it's your turn to go and see the doctor.
They will enter your records into the computer to be easy to retrieve information for future visits.
If you are approved for citizenship or permanent residency, you will automatically be signed up to the CPF (Central Provident Fund), the national savings scheme. Here, they will assign an approved insurer for your Medishield Life coverage. They will have annual premiums deducted from your CPF account, so you don't need to pay for anything in cash.
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