World-Class Medical Care
Singapore is renowned for its world-class healthcare system, ranking among the top globally. Access top specialists, navigate insurance options, and find the best care for you and your family.
Foundation Knowledge
Singapore's healthcare system is built on a unique model combining government subsidies, mandatory savings, and private insurance. Here's what expats need to know.
Singapore's healthcare financing system is built on three pillars designed for citizens and PRs:
Mandatory savings account (part of CPF) for medical expenses. Contributions are 8-10.5% of salary. Can be used for hospitalisation, approved outpatient treatments, and health insurance premiums.
Basic catastrophic illness insurance for all citizens and PRs. Covers large hospital bills and expensive outpatient treatments. Premium payable from Medisave.
Government safety net for those who cannot afford medical bills after using Medisave and MediShield. Only available to citizens in genuine financial need.
As an expatriate, you exist outside this framework entirely:
→ You bear 100% of healthcare costs without private insurance
Singapore offers exceptional healthcare quality:
Government-run hospitals like SGH, NUH, TTSH. Heavily subsidized for citizens/PRs, but expats pay unsubsidized rates (Class A or private rates).
Premium facilities like Mount Elizabeth, Gleneagles, Raffles Hospital. Hotel-like service, shorter wait times, and personalized care.
Where to Get Care
Singapore has an extensive network of public and private hospitals. Here are the most popular choices for expats and international patients.
Singapore's flagship private hospital. 345 beds, comprehensive specialist services, and international patient centre. Popular for complex surgeries and maternity.
Premier tertiary hospital with over 300 beds. Known for oncology, cardiology, and orthopaedics. Beautiful garden setting near Botanic Gardens.
Full-service hospital near CBD. Known for comprehensive health screening packages and international patient services. Part of Raffles Medical Group.
Singapore's leading maternity hospital. Over 25,000 deliveries annually. Comprehensive women's and children's services.
Not-for-profit Catholic hospital. Known for compassionate care and competitive pricing. Good value alternative to other private hospitals.
Community hospital serving the East Coast area. More intimate setting with personalized care. Good for routine procedures.
Newest Mount Elizabeth facility (2012). Modern smart hospital with cutting-edge technology. Integrated specialist centre with over 200 specialists.
Boutique private hospital with focus on personalized care. Connected to Farrer Park Medical Centre with over 100 specialists.
Singapore's largest and oldest hospital. Flagship of SingHealth. Leading for complex cases, research, and training.
📍 Outram ParkAcademic medical centre linked to NUS Medicine. Strong in paediatrics, obstetrics, transplants, and complex surgeries.
📍 Kent RidgeSecond largest public hospital. Strong in rehabilitation, geriatrics, and infectious diseases. Part of NHG.
📍 NovenaMajor hospital serving the East. Strong in orthopaedics and A&E. Part of SingHealth.
📍 SimeiAward-winning eco-friendly hospital. Strong community health focus. Part of NHG.
📍 YishunModern smart hospital in Jurong. Fully integrated with JurongHealth Campus. Part of NUHS.
📍 Jurong EastNewest public hospital (2018). Serves growing North-East region. Part of SingHealth.
📍 SengkangCommunity hospital undergoing redevelopment. Part of NUHS. Focus on outpatient care.
📍 QueenstownLargest women's and children's hospital in Singapore. Specialist in high-risk pregnancies and paediatrics.
📍 Little IndiaLeading cardiac centre for heart disease treatment, surgeries, and research.
📍 Outram ParkComprehensive cancer treatment including surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and clinical trials.
📍 Outram ParkLargest eye care centre in Singapore. Specialist in all eye conditions and surgeries.
📍 Outram ParkSpecialist dental services including oral surgery, orthodontics, and implants.
📍 Outram ParkSpecialist dermatology services for all skin conditions, including skin cancer.
📍 NovenaOnly tertiary psychiatric hospital. Comprehensive mental health services and treatment.
📍 BuangkokCommunity hospitals provide step-down care, rehabilitation, and palliative care after acute hospital stays.
Hougang • Rehabilitation and sub-acute care
Simei • Rehabilitation and palliative care
Bukit Batok • Geriatric and palliative care
Ang Mo Kio • Rehabilitation services
Bukit Batok • Sub-acute and rehabilitative care
Yishun • Integrated with KTPH
Outram • Integrated with SGH Campus
Sengkang • Integrated with SKH
Class A/B1 Wards: Expats pay unsubsidized rates but get same excellent doctors. Often 30-40% cheaper than private hospitals.
Polyclinics: For routine care, visit polyclinics first. They can refer you to specialist outpatient clinics (SOCs) at public hospitals.
Booking: Use the respective hospital apps or websites to book appointments. SGH, NUH, and TTSH have online booking systems.
Health Clusters: SingHealth (SGH, CGH, SKH), NUHS (NUH, NTFGH, AH), NHG (TTSH, KTPH). Records are shared within clusters.
Protection
Without government subsidies, private health insurance is essential for expats. Here's an overview of your options.
Singapore's most popular health insurance. Covers hospitalisation at public and private hospitals. Expats can purchase and pay in cash (same premium as locals).
Global coverage that moves with you. Comprehensive benefits including outpatient, dental, maternity, and worldwide coverage.
Many employers provide group health insurance. Useful but often has gaps. Don't rely on this alone.
Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Employer insurance disappears when you leave your job. Any health conditions developed during employment become "pre-existing," making future coverage difficult or impossible.
Read Complete Insurance Guide →Global Healthcare Destination
Singapore is a premier medical tourism destination, attracting over 500,000 international patients annually. World-class facilities, renowned specialists, and seamless patient experiences.
Multiple JCI-accredited hospitals. Singapore's healthcare standards are among the highest globally, with success rates comparable to or exceeding Western countries.
Many doctors trained at top US, UK, and Australian institutions. English-speaking medical staff throughout. Specialists in oncology, cardiology, orthopaedics, fertility, and more.
Unlike many countries, Singapore offers quick access to specialists and procedures. No months-long queues for consultations or surgeries.
Hospitals provide detailed cost estimates upfront. Package pricing available for common procedures. Often 30-50% less expensive than US for equivalent care.
Bypass surgery, angioplasty, valve replacement
Oncology, radiation therapy, immunotherapy
Hip/knee replacement, spine surgery
Full IVF cycle, egg freezing, fertility assessment
Comprehensive packages with imaging
Reconstructive, aesthetic procedures
*Prices are indicative and vary based on complexity, hospital, and doctor.
Major hospitals have dedicated international patient centres offering:
Premium Services
Navigate Singapore's healthcare system with ease. Medical concierge services provide personalized guidance, doctor matching, appointment coordination, and seamless care experiences.
Get matched with the right specialists based on your medical needs, language preferences, and budget. We work with Singapore's top hospitals and private practices.
Comprehensive health check packages at Singapore's leading hospitals. From basic screenings to executive health programs with advanced diagnostics.
We handle all appointment scheduling, reminders, and follow-ups so you can focus on what matters most. Priority booking at top hospitals.
Navigate insurance claims with ease. We help you understand your coverage and process claims efficiently with direct billing arrangements.
24/7 emergency hotline for urgent medical needs. We'll guide you to the nearest appropriate facility and coordinate care.
World-class maternity and children's healthcare. From prenatal care to pediatric specialists, we help you find the best care for your family.
We work with established medical concierge providers to offer you comprehensive healthcare navigation services.
Personalized healthcare navigation for expats
Coming SoonSpecialist-matched care coordination
Coming SoonFamily Planning
Planning to have a baby in Singapore? Our comprehensive maternity guide covers everything from choosing a hospital and ob-gyn, to maternity insurance, confinement care, and preparing for your newborn.
Delivery Costs (Private)
Maternity Leave
Confinement Nanny (28 days)
Insurance Waiting Period
Expert Advice
Find a GP clinic near your home. They can provide referrals to specialists, which often means shorter wait times and better coordination of care.
Government polyclinics offer basic healthcare at lower costs, even for expats. Good for routine check-ups, vaccinations, and simple illnesses.
Apps like Doctor Anywhere, WhiteCoat, and MyDoc offer video consultations with doctors. Great for minor ailments, medication refills, and saving time.
Review your employer's health insurance policy carefully. Note annual caps, exclusions, waiting periods, and whether dependents are covered. Many plans have gaps you'll need to fill.
Maintain copies of all medical records, test results, and prescriptions. This is crucial when switching doctors, moving countries, or filing insurance claims.
Popular specialists can have 2-4 week wait times. Book appointments well in advance, especially for dermatologists, ob-gyns, and pediatricians.
Let our medical concierge team help you navigate Singapore's healthcare system. From finding the right doctor to understanding your insurance options, we're here to help.
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