Singapore Health Insurance for Foreigners: Comprehensive Guide

Singapore's healthcare system is highly regarded, but it's not entirely free. Foreigners who want to live or work in Singapore should consider purchasing health insurance to cover medical expenses.

The Ministry of Manpower requires employers to provide medical insurance for their foreign employees, but this policy may not cover everything.

Some employers offer their employees a choice of health insurance providers, while others may require them to purchase a specific plan.

The cost of health insurance in Singapore varies depending on the provider and the type of plan chosen, but it's generally around 8-12% of the employee's salary.

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Health insurance options for foreigners in Singapore can be a bit complex, but don't worry, I've got the lowdown. Integrated Shield Plans (IPs) are designed to supplement MediShield Life, but some insurers offer IPs to non-citizens and non-PRs at higher premiums.

For those who need coverage in their home countries, global health insurance might be a better choice, as it provides coverage for both Singapore and the home country. For example, HSBC GlobalCare offers worldwide coverage, excluding the USA, for a premium of S$3,161 per year.

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If you're a foreigner living in Singapore, you may want to consider your options carefully. For instance, John, a 35-year-old who works in Singapore but is neither a citizen nor a PR, would pay around S$1,200 more annually for global health insurance, but it would provide him with the option of seeking healthcare in his home country.

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Having long-term health insurance coverage can be a game-changer, especially when moving to a new country like Singapore. With our annual healthcare plan, you'll have one less thing to worry about, covering you for over 11 months.

This plan helps you settle into your new life with peace of mind, knowing you've got somewhere to turn for help.

You can access Mind Health psychologist appointments in English and Spanish between Monday and Friday, 09.00 - 17.30 (UK time). This service is part of our Virtual Care from AXA service, provided in partnership with Teladoc Health.

The Mind Health service offers access to six sessions with a psychologist, per mind health concern, per policy year. This means you can get the support you need without worrying about exceeding a certain limit.

If you're calling from the UAE, appointments are available between Saturday to Thursday, 09.00 – 20.00, and Friday 09.00 – 16.00 (UAE time). This flexibility is great for those with busy schedules or different work hours.

Having a comprehensive health insurance plan is essential when moving to Singapore, especially if you're not a citizen or PR. You'll want to consider a plan that covers in-patient and day-patient care, as well as out-patient care up to USD 2,500.

Our annual healthcare plan offers comprehensive cover for over 11 months, giving you peace of mind as you settle into your new life in Singapore.

Some popular private health plans, such as Integrated Shield Plans (IPs), stack on top of the basic MediShield Life coverage, providing higher annual limits and pre- and post-hospitalisation coverage. With almost 3 million Singaporeans enrolled, IPs are a popular choice among locals.

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You can choose from a variety of plans, including AIA HealthShield Gold Max, Singlife Shield, and HSBC Life Shield, among others. These plans offer additional benefits, such as routine dental treatment and emergency cover as standard.

Here are some of the benefits of our international health plans in Singapore:

Our plans also offer simple claims and reimbursement, with over 80% of eligible claims reimbursed within 48 hours. And, if we've pre-approved your claim, we'll settle the bill with your medical provider directly.

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Medishield Life is Singapore's national health insurance system, which provides subsidized government healthcare services to citizens and permanent residents (PRs) who contribute to the national mandatory savings plan.

For those who don't pay their Medishield Life premiums, the penalty can be severe, involving paying back the interest lost to the Medishield Life Fund, recovering the amount from the individual's employer or bank, or even taking legal action against them.

Medishield Life subsidizes a large portion of hospital bills and outpatient treatment, but it has claims limits and is subject to deductibles and co-payments, which means it won't cover the hospital cost entirely.

Integrated Shield Plans (IPs) are private health plans that stack on top of the basic MediShield Life coverage, providing higher annual limits, along with pre- and post-hospitalisation coverage.

Some popular private IPs include AIA HealthShield Gold Max, Singlife Shield, HSBC Life Shield, Great Eastern GREAT Supremehealth, Income Enhanced IncomeShield, Prudential PRUShield, and Raffles Health Insurance Raffles Shield.

These IPs are designed to provide higher coverage than MediShield Life, but they can be expensive, with treatment costs potentially spiraling up to five times more than public healthcare options.

Here are some of the most popular Integrated Shield Plans available in Singapore:

Coverage and benefits are crucial when it comes to choosing the right health insurance plan in Singapore. Our annual healthcare plan provides cover for over 11 months, giving you peace of mind as you settle into your new life.

With our plan, you'll have access to a Virtual Doctor service, allowing you to speak to a qualified doctor from anywhere in the world in multiple languages. You'll also have access to a Mind Health service, connecting you to qualified psychologists for support when you need it.

Here are some of the key benefits of our international health plans in Singapore:

Medishield Life, the public healthcare system in Singapore, has claims limits and is subject to deductibles and co-payment, meaning it won't cover hospital costs entirely. In contrast, our plan offers comprehensive health and medical cover, including in-patient and day-patient care, out-patient care (limited to USD 2,500), and routine dental treatment.

Outpatient fees are covered by IPs, but only for specific treatments. For example, outpatient chemotherapy and kidney dialysis are covered.

Some outpatient fees are also covered, including immunosuppressants for organ transplant and day surgeries.

From April 2023, IPs will only cover MOH-approved outpatient cancer treatment. Treatments such as trial drugs and alternative medicines will not be claimable.

Here are some examples of outpatient fees that are covered:

Note that outpatient fees are limited, and only up to USD 2,500 is covered. Routine dental treatment is also covered under some plans.

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If you or a family member has a chronic condition, it's essential to ensure that your insurance plan covers it. This is crucial because chronic conditions require ongoing care and treatment.

Some chronic conditions, like diabetes, require regular medication and monitoring, which can be costly without insurance coverage.

Chronic conditions can also lead to expensive hospitalizations and surgeries, so having a plan that covers them is vital.

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The cost of healthcare in Singapore can be a significant concern for foreigners.

Premiums for health insurance are not guaranteed and will increase with age. You'll also need to consider the cost of any riders you opt to take up along with your plans.

Medisave can help cover some of the costs, but it's essential to understand how much of the premium can be paid using this account and any out-of-pocket expenses you may face.

A hospital visit in Singapore can be expensive, with a single-bed ward stay costing upwards of 550 USD per day.

Here are some average costs to expect:

Even with insurance, medical bills can still be unpredictable, with a single hospital stay costing as much as 57,653.61 SGD, as seen in one example.

Cover for over 11 months is available with an annual healthcare plan, which can help you settle into your new life in Singapore with peace of mind.

MediShield Life, Singapore's public healthcare system, has claims limits, deductibles, and co-payment, which means it won't cover hospital costs entirely. This can leave you with a significant bill to pay.

You can opt for a private healthcare provider to avoid waiting times, but this can cost up to five times more than public healthcare. A private health insurance plan like an Integrated Shield Plan can help you access private healthcare without breaking the bank.

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Routine doctor visits are a crucial part of maintaining good health, and in Singapore, they're not limited to seeing the same family physician.

You can see any doctor you want for each visit, but most people do stick with the same doctor because they better understand your medical history.

Building trust and strong communication with your doctor is essential, and they play a vital role in referring you to see a specialist if needed.

Your doctor will also make sure that the specialist's office receives copies of your relevant tests and reports.

You're probably wondering what type of coverage you need in Singapore. The Ministry of Manpower stipulates that employers must purchase medical insurance for each work permit holder, with at least S$15,000 coverage for policies before 1 July 2023, or S$60,000 of coverage per year, for those after 1 July 2023.

Employers are not required to offer adequate coverage for employees doing non-manual work, and whose salaries are more than S$2,600. This means most EP holders have to get their own private medical insurance.

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MediShield Life has claims limits, and is subject to deductibles and co-payment, so it won't cover hospital costs entirely. You'll need to consider additional coverage to fill the gaps.

In-patient and day-patient care, out-patient care limited to USD 2,500, and routine dental treatment are all important aspects to consider when choosing a health and medical cover.

To access healthcare in Singapore, you'll need to have lived and worked there for at least six months and be eligible for permanent resident status.

You can then make contributions to the national healthcare insurance initiative and access public healthcare services.

After making contributions, you'll still need to pay at least 30% of your medical costs, so it's worth considering an international private health insurance package.

Employers often provide medical insurance packages, especially to those coming to work in Singapore from overseas, but it's essential to check exactly what you're covered for and whether this cover applies to your family.

With a Now Health International medical and health insurance plan, you can ensure your costs are covered for as little or as much healthcare access as you need while living in Singapore.

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In Singapore, you'll find a wide range of private health insurance providers catering to expats.

An expat private health insurance is absolutely necessary, as it allows you to access hospitals, clinics, or emergency services without having to pay upfront.

Private health insurance providers in Singapore offer a high standard of care, with shorter waiting times and more personalized attention.

You can choose from a variety of packages and extras to suit your needs, such as additional coverage for maternity or dental care, or specific coverage for chronic illnesses.

Some policies may be active for a year, extendable beyond that, or even available with no expiration date, providing you with flexibility and peace of mind.

English is one of Singapore's official languages, so you won't have to worry about communication barriers when dealing with your insurance provider or medical professionals.

The other official languages are Chinese, Malay, and Tamil, but English is widely spoken and used in most industries and services.

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If you're an expat in Singapore, you'll need to have private health insurance to access hospitals, clinics, or emergency services unless you're willing to pay upfront.

The healthcare system in Singapore is considered one of the best in Asia, offering shorter waiting times and personalized care.

More expensive than other options, private health insurance is necessary to receive Western standards of care.

Without private health insurance, accessing medical facilities will be a significant challenge.

When choosing a private provider, it's essential to consider the various packages and extras available. The good news is that there's a wide range of options, differing significantly in both coverage and cost.

You'll want to determine if you need only standard coverage, additional options like maternity or dental, or specific coverage for chronic illnesses. This will help you make an informed decision about your health insurance needs.

Look into whether there are any discounts available for renewals, family plans, or children's insurance. This can help you save money and get the most out of your policy.

The policy may be active for a year, extendable beyond that, or even available with no expiration date. This gives you flexibility and peace of mind, knowing you're covered for the long-term.

You won't need to worry about language barriers, as English is one of Singapore's official languages.

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