Singapore boasts one of the finest public healthcare systems worldwide, and as a result, its residents experience remarkable good health. By almost any metric, Singapore stands out. Singapore was placed 6th by the World Health Organization's ranking of global health systems in 2000 and continues to hold this spot today. Furthermore, the Economist Intelligence Unit placed Singapore 2nd out of 166 nations for health-care outcomes. Singapore was named fourth healthiest among 163 nations ranked on the Bloomberg Global Health Index of 163, ranking it 4th overall and having world's longest life expectancy at 84.8 years in 2019! Therefore, it comes as no surprise why Singapore is popular with expats and digital nomads! Here is what foreigners need to know before moving here in regards to health insurance in Singapore.
Singapore is known for its world-class healthcare system, with a mix of public and private hospitals and clinics. As a foreigner living in Singapore, it's important to have medical insurance to ensure that you can access quality healthcare without worrying about the high costs. In this article, we'll take a closer look at options available to foreigners in Singapore.
Expat health insurance covers foreigners (neither Singaporeans nor Permanent Residents) who have relocated from other countries with valid work and residential visas in Singapore to work or reside.
Health insurance is designed specifically to allow foreign residents living here to access Singapore healthcare facilities while living here, much like an Integrated Shield Plan but without accessing MediShield Life benefits provided by the government.
Singapore provides expats with access to more international health insurance plans compared to Integrated Shield health plans from Income Insurance, AIA and Great Eastern. International plans typically offer greater coverage than their Integrated Shield counterparts provided by Income Insurance, AIA or Great Eastern.
As part of your relocation to Singapore, take some time to familiarise yourself with health insurance in Singapore. In particular, make note of MediShield Life (provided by the government) and its booster counterpart, Integrated Shield Plans.
All Singaporeans and PRs are automatically enrolled into Medishield Life, the Ministry of Health's subsidised health insurance policy.
Singaporeans and PRs now have the option to boost their MediShield Life health insurance with higher claim limits, additional medical coverage options, and other advantages through an Integrated Shield Plan purchased from private insurance providers.
Foreign Nationals Expats Integraled Shield Plans can also be purchased by foreign nationals living in Singapore with valid visas; however, non-citizens won't get government subsidies through Medishield Life.
Singapore boasts universal healthcare provision through both public and private facilities, and citizens and permanent residents (known as PRs ) of Singapore can take advantage of subsidized government healthcare services by contributing to Singapore's National Mandatory Saving Plan. All citizens and PRs must subscribe to an approved health insurance or medical care plan known as Medishield Life in order to gain access to this subsidized healthcare option.
Medishield Life policies help cover hospital bills and outpatient treatments by offering deductible plans, which require patients to either pay a minimum amount before making claims or contribute a certain percentage toward medical fees while their insurer covers the rest. Public healthcare provided through government run "polyclinics" and hospitals is covered through Medishield Life; additionally, the government may also offer grants or further subsidies such as the CHAS card which provides discounted medical care to help those unable to afford premiums or copayments receive healthcare assistance.
Anyone failing to pay their Medishield Life premiums faces serious repercussions; such as paying back any interest lost to the Medishield Life Fund and recovering it through employers or banks or taking legal action against them.
Foreign residents residing in or visiting Singapore on temporary or extended assignments typically obtain medical coverage via international health plans provided through their employer or purchased privately.
While moving to Singapore, take some time to familiarise yourself with the basics of health insurance basics in Singapore. In particular, learn more about MediShield Life (an official government plan) and Integrated Shield Plans - two plans offered by private providers which act as booster plans.
Your hospitalisation stays and surgeries approved by Singapore's Ministry of Health will be covered under your Integrated Shield Plan for foreigners, along with hospital ward stays, intensive Care Unit (ICU), surgery fees, medication costs, diagnostic testing costs and miscellaneous fees that arise during hospitalisation or surgery - this health insurance plan covers everything!
IP plans designed for foreigners typically cover common outpatient treatments such as kidney dialysis, erythropoietin therapy, cancer radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy therapies - as well as organ transplant immunosuppressant medication and long-term parenteral nutrition or tube feeding services - as claimable services.
Local health insurance generally offers comprehensive medical protection while you're physically located in Singapore, while some plans provide emergency medical coverage abroad, including life-or-death situations like emergency treatments or evacuations.
If your hospitalisation stay and treatments received during that stay have all been approved by your insurance provider as eligible claims, then pre-hospitalisation treatments can also be filed as claims.
Once released from hospitalisation, you're likely to require post-hospitalisation treatments or prescriptions that you can claim under insurance as post-hospitalisation costs.
As for expats in Singapore who hold employment passes, dependent passes or S-pass visas - such as employment passes and dependent passes - these people cannot contribute to Singapore's Central Provident Fund (CPF), which helps finance public healthcare coverage. Singapore differs significantly from Europe in that permanent residency can often be acquired more easily; with Singapore's version having very specific criteria attached that must be satisfied after years and years of residency and applications to the Ministry of Manpower to become permanent residents - most expats won't ever become permanent residents either; most expats hold visas such as employment passes (known as dependant passes) meaning they're unable to contribute CPF contributions towards public healthcare coverage in either direction.
Foreigners living in Singapore generally aren't covered by national Singapore insurance schemes like Medishield Life; instead, they must cover medical care out-of-pocket or via private health plans provided by employers or purchased privately.
Singapore's healthcare system is often cited as a model for other countries to emulate. Singapore has a reputation for having one of the most efficient and cost-effective healthcare systems in the world, offering high-quality healthcare to its citizens at a reasonable cost. This article will explore the various aspects of public healthcare in Singapore, including its history, current state, and future prospects.
Background
Singapore's healthcare system has its roots in the colonial era. Before the establishment of the modern healthcare system, healthcare was primarily provided by traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, Indian Ayurvedic practitioners, and Malay healers. In the early 19th century, British colonial authorities established hospitals and clinics to cater to the medical needs of their troops and civilians.
After Singapore gained independence in 1965, the government embarked on a series of healthcare reforms to improve the health of its citizens. One of the key reforms was the establishment of a public healthcare system that would provide affordable and accessible healthcare to all Singaporeans. Today, the public healthcare system in Singapore is a world-class system that is admired by many countries.
Overview of Public Healthcare in Singapore
The public healthcare system in Singapore is primarily funded by the government. The Ministry of Health (MOH) is responsible for the overall management of the healthcare system, while the Health Promotion Board (HPB) is responsible for promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing diseases.
The public healthcare system in Singapore consists of three main components: hospitals, polyclinics, and specialist clinics. Hospitals are the primary providers of acute care services, while polyclinics provide primary healthcare services such as general consultations, health screenings, and vaccinations. Specialist clinics provide specialized services such as cancer treatment, cardiology, and neurology.
There are currently six public hospitals in Singapore, all of which are owned and operated by the government. These hospitals are:
In addition to these public hospitals, there are also several private hospitals in Singapore that provide healthcare services to patients who prefer to seek treatment in the private sector.
The polyclinics in Singapore are operated by the government and provide affordable primary healthcare services to Singaporeans. There are currently 20 polyclinics located across the island, with each polyclinic serving a specific region.
The specialist clinics in Singapore are operated by both the government and private healthcare providers. These clinics provide specialized healthcare services to patients who require more advanced medical treatment.
Healthcare Financing in Singapore
The healthcare system in Singapore is financed through a combination of government subsidies, private insurance, and out-of-pocket payments. The government provides significant subsidies for healthcare services, particularly for lower-income Singaporeans.
In addition to government subsidies, the government also operates several healthcare financing schemes to help Singaporeans pay for their medical expenses. These schemes include the MediSave, MediShield Life, and ElderShield schemes.
MediSave is a compulsory savings scheme that requires all Singaporeans to contribute a portion of their income to a personal MediSave account. These savings can be used to pay for medical expenses, including hospitalization, surgery, and outpatient treatments.
MediShield Life is a government-run health insurance scheme that provides all Singaporeans with basic health insurance coverage for life. The scheme covers hospitalization and selected outpatient treatments, and premiums are subsidized by the government for lower-income Singaporeans.
ElderShield is a government-run long-term care insurance scheme that provides financial support to Singaporeans who require long-term care services in their old age. The scheme is compulsory for all Singaporeans aged 40 and above, and premiums are subsidized by the government for lower-income Singaporeans.
Singapore is renowned for its world-class healthcare system, which offers high-quality medical care to both locals and foreigners. The private healthcare sector is a vital component of the healthcare system, offering a range of services to patients who prefer to seek medical treatment in the private sector. This article will provide an overview of private healthcare in Singapore, including its history, current state, and future prospects.
Background
The private healthcare sector in Singapore has a long history that dates back to the colonial era. In the early 20th century, private hospitals and clinics were established to cater to the medical needs of the European expatriate community. These hospitals were typically run by religious orders, such as the Catholic Church and the Salvation Army.
After Singapore gained independence in 1965, the private healthcare sector began to expand rapidly, with the opening of new private hospitals and clinics. The private healthcare sector in Singapore has since become a significant contributor to the economy, generating employment opportunities and attracting medical tourists from around the world.
Overview of Private Healthcare in Singapore
The private healthcare sector in Singapore is primarily made up of private hospitals and clinics, which offer a range of medical services to patients. Private hospitals are typically more expensive than public hospitals, but they offer greater flexibility, shorter waiting times, and more personalized care.
There are currently 13 private hospitals in Singapore, all of which are owned and operated by private healthcare providers. These hospitals offer a range of medical services, including cardiology, oncology, neurology, and orthopedics. Some of the largest private hospitals in Singapore include Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Gleneagles Hospital, and Raffles Hospital.
In addition to private hospitals, there are also numerous private clinics and medical centers in Singapore that offer specialized medical services such as dermatology, dentistry, and fertility treatment.
Healthcare Financing in Private Healthcare
Private healthcare in Singapore is primarily financed through private insurance and out-of-pocket payments. Private health insurance is widely available in Singapore, with numerous insurers offering a range of policies to suit different needs and budgets.
Private health insurance policies typically cover hospitalization, surgery, and outpatient treatment, and premiums vary depending on the level of coverage required. Some policies may also offer additional benefits, such as maternity care, dental care, and wellness programs.
Patients who seek medical treatment in the private sector are usually required to pay for their medical expenses out-of-pocket. These expenses can include consultation fees, diagnostic tests, medications, and surgical procedures. The cost of private healthcare in Singapore can be high, but many patients are willing to pay for the additional benefits that private healthcare offers, such as shorter waiting times and more personalized care.
Healthcare Delivery in Private Healthcare
Private healthcare in Singapore is delivered by a range of medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals. Private hospitals and clinics typically employ highly skilled medical professionals, many of whom have trained and worked overseas.
Private healthcare providers in Singapore are regulated by the Ministry of Health (MOH), which ensures that they meet the same standards of care and safety as public healthcare providers. Private healthcare providers are also required to comply with strict regulations regarding the licensing of medical professionals, the accreditation of medical facilities, and the reporting of medical errors and adverse events.
The Future of Private Healthcare in Singapore
The private healthcare sector in Singapore is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, driven by increasing demand for medical services from both local and foreign patients. Private healthcare providers are likely to invest in new technologies and facilities to remain competitive, and they may also explore new partnerships and collaborations with public healthcare providers to improve the delivery of medical services.
There are several types of medical insurance available in Singapore, including:
When choosing a medical insurance policy in Singapore, it's important to consider the following factors:
Medical insurance is essential for foreigners living in Singapore to ensure that they can access quality healthcare without worrying about the high costs. There are several types available in Singapore, including international medical insurance, local medical insurance, employer-sponsored medical insurance, and personal medical insurance. When choosing a policy, it's important to consider the coverage, limits, deductibles and co-payments, network