Healthcare Guide in Singapore | Health Insurance in Singapore for Expats

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You must read this blog if you believe that healthcare should only be accessed when you are sick. MediSave is popular with Singaporeans, but that’s only half of the story. It’s best to understand how Singapore’s healthcare system works before you need it. So, here we discuss the healthcare guide in Singapore. Read on to find out more.

Healthcare Guide in Singapore for Expats

Types of Healthcare in Singapore:

Healthcare is of two types in Singapore. One is subsidized government healthcare and the other is unsubsidized private healthcare. The government has full control over government-funded healthcare. According to your citizenship, the prices for subsidized healthcare will vary. So, for Singapore residents and PRs, government healthcare is generally less expensive than private healthcare.

“3Ms” of Healthcare:

All CPF members pay a percentage of their earnings into a MediSave account. MediSave funds are used for medical expenses in Singapore. However, they are limited to permitted purposes and have certain restrictions. MediShield Life is government-mandated health insurance. It covers specific types of medical expenditures, such as hospitalization, etc.

MediShield Life is quite basic and insufficient for private hospitals. Hence, supplement your MediShield Life with another private insurance. It is called the Integrated Shield Plan. MediFund is a government-sponsored fund to help people who cannot afford medical expenses. All MediFund applications are considered on a case-by-case basis. And the amount granted to successful applicants is also calculated on a case-by-case basis.

Public Hospitals in Singapore

The government-owned organizations that have public hospitals are commonly known as restructured hospitals. Some of the famous ones are Changi General Hospital, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore General Hospital Khoo, etc. The medical costs are lower in public hospitals as compared to private hospitals.

If you are a Singapore citizen or PR and are admitted to a public hospital, you will be eligible for subsidies. It will be based on your income and ward type. Foreigners who are not permanent residents are only eligible for emergency department care. Patients who do not have an income are eligible for the highest tier of subsidies.

Can you be a “Private Patient” at a Public Hospital?

It takes longer to avail treatment at a public hospital than at a private hospital. If you walk in for appointments to a public hospital, expect to wait a few hours. Also, if you want to get a specific test or treatment at a public hospital, you may have to wait for a few months. To avoid such hassle, register at a public hospital as a private patient. By doing so, you can skip the line as you won’t be getting any subsidies.

To be considered a private patient, you must meet the following criteria:

• Choose the doctor you want to consult with. (Subsidized patients do not have a say).
• Get a recommendation from a private hospital/ practitioner.
• As a private patient, get a reference from a public or reformed hospital.
• You are a Singaporean who is either a foreign resident or a non-resident. (Because subsidies do not apply, there is no need to line with patients who do.)

Private Hospitals in Singapore

Is it true that private healthcare is better? While both private and public hospitals have world-class doctors, choosing private has certain benefits. To begin with, you will save time as you won’t have to go through long queues. You may also choose your doctor with private healthcare. This is vital if you have a serious disease and want the finest doctors available. However, private healthcare is far more expensive. Keep in mind that you will need to have private hospitalization insurance. For instance, an Integrated Shield Plan before being admitted to a private hospital.

Difference Between Private & Public Hospitals

So, what’s happens if you use a public hospital as a private patient? And if you go to a private hospital? In comparison to public hospitals, private hospitals offer a “premium” experience. It doesn’t matter if you’re only receiving a brief check-up. It makes a big difference for those patients who are admitted to the hospital. The most affordable private hospital rooms start at four beds. And the most expensive ones are luxurious and elegant. Meanwhile, in public hospitals, the rooms in Class C wards start with 8 or 9 beds. And even the most costly Class B1 wards offer 4 beds.

Healthcare Guide in Singapore

Singapore’s healthcare system is not simply private vs public hospitals. There are three possibilities to look at – Full subsidies are available in public hospitals. However, they might be sluggish and you cannot choose your doctor. If you are a private patient in public hospitals, you will have fewer subsidies but more options. Also, it will be less expensive than going “all-in” private.

Premium hospital options for the rich & wealthy guarantee a luxurious experience at a high cost. Cost is the most important factor when picking between private and public hospitals, for most people. Visit a public hospital as a private patient if you want to keep expenses low.

If you are living in Singapore, then buy private health insurance and make a smart move. It will lower your out-of-pocket expenses upon exhausting your MediShield Life or MediSave fund. The most cost-effective option is to supplement your healthcare with an Integrated Shield Plan. For Singaporeans, the Integrated Shield Plan will support your existing healthcare and keep you secured.

Choose an Integrated Shield Plan that suits your needs. There are various options available in the insurance market. And you can compare many health insurance plans before you finalize one. Secure good health insurance for you and your family as healthcare is extremely expensive in Singapore. Our healthcare guide in Singapore will help you to understand the health insurance system.

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