Hospital & Health Insurance for Expats

Foundation Knowledge

Understanding Singapore's Healthcare System

The "3M" Framework for Citizens & PRs

Singapore's healthcare financing system is built on the "3M" framework designed for citizens and permanent residents: Medisave (mandatory savings for medical expenses), MediShield Life (basic catastrophic illness insurance), and Medifund (safety net for those who cannot afford their medical bills).

This system works well for Singaporeans who have been contributing to CPF throughout their working lives. However, as an expatriate, you exist outside this framework entirely. You cannot contribute to Medisave, you're not covered by MediShield Life, and you're not eligible for Medifund assistance. This means you bear 100% of your healthcare costs out of pocket unless you have private insurance.

Public vs Private Healthcare

Singapore has both public and private healthcare sectors. Public hospitals like Singapore General Hospital (SGH), Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), and National University Hospital (NUH) are government-subsidized, but only for citizens and PRs. As a foreigner, you pay unsubsidized rates, which can be 2-3 times higher than what locals pay for the same treatment.

Private hospitals like Mount Elizabeth, Gleneagles, Raffles Hospital, and Thomson Medical Centre offer premium facilities, shorter wait times, and more personalized care. However, costs are significantly higher. A simple appendectomy that costs SGD 8,000-12,000 at a public hospital can cost SGD 15,000-25,000 at a private hospital.

⚠️ The Real Cost of Healthcare in Singapore

Without insurance, a serious medical condition can quickly drain your savings. Here are some real cost examples:

Private hospital single room: SGD 800-1,500 per night (before treatment)
Heart bypass surgery: SGD 45,000-80,000
Cancer treatment (chemotherapy): SGD 3,000-10,000 per cycle
Hip replacement: SGD 25,000-45,000
Childbirth (C-section, private): SGD 15,000-25,000
ICU stay: SGD 2,000-5,000 per day

✓ Why Singapore Is Still Attractive for Healthcare

Despite the costs, Singapore's healthcare system offers significant advantages:

• World-class medical facilities and technology
• Highly trained doctors, many with international credentials
• English-speaking medical staff throughout
• Short wait times compared to many countries
• High standards of hygiene and safety
• Medical tourism destination for complex procedures

Critical Understanding

Why Health Insurance Is Non-Negotiable for Expats

No Government Subsidies

Unlike citizens and PRs who receive substantial government subsidies (50-80% in public hospitals), expats pay full unsubsidized rates for all healthcare services. What costs a Singaporean SGD 500 for a hospital stay could cost you SGD 2,000 or more for the exact same treatment.

Employer Coverage Gaps

Many expats rely solely on employer-provided insurance, but this often has significant limitations: caps on coverage amounts, restrictions on hospital types, limited coverage for dependents, and most critically, coverage ends the moment your employment does. A job loss during a health crisis could be financially devastating.

Family Protection

Your spouse on a Dependant's Pass and your children likely have no coverage at all under your employer's plan, or very limited coverage. Children's healthcare, from routine vaccinations to emergency care, adds up quickly. A child's hospital stay for dengue fever can easily cost SGD 5,000-10,000.

Portability When You Move

Your career may take you to different countries. Personal health insurance, especially international plans, can move with you. This continuity is invaluable: you maintain coverage without new underwriting, your pre-existing conditions remain covered, and you don't start from scratch in a new country.

Choice of Healthcare Provider

With proper insurance, you can choose where to receive treatment. This means access to private hospitals with shorter wait times, better facilities, and doctors who specialize in treating international patients. Without insurance, cost often dictates your healthcare decisions rather than quality.

Future Insurability

Your health today determines your insurability tomorrow. Whether you leave your job voluntarily (career change, starting a business, returning home) or involuntarily (redundancy, company closure), or when you eventually retire, having your own policy ensures you remain covered. Without it, health conditions developed during employment become "pre-existing," making future coverage difficult or impossible.

💡 Pro Tip: Why Your Own Individual Plan Matters

Don't put all your eggs in one basket. While employer-provided insurance is a great benefit, it comes with a critical flaw: it disappears the moment you leave your job, whether by choice, redundancy, or company restructuring.

Imagine this scenario: You've been working in Singapore for 5 years, relying on company insurance. During this time, you develop a health condition, perhaps high blood pressure, diabetes, or even something more serious. Then your company downsizes, or you decide to change careers. Suddenly, you're uninsured, and now that health condition is "pre-existing", making new insurance either extremely expensive, heavily excluded, or outright impossible to obtain.

With your own individual health insurance plan, you get:

✓ Lifetime coverage that stays with you regardless of employment
✓ Locked-in premiums based on your age when you first apply
✓ No gaps in coverage during job transitions
✓ Conditions covered that develop after you're insured stay covered
✓ Your choice of hospitals and doctors, not your employer's
✓ Family protection with proper coverage for spouse and children

"The best time to buy health insurance is when you're young and healthy, when you don't think you need it. The worst time is when you actually need it, because by then, it may be too late."

Your Options

Types of Health Insurance Available to Expats

Understanding your options is the first step to making an informed decision. Each type of health insurance has its own benefits, limitations, and ideal use cases.

Integrated Shield Plans (ISP)

Integrated Shield Plans are Singapore's most popular form of health insurance for residents. They're called "integrated" because they layer on top of the basic MediShield Life coverage, providing enhanced benefits including access to private hospitals and higher ward classes.

How ISPs Work: These plans are offered by private insurers (AIA, Prudential, Great Eastern, NTUC Income, etc.) but are integrated with the national MediShield Life scheme. Premiums can be paid using CPF Medisave, which is a significant advantage for those who have it.

Good News for Expats: Expats can still purchase Integrated Shield Plans! The overall premiums are exactly the same as for Singapore Citizens and PRs. The only difference is the payment method. Since expats don't have CPF/Medisave, the portion that locals would pay from Medisave needs to be paid in cash instead. Rest assured, the total cost remains the same, and you get the same comprehensive coverage and benefits.

Pre & Post Hospitalisation Coverage: ISPs don't just cover your hospital stay. They also cover medical expenses before and after hospitalisation. Pre-hospitalisation typically covers consultations, tests, and treatments up to 180 days before admission (e.g., diagnostic scans, specialist consultations, and tests that lead to your hospital admission). Post-hospitalisation covers follow-up care for up to 365 days after discharge, including medication, physiotherapy, and follow-up consultations related to your hospitalisation. This comprehensive coverage ensures you're protected throughout your entire treatment journey, not just during the hospital stay.

✓ Comprehensive coverage ✓ Private hospital access ✓ MOH-regulated with LOG ✓ Emergency overseas coverage 💵 Expats pay cash (same premium as SC/PR)

ISP Plan Tiers

Private Hospital Plans

Recommended

Single/deluxe rooms, at least $1.5M coverage reset yearly

Class A Plans

Recommended

Single room in restructured hospitals, $500K coverage reset yearly

Class B1 Plans

2-bed room in restructured hospitals, $250K coverage reset yearly

Class B2/C Plans

4-6 bed ward (basic enhancement), $150K coverage reset yearly

Approved ISP Providers

Recommended for Expats

International Health Insurance (IPMI)

International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) is specifically designed for globally mobile individuals. These plans provide comprehensive coverage that works in Singapore and typically 100+ other countries, making them ideal for expats who travel frequently or may relocate.

Key Advantages for Expats: No Medisave or CPF required. Premiums are paid in cash or via credit card. Coverage is genuinely global, meaning you're protected whether you're in Singapore, visiting home, or traveling for business. Most plans include comprehensive benefits like outpatient care, dental, vision, maternity, and mental health that local plans often exclude.

Coverage Flexibility: You can typically choose your coverage area (Asia-Pacific, Worldwide excluding USA, or Worldwide including USA) and adjust your plan as your needs change. Deductibles and co-payment options let you balance premium costs with out-of-pocket expenses.

Portability: When you leave Singapore, your coverage continues. This is crucial for expats as you don't lose your coverage history or face new underwriting for pre-existing conditions when you move to a new country.

✓ No Medisave required ✓ Global coverage ✓ Portable when you move ✓ Comprehensive benefits

Popular IPMI Providers

Cigna Global
Allianz Worldwide Care
Liberty Insurance
Bupa Global

Annual premiums typically range from SGD 3,000-15,000 depending on age, coverage level, and deductible choices.

Standalone Hospital Plans

Some Singapore insurers offer standalone hospital plans that don't require Medisave and can be paid entirely in cash. These provide pure hospitalization coverage without the complexity of integrated plans, making them a simpler option for expats who want straightforward protection.

What's Covered: These plans typically cover hospital room and board, surgical fees, doctor's charges, diagnostic tests, and pre/post hospitalization care. They focus on inpatient treatment and may not include outpatient visits, dental, or vision care.

Best For: Expats on a budget who want basic hospitalization coverage as a safety net. If you have good employer coverage but want backup protection, or if you're young and healthy with a lower risk tolerance, standalone plans offer affordable entry-level protection.

✓ Cash payment accepted ✓ Lower premiums ✓ Simple structure ✗ Limited to hospitalization

Typical Coverage

Hospital room & board
Surgical expenses
ICU charges
Doctor's fees
Pre/post hospital visits
Emergency outpatient

Premiums: SGD 1,000-4,000/year depending on age and coverage level.

⚠️ Pro Tips: Know the Limitations

Low Coverage Limits: These plans often have very low annual limits (SGD 50,000-150,000) and sub-limits per item. A single major surgery or cancer treatment can easily exceed your entire coverage.

Not MOH-Regulated: Unlike Integrated Shield Plans, standalone hospital plans are not regulated by the Ministry of Health (MOH). This means less consumer protection and oversight.

No Letter of Guarantee (LOG): Most standalone plans don't provide LOG. You'll need to pay hospital bills upfront and submit claims for reimbursement later, potentially leaving you with large out-of-pocket expenses during emergencies.

Claims Process: Without direct billing arrangements, you'll handle all paperwork yourself and wait weeks for reimbursement.

Side-by-Side

Comparing Your Options

Feature	Integrated Shield Plan	International Health (IPMI)	Standalone Hospital
Medisave Subsidy	PRs via Medisave, Expats via cash	No	No
Geographic Coverage	Singapore only	Worldwide	Singapore primarily
Private Hospital Access	✓ (higher tiers)	✓	Varies by plan
Outpatient Coverage	Subject to hospital treatment	✓ (most plans)	✗
Maternity Coverage	✗	✓ (optional)	✗
Dental & Vision	✗	✓ (optional)	✗
Portability	✗	✓ Excellent	Limited
Annual Premium (Age 35)	SGD 400-1,500	SGD 3,000-10,000	SGD 1,000-3,000
Best For	All - PRs & Expats in Singapore	Expats on work passes	Budget-conscious expats

*Premiums are indicative and vary based on age, health status, coverage level, and insurer. Contact us for personalized quotes.

Expert Guidance

Pro Tips for Expats Buying Health Insurance

1

Don't Rely Solely on Employer Coverage

Corporate insurance is a valuable benefit, but it's designed to attract talent, not provide comprehensive protection. Common gaps include: limited coverage for dependents (often only SGD 10,000-30,000/year), restrictions on private hospitals, annual caps that seem adequate until you have a major claim, and immediate termination upon resignation or termination. Personal insurance ensures continuity regardless of your employment status.

2

Apply While You're Healthy

This cannot be stressed enough. Insurance underwriting assesses your health at the time of application. Pre-existing conditions can result in: permanent exclusions (they'll never cover that condition), loading (higher premiums), or outright rejection. Every year you wait is a year where health issues could develop. The best time to buy health insurance is when you don't need it.

3

Consider Portability if You Might Relocate

If there's any chance your career might take you to another country, prioritize portable coverage. Singapore-specific plans like ISPs only work in Singapore. When you leave, you lose that coverage and must apply for new insurance in your new country, with any health conditions you've developed now considered pre-existing. International plans let you maintain continuous coverage regardless of where you live.

4

Understand Co-Payment and Deductibles

Co-payment means you pay a percentage of each claim (e.g., 10%). Deductibles are amounts you pay first before insurance kicks in. Higher deductibles mean lower premiums but more out-of-pocket costs when you claim. For example, a plan with a SGD 2,000 deductible might cost 40% less than a zero-deductible plan. If you're generally healthy and have savings to cover smaller bills, this can be a smart tradeoff.

5

Don't Forget Outpatient Coverage

Hospital plans only cover inpatient stays. But most healthcare happens outside hospitals: GP visits (SGD 50-100), specialist consultations (SGD 150-300), diagnostic tests (SGD 200-1,000+), prescription medications, physiotherapy, mental health counseling. These costs add up. Consider outpatient riders or plans that include comprehensive outpatient benefits.

6

Review Coverage for Your Home Country

Many expats prefer to receive treatment in their home country for complex procedures, whether for comfort, language, or having family support nearby. Check if your plan covers treatment back home and what limits apply. Some plans cover worldwide treatment at Singapore rates; others pay based on local costs. This becomes especially important for serious illnesses requiring extended treatment.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can expats on Work Permits buy health insurance in Singapore?

Yes! Most international health insurance plans accept expats on any type of work authorization, including Employment Pass, S Pass, and even Work Permit holders. The key requirements are usually:

Valid work authorization with at least 6-12 months remaining
Residing in Singapore (not just visiting)
Meeting basic health requirements during underwriting

Integrated Shield Plans typically require CPF/Medisave, making them more suitable for PRs and Citizens. However, some insurers offer cash-payable alternatives. We can help you find the right option regardless of your visa status.

What happens to my insurance if I leave Singapore?

This depends entirely on your policy type:

Singapore Integrated Shield Plans: These generally only cover treatment in Singapore. When you leave permanently, the coverage becomes essentially useless. You may be able to get a refund of unused premiums.

International Health Insurance (IPMI): These plans are designed for mobility. You simply update your country of residence, and coverage continues seamlessly. Premiums may adjust based on your new location's healthcare costs, but your coverage history and any claims remain intact.

Our Recommendation: If there's any possibility you might leave Singapore, choose a portable international plan for continuous coverage without re-underwriting. However, if you're planning to stay in Singapore long-term, especially if you're a PR or intending to become one, an Integrated Shield Plan (ISP) is highly recommended. ISPs are regulated by Singapore's Ministry of Health, offer excellent value, and integrate seamlessly with Medisave. Many expats opt for both: an ISP for comprehensive local coverage and a basic international plan for overseas emergencies.

Are pre-existing conditions covered?

Pre-existing conditions are one of the most complex areas in health insurance. Here's what typically happens:

Full Disclosure Required: You must disclose all known health conditions during application. Failure to disclose can result in claims being rejected or your policy being voided entirely.

Possible Outcomes:

Exclusion: The condition is permanently excluded from coverage
Loading: Higher premiums to compensate for increased risk
Waiting period: Coverage begins after 12-24 months for that condition
Decline: Application rejected entirely (rare, for serious conditions)

Some international plans offer "moratorium" underwriting, which excludes pre-existing conditions initially but covers them after 2-5 years if you've had no symptoms or treatment. This can be a path to eventual full coverage.

Key Advice: Apply for insurance while healthy. Every year you wait increases the chance of developing conditions that complicate coverage.

Can I cover my dependents (spouse/children)?

Absolutely! Both international health insurance and Integrated Shield Plans offer family coverage options:

Integrated Shield Plans (ISP) for Family: You can purchase individual ISPs for each family member (spouse and children), and this is often the most cost-effective option. ISP premiums for children are very affordable, typically SGD 200-400/year for comprehensive coverage. Each family member gets their own policy with full coverage limits. This is significantly cheaper than international health insurance for families staying in Singapore long-term.

International Health Insurance: These plans offer family coverage options where your spouse on Dependant's Pass can be added. Children can typically be covered from birth (some plans even provide automatic coverage for the first 30 days of a newborn's life). Family discounts of 15-25% may apply compared to separate individual plans.

Cost Comparison: ISPs are generally much more affordable for family coverage in Singapore. A family of 4 might pay SGD 2,000-4,000/year total for ISPs (Private Hospital tier), compared to SGD 15,000-25,000/year for equivalent international health coverage.

Important Consideration: Don't assume your company covers your family adequately. Corporate plans often have very limited dependent coverage, sometimes just SGD 20,000-30,000 per year, which can be consumed by a single hospital stay.

We strongly recommend reviewing your family's total coverage needs. For families planning to stay in Singapore, ISPs offer excellent value. Supplement with international coverage if you need worldwide portability or specific benefits like maternity.

How much does health insurance cost in Singapore?

Costs vary significantly based on several factors. Here's a realistic guide:

Key Factors Affecting Premiums:

Age: The single biggest factor. Premiums roughly double every 10-15 years of age.
Coverage level: Private hospital plans cost more than basic ward coverage.
Deductible: Higher deductibles significantly reduce premiums.
Geographic coverage: Worldwide plans cost more than Asia-only plans.
Additional benefits: Outpatient, dental, maternity add to costs.

Typical Annual Premium Ranges:

Age 30-35: SGD 2,500-6,000 (comprehensive international plan)
Age 40-45: SGD 4,000-9,000
Age 50-55: SGD 6,000-14,000
Age 60+: SGD 10,000-25,000+

These are for comprehensive coverage including private hospital access. More basic plans can be 40-60% less. We provide free quotes from multiple insurers to help you compare options and find the best value for your needs.

Hospital & Health Insurance