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Health insurance is not mandated in Singapore but is highly recommended for expats in The Lion City. Singapore’s healthcare industry is phenomenal but expensive, and the right health insurance plan can help you get access to the medical attention you need without draining your wallet.
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Are you an expat in Singapore looking for health insurance? In this guide, we will cover the importance of international health insurance in Singapore and what you should look for in health insurance in Singapore as an expat.
Healthcare in Singapore
Healthcare in Singapore is ranked first in the world in 2023. Whilst Singapore does have universal healthcare, it isn’t free. However, Singaporeans can benefit from government subsidy schemes such as Medicare and Medishield. Expats will not have access to these schemes.
Public vs Private Healthcare in Singapore
Both the public and private healthcare sectors are regulated by the government in Singapore, however, public healthcare systems are run by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and offer subsidized services. Private healthcare services are not subsidized but provide more options and better services.
Why Do Expats Need Health Insurance in Singapore?
Health insurance is important for expats in Singapore because of the expensive cost of healthcare services in The Lion City. Without government subsidies, even the cost of public healthcare services can quickly catch up to that of private healthcare services. That is why health insurance is vital.
Local vs International Health Insurance in Singapore
As an expat in Singapore, you have an option between local health insurance, insurance that only covers within Singapore, and international health insurance which covers you outside of Singapore as well. Depending on your personal needs and requirements, the right plan for you may differ.
Whilst some employers may offer group insurance, it is recommended for expats to secure their own health insurance plan to ensure that their personal medical needs and requirements are covered.
As an expat, the advantage of securing local health insurance is it is cheaper than international health insurance. For expats who have relocated to Singapore and spend the majority of their time in the country, then local health insurance will suffice.
For expats who have relocated to Singapore but still travel frequently, international health insurance may be the better option. Despite the higher premium costs, international health insurance offers coverage outside of Singapore, ensuring that you are always insured wherever you go.
Benefits of International Health Insurance for Expats
As an expat, there are multiple benefits in having international health insurance. From access to healthcare almost anywhere in the world to evacuation benefits that returns you home for intensive medical care if needed.
Expats will find that an international health insurance can often be a more economical option, especially for frequent travelers, due to the international coverage. When traveling to countries with expensive healthcare like Singapore, international health insurance can save you from the high costs.
Factors to Consider When Securing Health Insurance
Aside from the obvious factors such as the coverage and limits, it is important to look at other factors such as the reputation of the insurer, their claiming process, the network of providers, and if the plan has any deductible and copayment options.
Before you start looking for a health insurance plan, the first thing you need to do is reevaluate your medical needs and requirements to determine what you want your health insurance to cover. Once you have determined what you need, you can begin looking at plans from different insurers.
Cost and budgeting is a major factor to consider when getting health insurance. It is important to find the balance between getting all the benefits you need whilst still staying within your budget. One way you can effectively control the premium costs is through opting for deductibles and copayment options.
A deductible is the amount in which you pay before your insurer starts covering the costs of your medical treatments.
A copayment, or copay, is a fixed amount you pay for a covered health care service in your plan after you have paid your deductibles.
Both deductibles and copayments will effectively lower the cost of your premiums. The higher your deductible and copayment, the lower your premium will be. These options are great ways to lower your premium costs to get the coverage you need whilst staying within budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Singapore have universal healthcare?
Singapore offers universal healthcare but only to Singaporean citizens and permanent residents and they are not completely free. Citizens and permanent residents are entitled to subsidized healthcare services provided by public healthcare facilities.
Do expats need health insurance in Singapore?
Health insurance is crucial for expats in Singapore due to the high cost of healthcare in the country. Public healthcare facilities provide subsidized services but these are not available to expats. To avoid paying the high costs out of pocket, it is recommended that expats secure health insurance.
Do I need to undergo medical tests before securing health insurance?
Not necessarily, you can secure health insurance without undergoing medical tests but you are required to disclose any existing medical conditions and chronic illnesses. You may be required to undergo basic tests for certain illnesses.
When do I need to renew my policy and how do I do it?
Typically, insurance plans are renewed annually. Your insurer will contact you regarding plan renewal when your policy is about to expire.
How do I know which hospitals and doctors are in-network?
You will be able to find the list of doctors, clinics, hospitals, and other in-network healthcare facilities on your insurer’s website and mobile apps. You can also call your insurer’s customer service number and ask a representative.
Conclusion
The public and private healthcare sector in Singapore are ranked top among the world. Singaporeans can benefit from subsidized services in the public sector but this is not available to expats. That is why it is crucial that expats secure a health insurance plan on their own to avoid the high costs.
When getting health insurance it is important to consider your needs and requirements, budget, and do extensive research on different plans and insurers to find a plan that suits you. This can be a daunting task but Pacific Prime can help you.
As a global health insurance broker with over two decades of experience in the industry, we can help you find the perfect plan from our extensive list of partner insurers for you based on your unique needs and requirements.
Contact us today for a free plan comparison and an obligation-free quote!
Born and raised in the cultural melting pot that is Hong Kong, and having studied at an international school, Vista has developed a multicultural perspective that he uses in his writing and strives to connect to people of different backgrounds.
In his free time, Vista enjoys immersing himself in different worlds, from video games to light novels and movies. His hobbies help him expand his writing style by putting himself in the point-of-view of different people and characters.
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