How to Find a Doctor in Singapore: A Guide for Expats

Singapore is home to one of the most efficient and high-quality healthcare systems in the world. Whether you are seeking a general practitioner (GP) for routine medical check-ups or a specialist for more specific treatments, finding the right doctor can be a seamless process. However, as an expat, navigating the healthcare system may require some guidance.

This guide provides everything you need to know about finding a doctor or specialist in Singapore, including booking appointments, expected costs, and available health insurance options.

Finding a Doctor in Singapore

Who Can Access Healthcare in Singapore?

Healthcare services in Singapore are available to everyone, but costs vary depending on immigration status. Public healthcare operates on a tiered payment system:

• Singapore Citizens: Receive heavily subsidized healthcare.

• Permanent Residents: Pay subsidized rates but less than citizens.

• Foreigners (Expats, Temporary Residents, and Tourists): Must pay full healthcare fees unless they have private insurance.

How to Find a General Practitioner (GP) in Singapore

Singapore has a wide network of general practitioners (GPs), available in polyclinics, private clinics, and hospitals. There are approximately 1,800 GP clinics and 23 polyclinics across the country.

To find a GP, you can use:

• Ministry of Health Singapore Directory: MOH Singapore Doctor Directory

• SingHealth Search Tool: SingHealth Doctors

• HealthHub Portal: A government-run platform listing public and private healthcare facilities.

For English-speaking or multilingual doctors, consult your embassy’s website for recommendations.

Booking an Appointment with a Doctor in Singapore

How to Make a Doctor’s Appointment

You can book a GP appointment in Singapore via:

• Phone Call: Contact the clinic directly.

• Online Booking Portals: Platforms such as SingHealth’s Health Buddy app or the Health Appointment System allow you to schedule visits.

• Walk-in Clinics: Available at most GP offices and polyclinics, but wait times may be longer.

What to Expect at a Doctor’s Visit

• Identification: Bring your passport or residency card.

• Medical Insurance Details: If you have insurance, provide relevant documents for billing purposes.

• Consultation Fees: Public polyclinics charge around S$50–S$60 for foreigners, while private clinics may charge higher rates.

• Wait Times: Public clinics may have longer waiting times compared to private healthcare facilities.

Specialist Medical Care in Singapore

How to Find a Specialist Doctor

If you need specialist medical care, you can:

• Get a referral from a GP at a polyclinic or private clinic.

• Search for a specialist via the Singapore Medical Council’s database.

Cost of Seeing a Specialist

• Public Hospital Consultation Fees: S$70–S$150 for foreigners.

• Private Specialist Consultation Fees: Can range from S$100 to S$500 per visit.

• Health Insurance Coverage: Many expats opt for private health insurance to cover specialist visits.

Health Insurance Options for Expats

Expats in Singapore are not covered under public healthcare subsidies and are encouraged to purchase private health insurance. Options include:

• Employer-Provided Insurance: Many companies offer insurance as part of employment benefits.

• Personal Health Insurance: Plans from global providers such as Allianz, Cigna Global, and FWD.

• Integrated Shield Plans: Private insurance that supplements MediShield Life (available only for permanent residents and citizens).

Emergency Medical Care in Singapore

What to Do in a Medical Emergency

• Call 995 for an ambulance in case of a life-threatening emergency.

• Visit an Emergency Room (A&E) at a hospital for urgent care.

• Call 1777 for non-emergency medical transport.

Costs of Emergency Medical Services

Service Cost for Expats (S$) Ambulance Transport Free for citizens, S$274 for non-residents A&E Consultation S$120–S$160 Out-of-Hours Clinic S$80–S$130

Accessing Telehealth Services in Singapore

For convenient virtual doctor consultations, expats can use Travel Doctor for telehealth services. Travel Doctor provides online consultations for primary care needs and prescription refills. Learn more at:

• Travel Doctor (telehealth for expats in Singapore)

• What We Treat (conditions covered)

• How It Works (appointment process)

FAQ: Finding a Doctor in Singapore

1. Can expats see a doctor in Singapore?

Yes, expats can visit any doctor or hospital in Singapore, but they must pay full fees unless they have private insurance.

2. How much does it cost to see a doctor in Singapore?

A GP visit costs around S$50–S$100, while specialist consultations can range from S$100–S$500.

3. How do I find an English-speaking doctor in Singapore?

Most doctors in Singapore speak English. You can use the Ministry of Health’s doctor directory or check with your embassy for recommendations.

4. Do I need private health insurance in Singapore?

Yes, expats should have private health insurance to cover medical costs, including hospital stays and specialist visits.

5. Can I access telehealth services in Singapore?

Yes, Travel Doctor offers virtual consultations for expats. Visit Travel Doctor to book an appointment.