Finding a General Practitioner (GP) in Singapore: A Complete Guide

Looking for a general practitioner (GP) in Singapore? Learn how to find a doctor, book an appointment, and manage healthcare costs for primary care.

1/17/20253 min read

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Finding a General Practitioner (GP) in Singapore: A Complete Guide

Looking for a general practitioner (GP) in Singapore? Learn how to find a doctor, book an appointment, and manage healthcare costs for primary care.

Introduction

A general practitioner (GP) is often your first point of contact for medical concerns, providing primary healthcare services, preventive care, and referrals to specialists when needed. Whether you are a local resident or an expat, understanding how to find and consult a GP in Singapore is essential for your well-being.

Who Can Visit a GP in Singapore?

Anyone in Singapore can see a GP, but costs vary based on residency status:

  • Singaporean Citizens – Heavily subsidized public healthcare.

  • Permanent Residents (PRs) – Receive some subsidies but pay more than citizens.

  • Foreigners & Expats – No subsidies; must pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance.

Expats often choose private GP clinics due to shorter wait times and more flexible appointment options.

Where to Find a General Practitioner in Singapore

Singapore has around 1,800 GP clinics and 23 public polyclinics offering primary healthcare services.

How to Find a GP Near You

  • Ministry of Health (MOH) – Search for licensed doctors.

  • SingHealth – Find GP clinics by location.

  • HealthHub – Lists public and private medical clinics.

  • Expat Communities & Forums – Get GP recommendations from other expats.

  • Muslim Healthcare Professionals Association – Find GPs aligned with Islamic healthcare principles.

Booking a GP Appointment in Singapore

Ways to Book an Appointment

  • Call the clinic directly to schedule a visit.

  • Online booking through clinic websites or mobile apps.

  • Walk-in visits – Available at most GP clinics but may involve waiting times.

For government polyclinics, use:

  • SingHealth’s Health Buddy app

  • The Health Appointment System (requires Singpass for easy booking)

What to Expect at a GP Visit

  • Check-in at reception – Provide ID and health insurance details.

  • Medical consultation – Discuss symptoms, medical history, and receive a diagnosis.

  • Prescriptions & treatment – Receive medication or a referral to a specialist if needed.

  • Follow-up – Schedule additional appointments if necessary.

Cost of Seeing a GP in Singapore

Estimated GP Consultation Fees

Patient Type Public Polyclinic Cost Private Clinic Cost Singaporean Citizens S$10–30 S$50–80 Permanent Residents S$30–50 S$50–100 Expats & Foreigners S$50–100 S$80–150

Additional charges apply for medications, medical tests, and procedures.

Do You Need Health Insurance for a GP Visit?

While health insurance is not mandatory, it can help cover medical expenses. Many expats receive employer-provided insurance, while others purchase private health coverage from providers like:

  • Allianz Care

  • Cigna Global

  • FWD Insurance

Alternatives to In-Person GP Visits

If visiting a clinic is inconvenient, consider telemedicine services:

  • Virtual GP Consultations: Use Travel Doctor for online doctor visits.

  • House Call Doctors: Services like Speedoc offer same-day home visits.

Summary: Key Takeaways

  • GPs provide essential healthcare services for common illnesses and preventive care.

  • Appointments can be booked online, by phone, or as walk-ins.

  • Public healthcare is cheaper for residents, while expats pay full price.

  • Private GP clinics offer shorter wait times and flexible services.

  • Telemedicine is a convenient alternative for non-urgent medical needs.

FAQs

1. Can I see a GP in Singapore without an appointment?
Yes, most GP clinics accept walk-ins, but you may have to wait during busy hours.

2. How much does a GP visit cost for an expat?
Expect to pay S$80–150 at a private clinic.

3. Are there English-speaking doctors in Singapore?
Yes, English is the primary language used in medical consultations.

4. Can I get a prescription from a virtual GP?
Yes, Travel Doctor provides prescriptions through telehealth consultations.

Get GP Care Online or In-Person

For convenient GP services, visit Travel Doctor. Learn more about how it works and what we treat.

For in-person GP care, visit:

Access Quality GP Care in Singapore

Finding a GP in Singapore is easy with the right resources. Whether you need a routine check-up, treatment for an illness, or a specialist referral, Singapore offers excellent healthcare services to meet your needs. Stay informed and choose the right medical provider for your health and well-being.