The Ultimate Traveler's Guide to Healthcare in Singapore

Planning a trip to Singapore? Learn everything about the country’s world-class healthcare system, from emergency care to pharmacies and travel insurance.

Why Healthcare in Singapore is World-Class

Singapore consistently ranks among the top healthcare systems globally. With a highly efficient public and private sector, modern hospitals, and a structured insurance framework, visitors can access top-tier medical care with ease. This guide will help you navigate the healthcare landscape, so you know what to expect when traveling to Singapore.

Healthcare System in Singapore: What Travelers Need to Know

Singapore has a multi-payer healthcare model, ensuring quality, affordability, and accessibility. The system is built on three pillars, collectively known as the 3Ms:

1. MediShield Life

• A mandatory health insurance scheme for all citizens and permanent residents.

• Covers catastrophic medical expenses and hospitalizations.

• Not applicable to tourists but provides a strong healthcare foundation in public hospitals.

2. MediSave

• A national medical savings scheme where citizens save a portion of their income for medical expenses.

• Helps cover hospitalization, outpatient treatments, and other medical costs.

3. MediFund

• A government subsidy program designed for those who can’t afford medical expenses.

• Available only to Singaporean citizens.

For tourists and expats, private healthcare is the best option, and we’ll cover all you need to know about private hospitals, costs, and insurance below.

Public vs. Private Healthcare in Singapore

Feature Public Healthcare Private Healthcare Cost Lower, government-subsidized Higher, but faster services Quality Excellent Exceptional, with luxurious options Waiting Times Can be long, especially for non-residents Minimal wait times Access for Tourists Limited, recommended for emergencies only Highly recommended for travelers

Tip: If you need urgent care, visit private clinics for faster treatment. For major emergencies, go to a public hospital’s A&E department.

Cost of Healthcare in Singapore

Singapore offers high-quality but costly medical care for non-residents. Here’s a cost breakdown for common medical expenses:

Doctor Consultations

• General Practitioner (GP): SGD 20 - SGD 55 ($15 - $40)

• Specialist Consultation: SGD 60 - SGD 150 ($45 - $110)

Hospitalization Costs

• Private Hospital Stay: SGD 800 - SGD 1,500 per night ($590 - $1,100)

• ICU Stay: SGD 2,000 - SGD 4,000 per day ($1,480 - $2,960)

Tip: Having travel insurance that covers medical expenses is highly recommended for visitors to Singapore.

How to Find a Doctor in Singapore

1. General Practitioners & Clinics

• Public Polyclinics: Affordable, but long wait times.

• Private GP Clinics: More expensive, but faster and more convenient for travelers.

• House Call Services: Many private GPs offer in-room visits at hotels.

2. Seeing a Specialist

• No referral is needed to visit a private specialist.

• Public hospital specialists require a polyclinic referral, which is not recommended for short-term visitors.

Best Private Hospitals for Tourists:

• Raffles Hospital – Known for quick consultations & high-quality services.

• Mount Elizabeth Hospital – Popular with expats & medical tourists.

• Gleneagles Hospital – World-class facilities & multilingual doctors.

• TravelDoctor EU - We aim to facilitate access to telemedicine for travelers in Singapore in the future.

Where to Buy Medicine: Pharmacies in Singapore

Pharmacies in Singapore are widely available and categorized into three medication classes:

Medication Type Where to Buy Prescription-Only Medication (POM) Doctor’s prescription required, available at hospital or retail pharmacies Pharmacy-Only Medication (P) No prescription required, sold by licensed pharmacists General Sales List (GSL) Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs available at all retail stores

Best Pharmacy Chains for Travelers:

• Guardian & Watsons – Found in malls, transit hubs, and major shopping districts.

• Hospital Pharmacies – For prescription medications.

• 24/7 Clinics with Pharmacies – For after-hours medication needs.

Emergency & After-Hours Medical Care in Singapore

Emergency Services

• For life-threatening emergencies, dial 995 for an ambulance.

• For non-urgent medical transport, call 1777 for a private ambulance.

Best Emergency Hospitals for Tourists

• Singapore General Hospital (SGH) – Largest and oldest hospital in Singapore.

• Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) – Fast, efficient emergency services.

• Changi General Hospital (CGH) – Closest to Changi Airport.

Tip: If your condition is not life-threatening, consider visiting a 24/7 private clinic instead of an ER to avoid long wait times.

Travel Insurance for Healthcare in Singapore

Why You Need Travel Insurance

Healthcare costs for non-residents are high in Singapore. A single hospital visit can cost thousands of dollars. Ensure your policy covers:

Emergency medical treatment
Hospitalization
Medical evacuation
Repatriation
Prescription medications

Best Travel Insurance Providers

• Allianz Travel Insurance – Comprehensive coverage & global network.

• World Nomads – Great for digital nomads & adventure travelers.

• AXA Travel Insurance – Affordable with emergency medical coverage.

Final Tips for Staying Healthy in Singapore

Stay Hydrated – Singapore’s hot climate can lead to dehydration.
Eat Wisely – Stick to reputable restaurants & avoid street food if you have a sensitive stomach.
Use Mosquito Repellent – Dengue fever is present in some areas.
Know Your Embassy’s Location – They can assist in medical emergencies.

With this guide, you’re fully prepared to handle any medical needs while exploring Singapore! 🇸🇬✨