Healthcare & Health Insurance in Singapore
Summary: Digital Nomads in Singapore share their experiences with health insurance, healthcare in Singapore, local hospitals and specialists, quality of medical care and more.
What are healthcare services like in Singapore?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Singapore, they replied:
"Singapore offers a comprehensive range of healthcare services, ranging from primary care to specialist services. The public healthcare system in Singapore is highly regarded for its quality and affordability. It is funded by the government and provides a wide range of services, including preventive care, primary care, specialist care, and hospital services. Foreign residents in Singapore have access to the public healthcare system, and can use it for both inpatient and outpatient services. Expats in Singapore can use the public healthcare system by registering with a public healthcare provider and paying the relevant fees. They can also purchase private health insurance to cover any additional costs," remarked one member in Singapore.
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What is the quality of medical care in Singapore like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Singapore, they replied:
"Singapore has a world-class healthcare system, offering a wide range of medical services. The country has a network of public and private hospitals and clinics, staffed by highly trained and experienced medical professionals. Singapore also has a number of specialized medical centers, such as the National University Hospital and the Singapore General Hospital, which provide advanced medical care. Singapore also has a number of medical research centers, such as the National University of Singapore and the Singapore Institute of Technology, which are dedicated to developing new treatments and technologies. In addition, Singapore has a number of medical tourism centers, which offer a range of treatments and services to international patients," said a member in Singapore.
Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Singapore?
"Healthcare and health insurance in Singapore can be expensive. The cost of medical services and treatments can be high, and the cost of health insurance premiums can also be significant. The cost of healthcare and health insurance can vary depending on the type of coverage and the provider. It is important to compare different plans and providers to find the best coverage and price," said one member in Singapore.
What are emergency services like in Singapore?
When we asked about emergency services, members in Singapore wrote:
"Emergency services in Singapore are highly efficient and reliable. In the event of an emergency, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) can be contacted by dialing 995. This is a 24-hour hotline that is available for all types of emergencies, including medical emergencies. When calling for an ambulance, the caller should provide the exact location of the incident, the type of emergency, and the number of people involved. The SCDF will then dispatch an ambulance to the scene as soon as possible," explained one digital nomad living in Singapore.
Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
"Singapore is home to a wide variety of medical specialists, with some of the best selections located in the Central region. The Central region includes the city centre, Orchard Road, and the Marina Bay area, which are all home to a number of top-notch medical facilities. The East region, which includes Changi, Bedok, and Tampines, also has a good selection of medical specialists. The North region, which includes Woodlands, Sembawang, and Yishun, is also home to a number of medical specialists. Finally, the West region, which includes Jurong, Bukit Batok, and Choa Chu Kang, is also home to a number of medical specialists," explained one expat living in Singapore.
Are common prescription medications available in Singapore?
"Prescription medications are widely available in Singapore. Most pharmacies in the country carry a wide range of prescription medications, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and other medications used to treat a variety of conditions. In addition, many hospitals and clinics in Singapore offer prescription medications to their patients. Patients can also purchase prescription medications online from a variety of online pharmacies," said a member in Singapore.
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Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Singapore?
"Medical facilities and medical care in Singapore are of a very high quality. Singapore is home to some of the best hospitals in the world, with many of them being internationally accredited. The country also has a well-developed healthcare system, with a wide range of medical services available. Singapore is also known for its excellent medical research and development, with many of its hospitals and research institutes being at the forefront of medical innovation. In addition, Singapore has a highly trained and experienced medical workforce, with many of its doctors and nurses being highly qualified and experienced in their respective fields," said a member in Singapore.
As a foreigner living in Singapore, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
"Yes, as a foreigner living in Singapore, you will have access to public healthcare. Singapore's public healthcare system is highly regarded and provides quality care at an affordable cost. The system is made up of a network of public hospitals and polyclinics, which offer a range of services from general medical care to specialist services. The public healthcare system also provides subsidies for certain treatments and medications, making it even more affordable," commented a person living in Singapore.
What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
We asked expats in Singapore if they have access to public healthcare in Singapore. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...
"The pandemic has had a significant impact on Singapore's healthcare system. The government has implemented a range of measures to ensure that the healthcare system is able to cope with the increased demand for services. These measures include the introduction of telemedicine services, the expansion of hospital capacity, and the deployment of additional healthcare workers. As a result, I have found that the healthcare system in Singapore has been able to provide timely and effective care to those in need. Furthermore, the government has also implemented a range of measures to ensure that the healthcare system is able to cope with the increased demand for services, such as the introduction of telemedicine services, the expansion of hospital capacity, and the deployment of additional healthcare workers," remarked one member in Singapore.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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Digital Nomads in Singapore offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Singapore.
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