Singapore's healthcare system: excellent but expensive
Singapore has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. Both public and private hospitals are of excellent quality, staff are highly trained, and equipment is state-of-the-art. But this excellence comes at a price: healthcare costs are among the highest in Southeast Asia.
MediShield Life: is it accessible to expats?
No. MediShield Life, Singapore's public health insurance scheme, is exclusively reserved for Singaporean citizens and permanent residents. As a foreign expat, you are not eligible.
Public hospitals are accessible to foreigners but at unsubsidized rates, often comparable to private hospitals. Most expats choose the private sector for quality of service and no waiting times.
⚠️ Employer-provided health insurance in Singapore is often insufficient: low caps, many exclusions, no coverage outside Singapore. Always check your employment contract carefully.
Top private hospitals in Singapore
- Gleneagles Hospital — reference for oncology and cardiology
- Mount Elizabeth Hospital — one of the most reputed, very popular with expats
- Parkway East Hospital — excellent quality/accessibility ratio
- Raffles Hospital — extensive network, international services
- National University Hospital (NUH) — leading public hospital, accessible to foreigners
💡 MSH International and April International have direct billing agreements with most of these hospitals — you don't need to pay upfront in case of hospitalization.
What your health insurance must cover in Singapore
Essential coverage
- Hospitalization with no cap or high cap (minimum 1 million SGD recommended)
- Outpatient care: consultations, lab tests, imaging
- Emergency care with direct billing
- Medical repatriation to your home country if necessary
- Asia-Pacific coverage for regional travel (Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia…)
Recommended options for Singapore
- Dental: dental care is very expensive in Singapore
- Maternity: childbirth costs between 8,000 and 20,000 SGD in a private clinic
- Preventive medicine: annual health screenings, vaccinations
Comparison: MSH vs April coverage in Singapore
| Coverage | MSH Neo Tempo | MSH First Expat | April My Health Intl |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore coverage | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included |
| Hospitalization (Gleneagles, Mount E.) | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Direct billing SG private hospitals | Partial | ✅ | ✅ |
| Outpatient care | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Maternity (8,000–20,000 SGD) | Option | ✅ (Premium) | ✅ (Premium) |
| Dental | Option | Option | Option |
| Asia-Pacific coverage | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Duration | Up to 36 months | Long-term | Long-term |
Our recommendations by expat profile
Short-term assignment or internship in Singapore
MSH Neo Tempo is perfectly suited for stays of 1 to 3 years. It covers hospitalization at Singapore's best private hospitals and outpatient care, with the flexibility of a temporary contract.
Long-term relocation to Singapore
Go with MSH First Expat or April My Health International. These long-term plans offer direct billing at Gleneagles, Mount Elizabeth, and Raffles Hospital, with comprehensive coverage across Asia-Pacific.
Relocating with family — maternity planned
Childbirth at a private clinic in Singapore costs between 8,000 and 20,000 SGD. Subscribe to a Premium plan with maternity option. April My Health and MSH First Expat Premium fully cover maternity, including complications.
💡 Also read our guides on health insurance in Hong Kong, Dubai & UAE, and USA.
Our recommended plans for Singapore
FAQs — International Health Insurance Singapore
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