(2026) Dental and Optical Care in Singapore: What Expats Need to Know
Health insurance for expats in Singapore. Alea, your specialised health insurance advisor & broker, tells you everything you need to know! Get FREE Quotes!
Reviewed by a licensed advisor
Moving to Singapore offers a modern and dynamic lifestyle, along with a highly reputable healthcare system but at a high cost. One of the key concerns for expatriates is access to dental and optical care. Where can you find treatment? How much does it cost? What are the best options for children? And most importantly, how can you avoid excessive medical expenses?
As a trusted health insurance broker for expatriates in Asia, Alea provides all the essential information you need.
1. Dental Care in Singapore: How Does It Work?
Singapore is known for its high-quality healthcare and dental facilities. The country offers well-equipped clinics and dental centers, but prices can vary significantly depending on the clinic and level of service.
Where to Get Dental Treatment in Singapore?
Public polyclinics: These government-run clinics provide basic dental care at lower costs, but waiting times can be long, and services are limited.
Local private dental clinics: A popular choice offering a wide range of treatments at moderate prices, but quality can vary between establishments.
High-end and international dental clinics: Ideal for comprehensive care, offering Western-standard treatments by foreign-trained dentists. However, these clinics charge significantly higher fees.
How Much Do Dental Costs in Singapore Visit in 2026?
Dental care in Singapore's private sector is renowned for its world-class quality, though pricing remains a key consideration for expats and locals alike. To help you budget for your healthcare, we have compiled the average fees for the most common dental procedures this year.
Dental Service (Private Sector) | Average Price (SGD) | Estimated Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
Basic Consultation | S$54.50 – S$87.20 | $41.00 – $66.00 |
Scaling & Polishing | S$140 – S$218 | $105.00 – $164.00 |
Dental Filling | S$114.45 – S$659.45 | $86.00 – $496.00 |
Dental Crown | S$1,035.50 – S$1,308 | $779.00 – $984.00 |
Dental Implant (Full) | S$3,815 – S$34,880 | $2,870.00 – $26,240.00 |
Data Attribution: Singapore National Eye Centre and Atlas Eyes.
Dental Care for Children
Singapore places a strong focus on children’s dental health, with many clinics offering specialized pediatric services.
Key facts:
Pediatric dental clinics are available, offering child-friendly treatments.
Orthodontic treatments are common but very expensive (up to 8,000 SGD or 5,530 Euros for braces).
Preventive check-ups are essential to avoid more costly treatments later.
2. Optical Care in Singapore: What to Expect?
Singapore offers easy access to optical care, but—like dental treatments—prices can be high, especially for specialized care.
Where to See an Eye Specialist?
Local opticians: Widely available, offering free eye tests and a range of eyewear options at various price points. However, lens quality may vary.
Ophthalmology clinics: Recommended for in-depth eye examinations, especially for specific vision problems.
Private hospitals and eye centers: Provide high-quality services with state-of-the-art technology, particularly for laser eye surgery and advanced treatments.
How Much Do Optical Treatments Cost in Singapore 2026?
Singapore is a global hub for advanced eye care. Whether you are seeking a routine check-up or vision correction surgery, understanding the price landscape in 2026 is essential for healthcare budgeting.
Eye Care Service | Average Price (SGD) | Estimated Price (USD/EUR) |
|---|---|---|
Ophthalmologist Consultation | S$133 – S$300 | ~€89 – €200 |
Prescription Glasses | S$100 – S$1,500 | ~€69 – €1,037 |
Contact Lenses (per year) | S$50 – S$500 | ~€35 – €346 |
LASIK Surgery (Both eyes) | S$3,535 – S$7,000 | ~€2,353 – €4,661 |
Data Attribution: Singapore National Eye Centre and Atlas Eyes.
💡 Tip: Many local opticians offer promotions on glasses, but be sure to check the quality of the lenses and coatings before purchasing.
Optical Care for Children
With high rates of myopia among children in Asia, Singapore emphasizes early vision screening and preventive care.
Vision screening tests are available from an early age.
Myopia control treatments, such as orthokeratology lenses (overnight corrective lenses), are common but expensive (up to 2,000 SGD per year or 1,382 Euros).
Children’s glasses range from 150 to 600 SGD (104 – 415 Euros), depending on lens and frame quality.
3. Why Is Health Insurance Essential for Expats in Singapore?
Dental and optical care especially in international clinics can quickly become a financial burden. A single consultation with a specialist can cost hundreds of euros.
With international health insurance, you get:
Reimbursement for dental and optical treatments
Access to top clinics without financial concerns
Coverage for the whole family, including orthodontics and contact lenses
As a leading insurance broker for expats, Alea assists the French and expat community in finding the best health insurance solutions.
With Singapore's complex healthcare system and the high cost of private care, we compare 500+ plans from +50 top-tier health insurers including APRIL, Henner, and MSH to secure the best coverage at the best price for you and your family!
Conclusion
Dental and optical care in Singapore offer world-class standards, but the costs can significantly impact an expat’s budget. Since these treatments are often minimally covered, if at all, by basic social security schemes, planning ahead is key. Securing international health insurance that includes these benefits is essential to maintaining your vision and dental health without financial strain.
Contact Alea today to compare the best dental and optical benefits and find the perfect coverage for your family!
For more information on specific healthcare costs, such as children's healthcare or medical expenses in Singapore, feel free to read our dedicated articles.
Is dental insurance included by default in basic expat plans?
No. Dental and optical coverages are usually optional "add-ons" or "riders." You must specifically request these modules and pay an additional premium to be covered for your routine check-ups and glasses.
Does insurance cover cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening?
No. Most health insurance policies strictly exclude cosmetic or aesthetic procedures. Coverage is reserved for "medically necessary" treatments, such as fillings, root canals, extractions, or restorative crowns due to decay or injury.
Is there a maximum limit on how much I can claim for glasses each year?
Yes. Unlike inpatient hospital care, which often has very high limits, optical insurance always has a fixed annual "ceiling" (for example, 500 SGD per year). Once you reach this limit for your frames or lenses, any additional costs must be paid out-of-pocket.
Written by
Julien Mathieu
Co-Founder & CEO | Official CFE Representative
Need some help?
We’re here to provide support and assistance.
