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Healthcare Costs in Singapore: What Expats Need to Know
As trusted experts in expat health insurance in Asia and official CFE representative in Singapore, Alea provides all the essential information you need.
Last update:
7th April 2025
7th April 2025
As trusted experts in expat health insurance in Asia and official CFE representative in Singapore, Alea provides all the essential information you need.
Last update: 7th April 2025
Living in Singapore as an expat offers an exceptional quality of life, but the country is also known for having one of the most expensive healthcare systems in the world. With a mix of public hospitals and private medical facilities, healthcare costs can vary significantly. A simple consultation can range from a few dozen to several hundred SGD, and without expat health insurance, medical expenses can quickly become a financial burden.
As trusted experts in expat health insurance in Asia and official CFE representative in Singapore, Alea provides all the essential information you need.
1. Understanding the Healthcare System in Singapore: Public vs. Private
Singapore’s healthcare system is globally recognized for its quality and efficiency. It consists of a well-regulated public sector and a private sector offering high-end services at premium prices.
Public Hospitals in Singapore: High-Quality Care but Expensive for Expats
Pros:
- Excellent quality of care with modern facilities.
- More affordable than private hospitals for residents.
- Reasonable waiting times for non-urgent treatments.
Cons:
- Higher fees for non-residents (expats without Permanent Resident (PR) status).
- Shorter consultations with less doctor-patient interaction.
- Less comfort and privacy compared to private clinics.
Expats who do not hold PR status do not receive government subsidies and must pay full medical fees, which can be costly.
Private Hospitals and International Clinics: The Preferred Choice for Expats
Private hospitals and clinics provide Western-style healthcare with shorter waiting times and personalized service.
Pros:
- Longer consultations with a patient-centered approach.
- English-speaking medical staff (some clinics also have French-speaking doctors).
- Faster access to specialists with minimal wait times.
Cons:
- 2 to 5 times more expensive than public hospitals.
- Upfront payment required before treatment.
- Limited or no coverage from local insurance plans for expats.
2. How Much Does Healthcare Cost for Expats in Singapore?
Medical fees in Singapore vary based on the type of facility and an expat’s residency status.
Common Medical Costs
| Type of service | Public hospital | Private hospital | Internationale clinic |
|---|---|---|---|
| **Generalist consultation ** | 30 - 80 SGD (approx. 21 à 55 Euros) | 100 - 250 SGD (approx. 69 à 173 Euros) | 200 - 400 SGD (approx. 138 à 277 Euros) |
| Specialist consultation | 150 - 400 SGD (approx. 104 à 277 Euros) | 300 - 700 SGD (approx. 208 à 484 Euros) | 500 - 1,200 SGD (approx. 346 à 830 Euros) |
| Pediatric consultation | 80 - 200 SGD (approx. 55 à 138 Euros) | 200 - 500 SGD (approx. 138 à 346 Euros) | 300 - 800 SGD (approx. 208 à 554 Euros) |
| CT scanner / MRI | 500 - 1,500 SGD (approx. 346 à 1,038 Euros) | 1,500 - 3,500 SGD (approx. 1,038 à 2,422 Euros) | 2,500 - 5,000 SGD (approx. 1,730 à 3,460 Euros) |
Hospitalization & Emergency Care Costs
| Type of service | Public hospital | Private hospital | Internationale clinic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hospitalization stay (1 night) | 120 - 150 SGD (approx. 83 - 104 Euros) | 200 - 500 SGD (approx. 138 à 346 Euros) | 500 - 1,500 SGD (approx. 346 à 1,038 Euros) |
| Minor surgery | 1,000 - 3,000 SGD (approx. 692 à 2,076 Euros) | 3,000 - 10,000 SGD (approx. 2,076 à 6,921 Euros) | 5,000 - 15.000 SGD (approx. 3,460 à 10,382 Euros) |
| Major surgery | 3,000 - 8,000 SGD (approx. 2,076 à 5,537 Euros) | 8,000 - 20,000 SGD (approx. 5,537 à 13,842 Euros) | 15,000 - 40,000 SGD (approx. 10,382 à 27,685 Euros) |
Important: Most hospitals and private clinics require a deposit or full payment upfront if you do not have international health insurance covering your medical expenses.
3. Vaccinations & Preventive Healthcare in Singapore
Routine vaccinations are widely available in Singapore, but costs vary by facility.
- Public Hospital: 80 - 150 SGD per dose (55 - 104 Euros)
- Private Clinic: 200 - 300 SGD per dose (138 - 207 Euros)
💡 Tip: Ensure that the vaccines administered in Singapore meet European or American healthcare standards if you plan to get vaccinated locally.
4. Do Expats in Singapore Need Health Insurance?
With some of the highest healthcare costs in Asia, having international health insurance is essential for expats living in Singapore.
Why Is Expat Health Insurance a Must-Have?
- Covers high medical costs, including consultations, hospitalization, and specialized treatments.
- Grants access to private hospitals and international clinics without paying excessive upfront fees.
- Provides emergency medical coverage and protection against unexpected health issues.
- Covers tropical and infectious diseases, such as dengue fever and influenza.
As a leading insurance broker for expats and official CFE partner in Singapore, 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 top-tier health insurers—including APRIL, Henner, and MSH—to secure the best coverage at the best price for you and your family!
