(2025) Health Insurance for Expats in Singapore: All You Need to Know

Singapore is a top destination for expats due to its high quality of life, strong economy, and world-class healthcare system. However, accessing private medical care in the city can be extremely expensive, depending on where you go. Having the right health insurance in Singapore is essential to ensure comprehensive medical coverage and avoid high out-of-pocket costs.

At Alea, your specialised expat health insurance advisor & broker, our experts have gathered everything you need to know about health insurance in Singapore as an expat!

Why You Need Health Insurance in Singapore

1. High Cost of Healthcare

Singapore has one of the best healthcare system in the world, but it is also one of the most expensive. The country has both public and private healthcare providers, but expats do not benefit from government healthcare subsidies.

• Public hospitals provide high-quality care, but they can have long waiting times, and costs are still relatively high for foreigners.
• Private hospitals and international clinics, such as Mount Elizabeth Hospital (Orchard & Novena) or Raffles Hospital, offer faster access to treatment and English-speaking doctors, but they come at a premium cost.

Here’s an overview of medical costs in Singapore:

• General practitioner (GP) consultation: 50 – 150 SGD (approx. 35 - 104 Euros)
• Specialist consultation: 200 – 500 SGD (approx. (approx. 104 - 346 Euros)
• Private hospital stay (per night): 800 – 3,000 SGD (approx. 553 - 2 075 Euros)
• Surgery (e.g., appendectomy): 10,000 – 30,000 SGD (approx. 6,916 to 20,747 Euros)

💡 Did you know? Without comprehensive health insurance, expats may face significant medical expenses, especially for hospital stays, major surgeries, or specialist treatments.

2. Limited Coverage from Employer-Provided Insurance

• Many companies in Singapore provide health insurance for employees, but corporate plans often have restrictions, such as:
• Low annual coverage limits
• Exclusion of maternity, dental, or vision care
• No coverage for chronic conditions or specialist treatments

If your employer provides insurance, it is important to review the policy carefully and consider a private health plan for full medical coverage.

3. Health Insurance and Visa Requirements

Unlike some other countries, health insurance is not a legal requirement for a work visa in Singapore. However, if you are applying for:

• Employment Pass (EP): Health insurance is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended.
• Dependant’s Pass: Expats bringing their family should ensure comprehensive family health insurance.
• Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP): Foreigners staying for extended periods should have adequate medical coverage.

Even though it is not required for visa approval, having health insurance in Singapore is essential due to the high cost of medical treatment.

4. Access to Premium Private Healthcare

Most expatriates in Singapore prefer private hospitals and international medical centers due to shorter waiting times, English-speaking and internationally trained doctors, as well as high-end medical facilities

However, private healthcare costs are among the highest in Asia, making private health insurance a necessity.

Why You Shouldn’t Rely Solely on Employer Health Coverage

1. Insufficient Coverage

Even if your employer offers medical insurance, the coverage may not be enough in the event of a severe illness or injury.

Most group insurance policies have:

• Annual coverage limits
• Exclusions for certain medical treatments
• Restrictions on accessing private hospitals

A top-up private insurance plan can provide full protection, ensuring you receive the necessary medical care without financial stress.

2. Lack of Portability

Many expats do not realize that leaving or losing their job while living abroad can have serious consequences on their health coverage.

Most employer-sponsored plans are not portable. If you change jobs or return to your home country, you might lose your health insurance immediately.

An individual international health insurance plan offers continuous protection regardless of employment status.

Health Insurance vs. Travel Insurance: Which One Do You Need?

Although both insurance types are designed for people spending time abroad, they serve different purposes.

Travel Insurance

• Covers emergency treatments during short trips abroad
• Designed to help you return home after receiving basic medical care
• Does not cover long-term treatments
• Coverage ends when you return to your country of residence

International Health Insurance

• Designed for expats living abroad for an extended period
• Covers both emergency care and routine medical treatments
• Allows expats to choose their preferred doctor and healthcare facility
• Offers flexibility to receive treatment anywhere within the insured region

💡 Did you know? With an international health insurance policy, you can access private hospitals when needed, avoiding long waiting times at public hospitals.

Caisse des Français de l’Étranger (CFE): A Solution for French Expats in Singapore

French expats in Singapore have the option to enroll in the Caisse des Français de l’Étranger (CFE), a social security organization designed for French citizens abroad. The CFE provides coverage similar to the French public health system while allowing policyholders to choose their preferred healthcare providers in Singapore.

Why Choose the CFE?

• Continued Social Security Benefits: Maintain your rights to French social security, avoiding coverage gaps if you return to France.
• No Medical Questionnaire: Pre-existing conditions are automatically covered.
• Compatible with Private Insurance: For optimal coverage, expats can combine the CFE with private international insurance to cover high medical costs at private and international hospitals in Singapore.

As the official partner of the CFE in Singapore, Alea helps French expats choose and subscribe to the best insurance plan tailored to their needs.

By enrolling with the CFE + a top-up private plan, you can enjoy comprehensive health coverage in Singapore and during visits to France.

5 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Health Insurance in Singapore

1. Coverage Benefits

There are typically three levels of international health insurance plans in Singapore, depending on your needs and budget:

• Basic plans: Cover hospitalization and major illnesses, with limited additional benefits.
• Mid-tier plans: Include outpatient care, maternity benefits, and private hospital stays.
• Premium plans: Provide comprehensive coverage, including annual check-ups, maternity care, and elective C-sections.

2. Customer Support

When choosing an insurer, check their customer service options: 24/7 assistance? Live chat or phone support? Services available in English, French or your native language? Good customer service is essential in emergencies or when managing claims.

3. Direct Billing (Cashless Payment)

Does your insurance provider offer direct billing? With this feature, the insurer pays the hospital or clinic directly, eliminating out-of-pocket expenses and reimbursement claims.

4. Fast Claims Processing

Some insurers process claims quickly, while others take months. A reliable claims process ensures timely reimbursement and less hassle.

5. Expertise of Your Insurance Broker

A good health insurance broker helps you:

• Compare all relevant health insurance plans
• Understand how the insurance market works
• Choose the best plan for your needs and budget
• Navigate complex insurance claims if issues arise

At Alea, we are experts in international health insurance and represent 25 well-known insurance companies. Our advisors will help you find the best plan tailored to your needs.