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 and the official CFE partner in Singapore, 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 Treatments Cost in Singapore?

Singapore is one of the most expensive places for dental care, especially in the private sector. Here are the average prices:

• General consultation: 50 – 150 SGD (approx. 35 - 104 Euros)
• Teeth cleaning: 80 – 200 SGD (approx. 55 - 38 Euros)
• Filling: 100 – 400 SGD (approx. 69 - 276 Euros)
• Dental crown: 800 – 2,500 SGD (approx. 553 - 1,728 Euros)
• Dental implant: 3,500 – 7,000 SGD (approx. 2,419 - 4,839 Euros)

💡 Important: The CFE does not cover dental care, so international health insurance is strongly recommended to avoid high expenses.

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?

• Ophthalmologist consultation: 80 – 300 SGD (approx. 55 - 207 Euros)
• Prescription glasses: 100 – 1,500 SGD (approx. 69 - 1,037 Euros)
• Contact lenses (per year): 50 – 500 SGD (approx. 35 - 346 Euros)
• Laser eye surgery (LASIK): 3,500 – 7,000 SGD (approx. 2,419 - 4,839 Euros)

💡 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 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!