Health Insurance in Singapore: How to Protect Your Family?

Moving to Singapore with your family is an incredible opportunity, but it also comes with healthcare challenges. Indeed, while Singapore is known for its world-class medical system, healthcare costs are very high for expatriates. Having the right health insurance is essential to access to the best medical facilities without facing overwhelming expenses.

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

Singapore has a modern and highly efficient healthcare system, but expats should be aware of key differences:

• Public hospitals offer high-quality care, but non-residents pay significantly higher fees.
• Private hospitals & international clinics provide personalized service and top-tier facilities, but costs are often exorbitant.

💡Did you know? Singapore does not offer universal health coverage for expatriates. Without insurance, medical bills can be extremely high.

Examples of Medical Costs in Singapore

• Minor surgery in a private hospital → Several thousand Euros
• Childbirth in a private hospital → Over 10,000 Euros

A comprehensive health insurance plan is crucial to avoid financial strain.

2. Why Do You Need Health Insurance for Your Family in Singapore?

As an expat parent, ensuring your family's healthcare needs are covered is essential:

• Pediatric consultations & vaccinations – Singapore’s immunization schedule differs from France. A good insurance plan ensures access to recommended vaccines and top pediatricians.
• Dental & vision care – Typically not included in local insurance plans and can be very expensive.
• Hospitalization & emergencies – Without insurance, emergency care can lead to substantial out-of-pocket expenses.
• Maternity & childbirth – Prenatal care and delivery in private hospitals are costly. Maternity coverage is essential for growing families.

3. How to Choose the Best Health Insurance for Your Family in Singapore?

There are several health insurance options for expatriates. It’s crucial to compare plans carefully:

• Caisse des Français de l’Étranger (CFE): Maintains link to the French healthcare system but does not fully cover medical costs in Singapore
• International Health Insurance: Provides access to private hospitals & emergency evacuation but has higher cost than CFE alone

💡 Tip: Combining the CFE with a top-up insurance plan ensures comprehensive coverage at a reasonable cost.

Check out our full guide on choosing the best expat health insurance in Singapore here!

4. How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Singapore?

The cost of expat health insurance depends on several factors:

• Age & health status of each family member.
• Coverage level (hospitalization-only vs. full coverage).
• Maternity benefits (for families planning a pregnancy).

The estimated cost of international health insurance in Singapore is around 2,500 – 12,000 Euros per year for a family, depending on the plan and benefits.

5. Our Recommendations for Optimal Protection

• Get insured before arriving – Avoid gaps in coverage.
• Choose a plan with a strong medical network – Easier access to top hospitals.
• Check exclusions & waiting periods – Some treatments may not be covered immediately.
• Adapt your plan to your family’s needs – Ensure maternity and pediatric care are included if necessary.

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!