How does healthcare work in Singapore, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

What is the quality of healthcare in Singapore?

• Singapore has very good healthcare facilities, one of the most efficient and high quality healthcare systems in the world! It is common for people to come to Singapore from Indonesia for medical care.
• The cost of healthcare is high, as is the cost of everything in Singapore.
• There is a two-tier system with both private and public healthcare, supported by the national Medisave system, which provides medical coverage for Singapore citizens and permanent residents.
• Medisave does not cover expats, so private health insurance is essential.
• Hospitals have three types of wards; A, B and C. C is the cheapest, with generally 9 beds per ward, A is the most expensive, but you do get a private room.
• Pharmacies are easy to find in shopping malls and community centres, and some are even open 24 hours a day.
• Emergency services are efficient and reliable. For an ambulance, dial 995.
• Medical staff also speak good English, making it even easier for expatriates to seek care.

How does the public healthcare system work in Singapore?

• Singaporeans and permanent residents are entitled to public healthcare services and the insurance programme that covers most (around 70%) of the costs. Registration is automatic.
• Permanent residents of Singapore pay contributions to the Central Provident Fund (CPF).
• This health insurance system consists of the 3 M’s: MediShield Life (the compulsory health insurance), MediSave (a kind of medical savings programme for the costs of basic healthcare) and MediFund (the safety net for those who cannot afford it themselves).
• Other temporary residents have to pay the costs themselves unless they have private insurance.

How does the public healthcare system work in Singapore?

• The private healthcare sector is large in Singapore.
• Expats generally make the most use of the private sector. The care is very good, there is more choice of treatments and care centres and it offers more comfortable services.
• The costs are a lot higher than in the public sector.

How is the family doctor or general practitioner arranged in Singapore?

• GPs are the first step in healthcare. They can be found in government-subsidized outpatient clinics, private clinics and health centres. There are many clinics spread across Singapore.
• Most clinics offer walk-in appointments.
• As a resident, you pay around 15-30 Singapore dollars, but as a foreigner, around 50-60 Singapore dollars.

How is the dental care and dentist arranged in Singapore?

• In dental care, there is also a mix of private and public providers, who charge different fees for treatments. Dental care is regulated by the Singapore Dental Council.
• In general, the treatments are of high quality.
• There are two major dental care facilities: the National Dental Centre Singapore (NDCS) and the National University Centre for Oral Health Singapore (NUCOHS). In addition, you can also go to outpatient clinics, hospitals and private practices.
• The NDCS has a database where new residents can search for dentists in their area.

How is pregnancy and maternity care arranged in Singapore?

• Pregnancy care is well organised in Singapore, with full prenatal and postnatal care.
• All care is provided by doctors and midwives, there is no midwifery.
• The infant mortality rate is very low, so pregnant women are in good hands here.
• Most births take place in hospitals, but home births are also an option, although this only occurs in less than one percent of cases in Singapore.
• Abortion is legal until at least 24 weeks, or later if the mother is at risk.
• IVF and IUI treatments are available in Singapore.
• Breastfeeding is encouraged, and it is socially acceptable to breastfeed in public. There are also lactation rooms available in many shopping malls and public buildings.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Singapore?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Singapore?

• Singapore is one of the safest countries in the world, with very low crime rates. This is due to strict law enforcement and severe penalties for violations. It is therefore very safe for expats, provided they follow the rules themselves.
• There are also virtually no natural disasters in Singapore, making it a safe place to live.
• As a new resident, it is important to familiarize yourself with the strict rules, such as the ban on chewing gum, high fines for littering on the streets and strict censorship. Also be careful about what you share online, as offensive statements about religion or politics can have legal consequences.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Singapore?

• The risk of infectious diseases is low, but dengue fever and other mosquito-borne diseases are a problem, especially during the rainy season (May-October). If you are pregnant or become pregnant in Singapore, it is important to be aware of the risks of the Zika virus.
• Laat je goed informeren over de laatste stand van zaken met betrekking tot de gezondheidsmaatregelen en vaccinaties.
• The tap water in Singapore is safe to drink!

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Singapore?

• Singapore has a well-organized traffic system. Note that traffic laws are strictly enforced and violations, such as drunk driving or running red lights, result in heavy fines or imprisonment.
• In general, the maximum speed limit is 50 km/h unless otherwise indicated. For example, on the Expressway it is between 70 and 90 km/h and in school zones, for example, 40 km/h.
• Public transport is fast, efficient and affordable. The MRT (subway) and buses are the most popular modes of travel.
• Expats can drive with their foreign driver's license for up to 12 months, but must then obtain a Singaporean driving permit. Traffic regulations are comparable to European standards.

What are the best insurance options for backpacking, traveling, doing an internship, studying, volunteering, or working in Singapore?

• Is the trip to Singapore and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity?
• Insurance for backpacking and traveling in Singapore
• Insurance for studying in Singapore
• Insurance for internships in Singapore
• Insurance for volunteering in Singapore
• Insurance for digital nomads or paid work in Singapore

What types of insurance should you get if you're planning to emigrate, work as an expat, or live in Singapore?

• For some visas it is mandatory to prove that you are sufficiently insured yourself. This can also be done through your employer. However, most emigrants also take out their own international insurance to cover any gaps in the local insurance, or for example repatriation.
• International health insurance for Singapore
• International travel insurance for Singapore
• International life insurance for Singapore
• International income protection insurance for Singapore