Health insurance in Singapore: how to choose the right plan
Healthcare in Singapore is genuinely world-class. It's also among the most expensive in Asia. A single hospitalisation can exceed SGD 30,000. For the uninsured, that's a real financial risk.
Singapore has several government schemes: MediSave, MediShield Life, and MediFund. But they're for citizens and permanent residents (PRs) only. On a work pass or dependent visa, none of them apply to you. There's no public fallback option.
All this means private or international health insurance in Singapore is a necessity for foreigners.
We'll walk you through your options for health insurance in Singapore. That includes what they cost and how to choose.
This guide covers:
- Why the government's 3M framework doesn't apply to foreigners
- Your three main options: employer insurance, domestic private insurance, and international
- How much Singapore healthcare actually costs without cover
- A decision framework by pass type, so you can find the right fit for your situation
- The full cost comparison across profiles
- How to get expat health insurance in Singapore, step by step
One thing worth saying upfront: Feather sells international health insurance in Singapore. We'll tell you when it's the right option and when it might not be.
Singapore health insurance: how the system works
Singapore's healthcare is widely regarded as among the best in the world. In fact, the Legatum Prosperity Index 2023 ranked it first for healthcare globally. But most of the financial protections are reserved for citizens and PRs.
Public vs private hospitals in Singapore
The Ministry of Health oversees both public and private hospitals in Singapore. As a foreigner, the two come with very different price tags.
Public hospitals are subsidised for citizens and PRs only. Those include the likes of Singapore General Hospital and Tan Tock Seng Hospital. At these, foreigners pay unsubsidised rates. Those are often closer to what you'd pay at a private facility.
What about private hospitals like Mount Elizabeth, Gleneagles, and Raffles Hospital? They offer world-class facilities, English-speaking staff, and short waiting times. They're where most expats go. They're also where the largest bills are generated.
The 3M framework: what it is and why it doesn't cover you
Singapore's public health financing runs on three schemes:
- MediSave: a savings account that's automatically funded from your salary. It's used for hospital bills and some outpatient care.
- MediShield Life: a compulsory basic health insurance scheme. It protects against large hospital bills.
- MediFund: a safety net for Singaporeans who can't afford their bills. That's even with the help of MediSave and MediShield Life.
All three schemes are restricted to Singapore citizens and permanent residents. That’s confirmed by the CPF Board. If you're on an Employment Pass, S Pass, Dependent Pass, or EntrePass, none of them apply to you.
You also can't access Integrated Shield Plans (ISPs). These are top-up policies from authorized private insurers. They require MediShield Life as a base.
Expat health insurance in Singapore: your options
Employer-provided insurance
Most employers provide group health insurance for Employment Pass and S Pass holders. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) sets a minimum: SGD 60,000 per year for Work Permit and S Pass holders. For Employment Pass holders, there's no mandated minimum at all. Some employers provide comprehensive cover; others provide nothing. If you're on an EP, it's worth checking your contract before assuming you're covered.
In practice, employer plans vary widely. Some cover hospitalisation only. Others include outpatient, dental, and specialist visits. But a few things are common across the board:
- Dependents are often not covered, or require an additional premium.
- Coverage ends immediately when your employment ends. There's no continuation option (no equivalent of the USA's COBRA law, for example). That means there's no way to keep the policy running at your own cost. The day you leave the company, you're uninsured.
- The policy belongs to your employer, not you. You have no say in the insurer or the coverage level.
If your employer plan is solid and you're not planning to leave, it may be enough for now. But the job-change risk is real. Even a short gap between roles can leave you fully exposed.
Private health insurance in Singapore
Private health insurance in Singapore is available from local insurers. These include AIA, Prudential, Great Eastern, Income and HSBC Life. As noted above, Integrated Shield Plans are only for citizens and PRs. Foreigners need standalone private plans. Those are more limited in availability and typically more expensive. Local private cover works for some people, but it's worth knowing the gaps before you sign up.
All Singapore-based insurers are regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). You can verify any provider's licence on the MAS register before purchasing a policy.
Costs for a standalone private plan run from SGD 200 to 800 per month. It depends on age and coverage level.
What are the main advantages? Local network knowledge. Direct billing with private hospitals. Faster access to specialists.
How about the drawbacks? Coverage stops at Singapore's borders. Options for non-PRs are limited. No repatriation cover.
International health insurance in Singapore
International health insurance is open to any foreigner in Singapore. You can have any visa type. Cover starts from around EUR 85 per month. It includes private hospitals in Singapore as well as treatment abroad.
It’s portable if you relocate and repatriation is included. That’s especially valuable given Singapore's treatment costs. There’s also no hospital network restrictions, and treatment back home is covered.
Don't confuse this with travel health insurance in Singapore. That's designed for short trips, not long-term residency. Staying beyond a few months? International health insurance is the right choice.
International cover is a particularly good fit for freelancers and the self-employed, who have no employer plan to fall back on. Take a look at our guide to international health insurance for freelancers for more.
It's also a strong choice if you need portable cover for moving between countries. Does that sound like you? Read our guide to international health insurance for digital nomads.
Want a broad overview of this type of cover? Read our guide to how international health insurance works.
Private health insurance in Singapore, employer coverage and international: how they compare
Here's how the three main options compare on the things that matter most.
| Feature | Employer plan | SG private | International |
|---|---|---|---|
| Available to foreigners | If employed | Limited | Yes |
| Monthly cost | Free (employer-paid) | SGD 200 – 800 | From EUR 85 (≈ SGD 128) |
| Tied to employment | Yes | No | No |
| Coverage area | Singapore | Singapore only | Worldwide |
| Private hospital access | Plan-dependent | Yes | Yes |
| Family coverage | Sometimes | Extra premium | Per person |
| Portable | No | No | Yes |
| Repatriation | No | No | Yes |
| Pre-existing conditions | Plan-dependent | Often excluded | Often covered (plan-dependent) |
Singapore health insurance for foreigners: a guide by pass type
Still can't choose the right health insurance in Singapore? Your pass type and situation determine which option makes the most sense. Here's how to find yours.
| Your situation | Recommended option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| EP holder: good employer cover | Supplement with international | Check for gaps: dental, maternity, outpatient. Add international for portability if you may relocate or change jobs. |
| EP holder: basic employer cover | International or SG private | Employer plan likely covers hospitalisation only. You need outpatient, specialist, and portable cover. |
| Dependent Pass holder | International | Employer plans rarely cover dependents. International is the most flexible and portable option. |
| Self-employed / EntrePass | International | No employer plan. International provides comprehensive cover from day one. |
| Family with children | International family plan | Paediatric care and maternity in Singapore are expensive. International family plans offer the best value and portability. |
| Short-term assignment (1 – 2 years) | International | Portable when you leave. No lock-in. Better than a Singapore-only plan you'll abandon on departure. |
| Planning to get PR | International (for now) | Once you have PR, you can access MediShield Life. Until then, international bridges the gap. |
How much does health insurance in Singapore cost, and what do you pay without cover?
To understand the financial risk, it helps to look at actual costs. Here's what you can expect to pay at Singapore's private hospitals without cover.
| Procedure | Public hospital (foreigner rate) | Private hospital |
|---|---|---|
| GP visit | SGD 50 – 100 | SGD 100 – 200 |
| Specialist consultation | SGD 150 – 300 | SGD 200 – 500 |
| MRI scan | SGD 500 – 1,000 | SGD 1,000 – 2,500 |
| Normal delivery | SGD 6,000 – 10,000 | SGD 12,000 – 25,000 |
| 3-day hospital stay | SGD 5,000 – 15,000 | SGD 15,000 – 40,000 |
Figures based on Ministry of Health Singapore bill size benchmarks and typical private hospital fee ranges. Source: MOH bill size data. Costs vary depending on hospital, ward class, and complexity of treatment.
Maternity costs in Singapore
Maternity is one of the largest financial exposures for expat families in Singapore. A private delivery can cost SGD 12,000 to 25,000 depending on the hospital and any complications. Most Singapore private plans impose waiting periods of 12 to 24 months before maternity is covered. Some international plans have shorter waiting periods, and a few have none.
If you're planning a family, the key rule is simple: get insured before you conceive. Policies bought after conception will typically exclude the pregnancy entirely. Family health insurance in Singapore through an international plan tends to offer the most flexibility for expats in this situation.
Expat health insurance in Singapore: cost comparison by profile
What does cover actually cost? Here's how Singapore private and international plans compare across different profiles.
| Profile | SG private (per month) | International (per month) |
|---|---|---|
| 30, single | SGD 250 – 400 | From EUR 85 (≈ SGD 128) |
| 40, family of 4 | SGD 800 – 1,500 | From EUR 400 (≈ SGD 600) |
| 55, couple | SGD 700 – 1,200 | From EUR 300 (≈ SGD 450) |
Singapore private figures are indicative market rates. International figures reflect Feather's official EUR pricing. SGD conversions at 1 EUR = SGD 1.50 (April 2026) and are for guidance only.
For most profiles, international cover is notably cheaper than standalone Singapore private. It also comes with portability and repatriation built in. You can explore Feather's international health insurance plans and get a quote here.
How to get the best health insurance in Singapore
Getting health insurance in Singapore is straightforward. Here's how to do it.
- Assess your needs. Think about how long you're staying. And will you travel outside Singapore? Do you have dependents to cover?
- Check your employer plan. If you have one, find out exactly what it covers. Look specifically at outpatient, dental, maternity, and dependent coverage.
- Compare options. Does your employer plan have gaps? See how other options fill them. If you don’t have one at all, what are your needs? Compare Singapore private vs. international on cost, scope, and portability.
- Apply. You can apply for international insurance with Feather online. The whole process is in English.
- Get your certificate. Feather issues documentation quickly after approval. You'll have what you need for any employer or visa paperwork.
Applying for an Employment Pass, S Pass, or Dependent Pass? Need insurance documentation as part of your application? Our guide to international health insurance for visa applicants explains what you'll need.
Looking for international health insurance in Singapore?
Singapore's healthcare costs are among the highest in Asia. There's no government safety net for foreigners. Getting the right cover in place before you arrive, or as soon as possible after, is the sensible move.
International cover is worth considering if you're on a work pass, a dependent visa, or planning to move on. It covers Singapore's private hospitals and treatment abroad. It also stays valid if you relocate. It also suits anyone who is self-employed, planning a family, or finding local plans hard to access.
Compare our plans
Feather's international health insurance starts from EUR 85 per month. Plans, applications, and claims are all handled in English. You can compare cover and apply quickly and easily online.
