International Health Insurance in Singapore for Expats
ExpatInsure is a specialist expat health insurance service that can help you find the right international health insurance plan for your life in Singapore – free to start, no obligation.
Singapore consistently ranks among the world’s top destinations for American professionals, and it is easy to understand why. The city-state offers exceptional infrastructure, political stability, a thriving business environment and one of the highest standards of living in Asia. English is widely spoken, the healthcare system is world-class, and the country is home to a large, well-established expat community.
What many Americans discover on arrival, however, is that Singapore’s outstanding public healthcare system is not available to them. As a foreigner on a work pass or dependent pass, you are not eligible for Singapore’s government-subsidised healthcare programmes, which are reserved for citizens and permanent residents. This means that without private health insurance, you are responsible for the full cost of any medical treatment – and in Singapore, those costs can be significant.
ExpatInsure is a specialist expat health insurance service that can help you find the right international health insurance plan for your life in Singapore. Whether you are relocating for work, accompanying a partner or planning a longer stay, ExpatInsure can help you find cover that works for your situation. Start your free quote today – there is no obligation.
The complete guide to healthcare in Singapore for American expats
What standard of healthcare does Singapore offer?
Singapore’s healthcare system is widely regarded as one of the best in the world. The country ranked 6th in the World Health Organization’s global ranking of health systems and has consistently placed among the top countries in international healthcare indices. Both public and private hospitals in Singapore offer a high standard of care, with well-trained, English-speaking medical professionals and modern facilities. For Americans living in Singapore, private hospitals offer shorter wait times and a more comfortable experience, and are accessible through international health insurance.
Can Americans access Singapore's public healthcare system?
No – not as a rule. Singapore’s public healthcare system, including the government-subsidised MediShield Life programme, is available only to Singapore citizens and permanent residents. Americans living in Singapore on an Employment Pass, Dependent Pass or S Pass are not eligible for these programmes. Permanent residency in Singapore is a specific legal status that can only be acquired after years of residency and a formal application – it is not automatically granted. For the majority of American expats in Singapore, private international health insurance is the only way to access covered medical care.
What happens if I need medical care in Singapore without insurance?
You can access both public and private hospitals in Singapore as a foreigner, but you will pay the full unsubsidised cost of treatment. Singapore’s healthcare is of an excellent standard, but medical costs – particularly for specialist consultations, diagnostic tests or hospital stays – can be substantial without insurance in place. International health insurance means you have cover from the moment you arrive, without having to weigh up whether seeking treatment is affordable.
Does my employer's insurance cover everything I need in Singapore?
Employer-provided insurance in Singapore can vary significantly in the level of cover it provides. Some employer plans have annual limits, exclude certain conditions or treatments, or do not extend to dependants. If your cover is tied to your employment, it also ends if you change jobs or leave Singapore unexpectedly. Many American expats in Singapore choose to supplement employer cover with an individual international health insurance plan to ensure they have the protection they need regardless of their employment situation. ExpatInsure can help you review your options.
Is health insurance required for a Singapore visa?
For most work pass holders in Singapore, employers are required to provide a minimum level of medical insurance as part of the employment arrangement. However, the minimum required cover may not be sufficient for all medical needs. Dependent Pass holders and self-employed individuals should check their specific obligations carefully. Regardless of visa requirements, having comprehensive international health insurance in place is strongly recommended for all Americans living in Singapore given the cost of unsubsidised medical care.
Can I use my US Medicare in Singapore?
No. US Medicare does not provide coverage outside the United States in most circumstances. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer limited emergency cover abroad, and certain Medigap policies include emergency foreign travel coverage, but these are generally designed for short trips rather than long-term living abroad. Americans planning to live in Singapore should arrange international health insurance as a separate plan to cover their healthcare needs in the country.
Benefits of International Health Insurance
Cover From Day One
International health insurance can give you access to private hospitals and clinics in Singapore from the moment you arrive, before any employer cover is in place and regardless of your visa status.
Access to Private Hospitals
Singapore’s private hospitals offer shorter wait times, private facilities and a high standard of care. International health insurance can give you access to these facilities with cover in place before you need them.
English-Speaking Doctors
English is the primary language of medicine in Singapore. ExpatInsure can help you find a plan that gives you access to English-speaking GPs and specialists across the city-state.
Cover Beyond Employer Plans
Employer-provided insurance in Singapore may not cover everything you need. ExpatInsure can help you find an individual international health insurance plan that fills the gaps and travels with you if your circumstances change.
Family Cover Options
International health insurance plans can cover your whole family in Singapore, with options for paediatric care and maternity cover. ExpatInsure can help you find a plan that works for your whole family’s needs.
Worldwide Cover
Many international health insurance plans include cover outside Singapore, so you may be protected when travelling regionally or back to the United States. ExpatInsure can help you find a plan with the right geographic scope for your lifestyle.
Is International Health Insurance Right for You?
Professionals and Employees
Singapore is one of Asia’s most important business hubs and attracts a large number of American professionals each year. Whether your employer provides insurance or not, ExpatInsure can help you find an international health insurance plan that fills any gaps and gives you reliable cover throughout your time in Singapore.
Families
Singapore is an excellent destination for American families, with international schools, safe neighbourhoods and world-class healthcare. ExpatInsure can help you find international health insurance that covers the whole family, with options for paediatric care and maternity cover at Singapore’s leading private hospitals.
Dependent Pass Holders
Many Americans in Singapore arrive as the accompanying partner or family member of an Employment Pass holder. Dependent Pass holders are not covered by employer insurance and are responsible for their own healthcare costs. ExpatInsure can help you find the right international health insurance plan for your time in Singapore.
Long-Stay and Self-Employed Expats
Self-employed Americans and those on longer-term passes in Singapore need to arrange their own healthcare cover independently. Without employer-provided insurance, the full cost of medical treatment falls entirely on you. ExpatInsure can help you find a plan suited to your situation and budget.
Start Your Free Quote for International Health Insurance in Singapore Today
ExpatInsure can help you find the right health insurance plan for your life in Singapore. Expert guidance. No obligation.