Singapore is known for its high-quality and efficient healthcare system, which is among the best in the world. At the same time, the cost of medical services here is one of the highest, so for foreigners and expats, health insurance is not a luxury, but a necessity. Find out how the “three M” system works (Medisave, Medishield, Medifund), what are the differences between public and private medicine, what new insurance rules are in effect from 2025 and why an international policy is the best solution for those planning to live and work in Singapore

Singapore is a city-state that is often held up as an example to other countries due to its high standard of living and extremely effective healthcare system. According to various international rankings, Singapore consistently holds the top positions: in 2000, the World Health Organization ranked the country in sixth place, and the Bloomberg Global Health Index ranked Singapore fourth out of 163 countries. Local residents enjoy some of the best healthcare in the world, and the average life expectancy as of 2019 was 84.8 years.

But high standards of medicine here are combined with high costs, and this is what makes the issue of health insurance critically important for foreigners and expats, including citizens of Bangladesh, Brunei and Sri Lanka. Read about the features of the healthcare system and health insurance in Singapore in this article.

Want to build a career in Singapore? Visit World’s “Working Guide” will help you quickly apply for a visa, work permit and prepare all the documents without stress.

How does the Singapore healthcare system work?

The Singapore healthcare model is unique and is based on a combination of public and private institutions, as well as an insurance system known as the “three M’s”: Medisave, Medishield, Medifund.

Medisave is a mandatory savings account into which 7% to 9.5% of an employee’s earnings are automatically set aside for medical expenses. This money can be used to pay for hospitalization, surgeries and some outpatient services. The system encourages people to be responsible for their own health, because the savings belong only to them and are used for their needs.

Medishield is a national insurance against serious and expensive cases of illness. Contributions depend on age, and deductibles are calculated to cover a significant part of the risk. If the Medisave account is exhausted, Medishield steps in and provides additional coverage.

Medifund is a fund for those in need of financial assistance. It is funded by an endowment and allows you to cover medical bills for those who cannot pay even with Medisave or Medishield. Over 99% of applications are approved.

Public and private healthcare in Singapore

In Singapore, over 80% of hospital beds are owned by public institutions, but they are divided into ward classes:

- Class A - single or double with air conditioning, comfortable conditions.

- Class B1 - four patients per ward.

- Class B2 - 4-5 patients per ward.

- Class C - up to 9 patients per ward, minimum privacy, but the most subsidized.

Private hospitals offer faster access to doctors, shorter waiting times and better conditions. Some private clinics allow you to choose between single wards and four-room ones to make medicine more affordable.

For local citizens and permanent residents, this system works great. But most foreigners working on work visas are not entitled to government insurance and subsidies.

Why health insurance in Singapore is a necessity, and not is an additional option

In Singapore, medicine is high-quality, but expensive. There are both public hospitals and private clinics. However, there is an important nuance: foreigners do not receive any government subsidies. This means that even in a public institution, the cost of services for you will be higher than for locals.

To understand the scale, I will give a few figures (average prices in 2025):

- consultation with a family doctor: 50–150 SGD (35–104 euros),

- consultation with a specialist: 200–500 SGD (104–346 euros),

- day in a private hospital: 800–3000 SGD (553–2075 euros),

- surgical intervention, such as appendectomy: 10,000–30,000 SGD (≈ 6,916–20,747 euros).

And these are just basic examples. If we are talking about more serious operations, oncological treatment or long-term hospitalization, the bill can reach tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Without insurance, such a financial burden can become a real challenge even for a wealthy person.

Current health insurance rules for foreign workers in Singapore

From 1 July 2025, the Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has introduced a revised insurance system for Work Permit and S Pass holders, as well as domestic workers. These reforms are the second phase of changes after 2023, and they significantly improve worker protection. Key changes:

- Age-based premiums: workers under 50 pay less, older workers pay slightly more, but receive more tailored coverage.

- Direct reimbursement of medical bills to hospitals, which reduces the financial burden on workers and simplifies the process for employers.

- Standardized exclusion provisions that make insurance conditions transparent and easy to compare.

These rules cover almost all foreign workers, including those working in construction, maritime, service and manufacturing. Policies issued or renewed after 1 July 2025 must comply with the new requirements.

Read this article to learn about the changes that Singapore is making to work visas and the S Pass in 2025.

Private health insurance for expats in Singapore: why is it necessary?

Many expats get insurance from their employer, but this is often not enough. The main reasons are:

- Limited coverage: annual limits, exclusions for dentistry, ophthalmology, childbirth, chronic diseases.

- Lack of portability: insurance may lose its validity when changing jobs or returning home.

Therefore, expats often take out an international health insurance plan that:

- covers emergency and elective procedures;

- allows for a choice of clinics and doctors;

- is valid in other countries of their choice;

- provides financial security in case of serious health problems.

In comparison, travel insurance is only suitable for short trips and basic emergencies – it does not cover long-term treatment or surgery.

Practical tips for expats in Singapore

1. Check your employer’s insurance: check annual limits, covered procedures and availability of private hospitals.

2. Consider an international policy for full coverage.

3. Evaluate deductibles and co-payments: some policies require a partial out-of-pocket payment.

4. Find out about the MOM 2025 rules: if you are a Work Permit or S Pass employee, make sure your policy meets the new standards.

5. Consider family needs: insurance is mandatory for Dependant Pass or LTVP.

Singapore is changing the salary criteria for the Employment Pass from 2026. Read here how the COMPASS system works, what points applicants need and what employers should consider.

Singapore offers one of the most efficient and high-quality healthcare systems in the world. For local citizens, it works almost perfectly thanks to Medisave, Medishield and Medifund. For foreigners and expats, the situation is different: the state subsidy does not cover, and private medicine is expensive.

The new insurance rules of 2025 make the system more transparent and fair for workers with Work Permit and S Pass visas, but expats should still take care of international coverage to avoid financial risks and have access to the best medicine.

Getting insurance is not just a formality. It is an investment in health, peace of mind and confidence in a new country.

Choose only reliable insurance agents together with Visit World - the best assistant for everyone planning to migrate abroad!

Reminder! Permanent residency in Singapore opens up a wide range of opportunities for foreigners to live, work and do business. We have already told you who can get PR, what schemes are available in 2025, how to apply correctly, what documents are required, how much it costs and what benefits does resident status provide.