Medical System in Singapore

Government-funded health care in Singapore is under the control of the Ministry of Health (MOH).

In addition to the Government health care hospitals and clinics, there are many private hospital and clinics.

Government-funded Healthcare

Government Hospitals and Clinics

Government-funded hospitals and clinics offer excellent medical services at lower rates than the private sector. These are available to anyone.

• A comprehensive list of national (and private) hospitals available in Singapore can be found at in the Ministry of Health website: Click here

Ministry of Health Clinics

The Ministry of Health has clinics with regular GPs (general practitioners) and specialist clinics. It runs 13 dental clinics, including one at the National University Hospital. There are also six dental clinics situated in polyclinics that provide basic dental care such as check-ups, scalings, fillings, extractions and dentures. 

• For a complete list search the MOH website under the heading "Healthcare Facilities": Click here  

Private Healthcare

Singapore's private healthcare is provided by two health care companies: National Healthcare Group (NHG) and Singapore Health Services (SHS).

• National Healthcare Group
  Website

The National Healthcare Group provides comprehensive primary to tertiary public healthcare services through a network of four hospitals, one national centre, nine polyclinics, three specialty institutes and five business divisions.

SingHealth is the eastern cluster of public healthcare institutions in Singapore. It includes three hospitals, five national specialty centres and a network of primary healthcare clinics.

• Singapore Health Services
  Website (SingHealth)

Medical Costs

Expatriates in Singapore are not covered by any state medical plans. Generally expatriate employees are insured through their employers (collective) plans or individuals take out private health care insurance.

Permanent residents and citizens have individual Central Provident Fund (CPF) savings to draw on which can be used for medical expenses.

The CPF (Central Provident Fund)

The Central Provident Fund (CPF) is a comprehensive social security savings plan which provides working Singaporeans with a fund for healthcare, retirement and other social welfare purposes.

Working Singaporeans, Permanent Residents and their employers make monthly contributions to the CPF. Employment Pass holders may contribute to the CPF on a voluntary basis if their employers agree to it. These contributions go into three accounts, one of which, the Medisave Account, can be used for hospitalisation expenses and approved medical insurance.

• For further information: Click here 

Pharmacies

There are pharmacies located at every hospital. Common drugs can be bought at any of the pharmacy chains located in most big shopping centres. In some cases it may be more economical to ask for a prescription and take it to an independent pharmacy rather than buying from the clinic itself.

Health Services

Singapore's healthcare services are based on western medical science. However, it is common practice among the various ethnic groups to consult traditional medicine practitioners for general ailments. Of particular interest is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which is especially popular among the Chinese.