Updated on by Rodrigo @ OutofYourComfortZone
Moving to Singapore as an expatriate, immigrant, or international student? Here’s what you need to know!
When moving to Singapore, you’ll be joining a global community of expatriates who have settled in the Lion City. Vibrant and cosmopolitan, it offers a quality of life and standard of living that attracts top business talents to its shores.
Characterized by the stunning Marina Bay waterfront and towering skyscrapers, Singapore seems ethereal. On top of all that, it also has an excellent healthcare system.
In this short article, I will explain how the system works and what you and your family can expect when moving to Singapore.
When it comes to healthcare, Singapore boasts impressive credentials. It is one of the healthiest countries in the world according to the World Health Organization, which ranked the country second, behind Japan, based on rates of chronic diseases, life expectancy, and access to care.
The Economist Intelligence Unit, another reliable benchmark, placed Singapore second out of 166 countries in terms of healthcare. A similar conclusion came from the Bloomberg Global Health Index, which included Singapore among the top ten healthiest countries in the world. Based on these results, expatriates are moving to a country that prioritizes health and well-being and has an effective healthcare system.
Singapore – a City of Expatriates
Singapore has always welcomed expatriates. It is estimated that 1.7 million global workers live in the city, accounting for about 30% of the population. It is this influx of skilled workers, along with its strategic location and thriving economy, that proves irresistible to companies looking to expand and establish a base in Asia. Singapore is a great place to do business.
Singapore is also a great place to live. It was ranked the best expat destination by HSBC in 2018 and continues to attract global workers. When you move to Singapore, you will be in the company of other expatriates and will quickly make new friends. With other people in the same boat as you, adapting to life in a new country will be easier and less stressful.
Here’s an interesting fact: along with Monaco and the Vatican City, Singapore is one of the three city-states in the world. It is also the second most expensive city in the world, surpassed only by Tel Aviv. And just a word on the real estate market. Yes, it is expensive if you’re looking to rent or buy in Singapore.
Moreover, the demand for prime real estate is high, a situation exacerbated by the exodus of expatriates from Hong Kong to Singapore in 2020. Around 80% of the population live in government-owned apartments, with many affluent expatriates opting to buy in neighborhoods like Holland Village, Sentosa, and the artsy district of Tiong Bahru.
How the Healthcare System works in Singapore
Singapore has an excellent healthcare system – one of the best in the world. However, if you are an expatriate, you will need private insurance or deep pockets to access its services unless your employer has a health plan you can join. There is a simple explanation: in Singapore, expatriates have non-resident status. They are visa holders, do not contribute financially to the system, and, therefore, are not eligible for subsidized primary care.
The system is publicly funded through taxes and supplemented with contributions from mandatory medical insurance schemes paid for by employers and their employees. These are called 3Ms: Medisave, Medishield, and Medifund.
It is an efficient system that funds the operation of ten public hospitals and 12 private ones, as well as numerous clinics where you can register with a family doctor. Singapore General Hospital, run by the government, ranked eighth out of 2,000 in a 2021 survey of the world’s best hospitals, the only Asian hospital in the top ten.
With around 80% of hospital beds in public hospitals, it might be surprising that many expatriates choose to go private. For non-residents, the cost of private care is higher. However, the admission process is faster, and more specialized treatments are available.
Additionally, there is a greater choice of beds, private rooms, and amenities. The demand for healthcare is consistently high. Besides residents and expatriates, the country’s reputation as a popular medical tourism destination means it attracts patients from around the world.
And the costs for healthcare in Singapore? Yes, healthcare is expensive, but you get what you pay for. Singapore has invested heavily in its system, and it shows: strong infrastructure, great facilities, and experienced medical staff.
A ten-minute private consultation with a family doctor can cost €20-30, a figure that rises to €120-200 for an after-hours visit. You could expect to pay €120 for an A&E visit, while for a surgical procedure, you would be looking at anything between €8,000-18,000. While not as expensive as the United States, the need for private health insurance is undisputed.
Global Health Insurance Covering Expatriates in Singapore: Global Health Plans from Cigna Healthcare
Cigna Healthcare is a global leader in the international health insurance market. It is part of a global business with around 180 million customers and patients worldwide. The company specializes in creating health plans for the expatriate community, providing solutions that protect the health and well-being of globally mobile employees, digital nomads, and students while traveling and working abroad.
Conclusion…
Navigating Singapore’s healthcare system as an expatriate may initially seem complex, but armed with the right information and understanding, it becomes a simple and efficient process. Singapore’s healthcare system is known for its high-quality care, excellent facilities, and accessibility. Whether you opt for the public or prefer the private health route with expatriate insurance like Cigna Global, you can expect world-class medical services that prioritize patient well-being.
By familiarizing yourself with these healthcare options and being proactive about your well-being, you can enjoy a healthy and rewarding expatriate experience in Singapore. So, with that peace of mind, you’ll have time and energy to visit all 10 top attractions I mentioned above.