Singapore's Healthcare System: What You Need to Know

Different countries run different healthcare systems. Some operate on a universal system, making it easy for most people to get health coverage. While others rely on insurance companies, and while this may limit health services, those who are able to avail of them will get quality care. No matter where you go or plan on moving to, it's important that you're familiar with that country's healthcare system. It'll be helpful to ensure that you will get well-taken-care-of if ever something happens to you whilst there. Here in Singapore, the system is all about offering the highest quality of care possible.

 

Who are Entitled to Singapore's Healthcare?

The first thing you out to know is whether or not you're entitled to Singapore's healthcare system. You'll only be eligible for such if you've become a legal resident or official citizen of the country. Once you're entitled to get public healthcare, you can expect subsidized rates for various health services you will need whilst in the country. However, if you're simply a visitor or haven't reached permanent residence status yet, you have to pay the full prices for such services. And they can get pretty pricey too. In this regard, it's better to have had travel medical insurance for your trip to Singapore. 

 

The Strong Entities of Singapore's Healthcare

Here in Singapore, the healthcare system is kept intact by three strong entities. They assist people with their coverage and ensure that their finances are in check when they avail of health services, particularly those that cost a lot of money. Firstly, there's Medishield, which helps people take on big expenses. It's an insurance scheme that's largely public but has private packages as well. They help patients pay for important surgeries, life-altering operations, medication, and the like. Meanwhile, Medisave is a plan that helps employees save money for future medical use. This is where most people get their funds for big medical expenses. 

 

 

Government Health Insurance

So, if you've become a citizen or resident of Singapore, that means you're legally required to, at least, get public health coverage. But what does that entail, exactly? For one thing, the rates for various medical costs can be subsidized from about 50% to 80%, saving you tons of money in the process. There are even some health services that you can avail of that are totally free, but that's mostly for citizens. Not even a lot of residents can get that benefit. All in all, Singapore's public health coverage ensures that patients get the best quality of care without breaking the bank. 

 

Getting Private Health Insurance

What about if you get private health insurance? You probably got it from your employer so let's start there. More often than not, companies who offer private health insurance to their employees already have packages connected with a number of fine facilities and top private hospitals. You can expect to become the priority in such places for when you need to go there. Furthermore, private coverage can oftentimes get you better rates than simply public coverage, helping you save more money in the process. Just make sure the policy you go for fits to your needs and won't leave you hanging financially. 

 

 

The Average Costs of Healthcare Here

Now for some important info you were probably itching to find: how much are the medical costs in Singapore? The truth is it depends, both on the medical service/procedure itself and the type of coverage you have whilst here. It also depends on your status in the country, as it makes a difference whether you're a citizen or a resident. For instance, a citizen will only have to pay a subsidized rate of S$39.00 to go visit a specialist while a resident will have to pay S$59.00. Subsidized rates also make the difference for various medical treatments too. The country's Ministry of Health laid it out on their website. 

 

The Best Hospitals in Singapore

As for the fine medical institutions that will take care of you, the city has a ton of them. Singapore is home to many great hospitals, be they public or private. The Tan Tock Seng Hospital, for instance, is well-known for its first-class facilities that many patients, even from abroad, have had a lot of help from. The National University Hospital is not only a fine medical institution but also a research facility that conducts important medical studies regularly. The Gleneagles Hospital, on the other hand, is known to be one of the cleanest hospitals, not only in the city and country but in this region as well! 

 

 

Singapore is truly an advanced country. Its healthcare system alone is one of the best of its kind and is highly regarded as one of the finest in all of the world. One can already see it by how well off many people are despite whatever health problems they may face. 

Whatever type of health coverage you get here, you're guaranteed to remain safer and healthier if you go for a luxurious Singapore apartment for your home.