Singapore has some of the best hospitals in the world, but its generous government subsidies and the MediSave and MediShield Life schemes are designed for citizens and Permanent Residents — not for the tens of thousands of Britons who work here on Employment Passes.
As an expat you generally pay unsubsidised, private-rate bills, which are among the highest in Asia. That makes proper international private medical insurance (IPMI) less of a luxury and more of a necessity for anyone living in the city-state.
Healthcare in Singapore: how the system works
Public system: MediShield Life and MediSave (the 3Ms).
Singapore funds healthcare through the "3Ms" — MediSave (compulsory personal savings), MediShield Life (basic catastrophic insurance) and Medifund (a safety net) — on top of large government subsidies at public hospitals. Citizens and Permanent Residents benefit from these; foreigners are charged unsubsidised rates and are not part of the MediSave or MediShield Life system.
A UK expat can walk into any public or private hospital, but you pay the full, unsubsidised price — the government subsidy is reserved for citizens and PRs. There is no reciprocal healthcare agreement between the UK and Singapore, so a GHIC is not valid and there is no S1 route here. Your UK domestic policy (Bupa By You, AXA Health and the like) is written for UK residents and will not cover you once you live in Singapore.
Why British expats take out private cover
Unsubsidised private care in Singapore is genuinely expensive, and a serious illness or accident can produce a very large bill. IPMI caps that exposure, gives you direct billing at the top private hospitals, and typically covers you across the region and beyond — useful in a city where many expats travel constantly for work.
What expat health insurance costs in Singapore
Private healthcare in Singapore is among the costliest in Asia, and IPMI premiums reflect that, rising with age and the level of cover you choose. Expect to pay more than for an equivalent policy in Malaysia or Thailand, but a comprehensive plan still buys access to first-class hospitals with predictable costs.
Good to know before you move
- Expats pay unsubsidised rates — the government subsidy, MediSave and MediShield Life are for citizens and PRs.
- Employers of Work Permit and S Pass holders must provide medical insurance — confirm what your own pass requires.
- There is no reciprocal healthcare deal with the UK, so a GHIC is not valid in Singapore.
- Private hospital bills are among the highest in Asia, so a high cover limit is worth having.
Private hospitals and where Britons settle
Singapore hosts one of the larger British expatriate communities in Asia, with tens of thousands of UK nationals working in finance, tech, law and shipping.
Leading private hospitals include Mount Elizabeth, Gleneagles, Raffles Hospital and Parkway East.
Popular with British expats: Singapore, Orchard, Holland Village, Novena, Tanjong Pagar.
How a UK broker helps expats in Singapore
International private medical insurance is a specialist market, and the right policy depends on your visa, your age, your medical history and how much time you spend outside Singapore. A UK-based specialist broker can compare the international insurers available through its service, check that a policy meets any local or visa requirement, and explain what is — and is not — covered before you commit.
A broker can compare only the insurers and policies available through its service, and may receive commission or charge a fee. Ask for the insurer panel, the remuneration disclosure and the total price. Requesting a quote is free and puts you under no obligation to buy.
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Expat health insurance in Singapore: FAQs
Can British expats use Singapore's subsidised public healthcare?
No. Government subsidies and the MediSave and MediShield Life schemes are for citizens and Permanent Residents. As an Employment Pass holder you are charged unsubsidised, private rates, which is why most expats carry international cover.
Do I need health insurance to work in Singapore?
Employers of Work Permit and S Pass holders are required to provide medical insurance for their staff. Rules for Employment Pass holders vary, so confirm what your specific pass requires. Either way, most expats arrange comprehensive private cover of their own.
Does my UK health insurance work in Singapore?
A standard UK domestic policy is built for UK residents and generally will not cover you once you live in Singapore. A UK GHIC is also invalid, as there is no reciprocal agreement. You need an international policy that names Singapore or Asia in its area of cover.
How much does private healthcare cost in Singapore?
Singapore has some of the highest private medical costs in Asia. A single hospital stay or operation can be very expensive at unsubsidised rates, so IPMI is used to cap the risk. Premiums depend on your age, medical history and chosen cover area.
Are Singapore's private hospitals good?
Yes — hospitals like Mount Elizabeth, Gleneagles and Raffles are world-class and attract medical tourists from across the region. The trade-off is cost, which is why comprehensive insurance is so widely used by expats.
Other expat destinations
Visa, residency and insurance rules change and vary by individual circumstances. This guide is general information, not personal or regulated advice — always confirm the current requirements for your situation before you rely on them. Health Insurance UK is an information and lead-generation service, not an insurer or broker.