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The best medical insurance in Singapore will offer good coverage, reasonable premiums, flexible payment options, customizability, and more.
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Singapore’s healthcare system is highly reputed, and its insurance market is robust. Here are eight criteria you can reference when securing the best medical insurance to cover you in this city-state as well as some top performers.
8 Criteria For Selecting The Best Medical Insurance In Singapore
When comparing plans in Singapore, look for good protection and reputation, fair cost, flexibility in payment options, customizable plan features, good provider choice, unambiguous terms, round-the-clock support, no admission deposit, direct billing, and protection against repeat critical illnesses.
1. Sufficient And Comprehensive Coverage
Having sufficient coverage implies that the plan should offer ample protection to cover your healthcare expenses. Having comprehensive coverage in Singapore means that there are few exclusions with your plan, and the exclusions are readily justifiable, and you can comfortably live with them.
Such a plan will give you peace of mind by knowing that you and your family won’t face a financial abyss if you ever need to undergo costly medical treatment. Among other things, a good plan will cover:
- Preventive care
- Vaccinations
- Diagnostic tests and procedures
- Prescription drugs
- Injuries caused in accidents
Prevention is always better than cure, and with a comprehensive plan, you will be more motivated to actively look for early signs of trouble and work on them before they become severe and expensive to deal with.
2. Reasonable Premiums And Flexible Payment Options
When choosing medical insurance in Singapore, look for a plan that charges reasonable premiums, as well as flexibility concerning deductibles and copayments. These will give you access to quality care without creating excessive financial burden.
Reasonable and affordable premiums are necessary because medical insurance is a long-term commitment. If the premiums are too steep, it can be hard to afford the coverage you require, especially if your income takes a dive in a recession.
Flexible payment options, including different options with regard to deductible and copayment amounts, can also be significant. Opting for a higher deductible or copayment can lead to lower premiums, but it also implies that you will have to pay more out of pocket when receiving care, and vice versa.
3. Plan Customizability
When shopping for medical insurance in Singapore, seek a plan that offers a high degree of customization. Everyone’s needs are unique. Customizable plans allow you to adjust your coverage based on your healthcare needs so you don’t pay for coverage you don’t need.
Customizability mainly involves the option of selecting which medical services are included in your plan. For example, if you do not have any pre-existing or chronic conditions, certain medical services may not be necessary.
Another dimension of customizability is the right to choose which healthcare providers are in your network. This can be crucial if you have a preferred hospital or have been seeing your doctor for years, or if you reside in a rural area with relatively limited healthcare options.
4. Access To A Large Network Of Healthcare Providers And Hospitals
When securing medical insurance in Singapore, search for a plan that gives access to an extensive network of healthcare providers and hospitals. A large network offers more alternatives in relation to healthcare providers, ensuring that you will have access to quality care when necessary.
You may have a doctor or specialist that you prefer to consult, and a large network increases the likelihood of them being included in the plan. What’s more, if you need specialized care or hospital treatment, a larger network will give you more options and ensure that you receive quality care.
When an insurer has a broad network of providers, it possesses more bargaining power when negotiating rates with them, and the savings can be partially passed on to its clients. More providers in the network also means more intense competition among them, resulting in better service and lower fees.
5. Clear Terms And A Reputation For Fairness
When choosing medical insurance in Singapore, make sure the policy has clear terms and the insurer is known for being fair. Clear terms ensure that you understand the coverage you are getting, and an insurer with a reputation for fairness will process your claims fairly and efficiently.
Clear terms enable you to make informed decisions. The terms should include information regarding the following:
- Benefits
- Exclusions
- Limitations
- Deductibles
- Copayments
The terms should be presented in a clear and comprehensible manner, with little confusing legal language or jargon.
An impartial insurer will handle your claims fairly and efficiently, treat you with respect, fulfill their promises, and make payments without delay. In case of a dispute, an unbiased insurer will interpret the terms objectively, instead of in a way that aligns with its own interest.
6. 24/7 Support Through Multiple Channels
When selecting a medical insurance plan in Singapore, choose one that offers 24/7 customer and claims support through multiple channels. Having access to customer support 24/7 means that you will get the necessary care without delay, and it gives you peace of mind.
Medical emergencies can occur at any moment, and having access to customer support at times is crucial because every second counts in an emergency.
The help from your insurer can include:
- Help with locating a provider
- Coordinating emergency services
- Answering any questions you have about your coverage
What’s more, having various channels for contacting customer support can provide more flexibility, comfort, and convenience. While some people prefer to communicate with a representative over the phone, others may like online chat or email.
Claims support is an integral part of customer support. Filing a claim can be a complicated and confusing process, and competent claims support helps you complete the process and have all the information to file your claim correctly.
7. Zero Deposit At Admission And Direct Settlement At Discharge
You should look for a medical insurance plan in Singapore that enables zero-deposit hospital admission and directly settles medical bills with the hospital at discharge. Hospitalization can be costly, and a plan that offers direct settlement can ease the financial burden on the insured.
Hospital admission typically requires an upfront deposit to be paid, which can be a substantial amount. This is particularly challenging for individuals who are hospitalized unexpectedly. That’s why it’s great if that requirement can be waived.
Instead of paying the hospital first and then claiming for reimbursement from the insurer, direct settlement obliges the insurer to directly pay the hospital. This means the insured and their family do not have to worry about coming up with the money to pay the bills.
What’s more, direct settlement can provide better access to quality care. This is because many healthcare providers now only accept patients with comprehensive medical insurance that settles bills with the hospital directly.
8. Repeat Protection Against Critical Illnesses
When securing medical insurance in Singapore, look for a plan that provides repeat protection against critical illnesses. Such a plan will provide financial support should you have successive critical illnesses and the peace of mind that comes with that knowledge.
Critical illnesses are expensive to treat and may require ongoing medical care, but some medical plans put a cap on the number of times they offer coverage for critical illnesses, leaving individuals without coverage if they have multiple critical illnesses.
For instance, a plan may only provide coverage for cancer once. This is particularly challenging for individuals at a higher risk of developing critical illnesses, such as those with a family history of colorectal cancer.
Having a plan that does not limit the number of times it covers critical illnesses not only gives you peace of mind but also eases the financial burden of medical treatment, allowing you to focus on the recovery itself instead of worrying about paying the medical bills.
Top Medical Insurance Providers in Singapore
Singapore’s insurance market is highly robust, with top insurers providing coverage and services here. Some of the top providers in this city-state include AIA, April, Cigna, HSBC, and more.
AIA
AIA’s health insurance offers expats in Singapore comprehensive medical coverage, wellness initiatives, and emergency evacuation services. With a strong emphasis on holistic health and a broad network throughout the APAC region, they are a great option if you are looking to get insured in Singapore.
AIA health insurance plans offer optional benefits for you to further customize your policy to suit your needs. Optional benefits include:
- Preventative care
- Dental
- Optical
- Maternity
- Mental health care
April International Insurance in Singapore
April International offers a wide selection of tiers for their international health insurance plan, each with different coverage limits to suit expats’ needs and requirements in Singapore. All the tiers in April International’s international health insurance policies cover medical repatriation.
The five tiers available in April International’s international health insurance plans include:
- Emergency Plan
- Formule Basic
- Essential Plan
- Comfort
- Premium Plan
Whilst the Emergency Plan only covers accidents and emergencies, the other four plans provide coverage for Hospitalization, Cancer Care, and Dental & Vision. The coverage depends on the tier, with Formule Basic offering the most basic coverage to the Premium Plan being the most comprehensive.
Cigna International Health Insurance in Singapore
Cigna Global is a renowned insurance provider providing policies in over 200 markets and territories around the world. The four core international health insurance plans Cigna Global offers include: Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Close Care.
Among the four core international health insurance plans, the Close Care plan acts more like a local plan and only provides coverage in your country of residence. As such, the benefits and annual limit is not as comprehensive as the other plans offered.
HSBC Life International Health Insurance in Singapore
HSBC Life, formerly AXA Singapore, offers five main international health insurance plans for expats in Singapore: Foundation, Standard, Comprehensive, Prestise, and Prestige Plus. What makes HSBC Life great for expats is the 24/7 personal support, easy online access, and virtual doctor services.
HSBC life offers expats in Singapore a variety of comprehensive health insurance and international health insurance plans including:
- HSBC Life Shield
- Prime Care
- SmartCare Exclusive
- SmartCare Optimum Enhanced
- InternationalExclusive
- GlobalCare Health Plan
Would like to learn more about top insurance providers in Singapore? Visit Top 10 Insurance Companies in Singapore for Expats to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is private health insurance costly in Singapore?
According to our Cost of Health Insurance 2024, Singapore ranked third worldwide (second in Asia) in the cost of international health insurance in 2024, when the average annual premium for individuals was USD $6,855 and the average premium for families was USD $19,879.
How long is the waiting period for private medical insurance in Singapore?
Most health insurance policies impose a waiting period from 30 to 90 days from the approval of coverage. No benefits will be paid for illnesses arising or treatments carried out before the waiting period is over.
Can my private health plan cover pre-existing conditions in Singapore?
Private medical insurance generally excludes coverage for pre-existing conditions, but some insurers offer that coverage for a higher premium on a case-by-case basis and after a detailed consultation process, via a practice called “premium loading”.
Conclusion
For many expats, choosing the best medical insurance in Singapore is a daunting task, even when they know what the right questions are. The fact is, with so many plans on the market it’s hard to pinpoint exactly where the best plan for you and your family lies.
Meanwhile, it’s crucial for expats to secure comprehensive health insurance to avoid unforeseen medical expenditures. Whether it’s expat health insurance or international health insurance, it’s vital to procure a plan that satisfies your and your family’s needs.
Even if you are only in Singapore as a tourist, you should secure travel insurance. Having the right travel insurance will make a world of difference if you, unfortunately, need it, and you’ll want to thank yourself for being so sensible and cool-headed when it comes to protecting yourself.
With 20+ years of experience in insurance, Pacific Prime is unsurpassed in its capacity to tailor a solution that meets your needs while fitting your budget, and you can get the benefit of our advice and support at no extra cost compared to going straight to an insurer.
So contact us for a quote or a FREE, no-obligation plan comparison today!
Further reading: Insurance for Expats Moving to Singapore
Coming to Pacific Prime, she is ready to utilize her experience for the new pursuit. With a strong passion for storytelling and writing, she hopes her words could help bring people closer to the best international health insurance plan that works for them. After all, as a writer, there is no greater honor than when one’s words can add clarity to the world of the readers.
Apart from writing, she is an avid planespotter. On the weekends, you can expect to find her loitering around the airport, gawking at all the aircrafts taking off and landing. When the weather does not permit planespotting, you can find her huddling on her cozy couch, watching ballet and figure skating as well.
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