Choosing the Right Top-Up Insurance Plan in Singapore: A Guide for Expats

To choose the right top-up insurance in Singapore, expats should firstly assess their existing health coverage and identify their coverage gaps, then select a plan that supplements their existing policy effectively. 

In this Pacific Prime CXA article, we will explain what top-up insurance is, what it includes, and how it works. We will also guide you on how to choose and purchase the right top-up insurance plan that provides enhanced coverage while you are in Singapore.

Understanding Top-Up Insurance for Expats in Singapore 

Top-up insurance provides additional coverage on top of your existing health insurance plan. In Singapore, where expats are not eligible for government healthcare subsidies and medical costs are high, a top-up plan offers a practical way to enhance protection and avoid large out-of-pocket expenses.

What is Top-Up Insurance

Top-up insurance is a type of health insurance policy that you may purchase to provide additional coverage beyond the limit of your existing or base health insurance. It comes into effect only after your primary health policy’s sum insured is exhausted.

This type of policy includes:

• A deductible: the minimum claim amount that must be paid (usually by your existing policy or out of pocket) before the top-up plan kicks in.
• A higher coverage limit: after the deductible is crossed, top-up insurance covers the remaining costs up to its policy limit.

By activating only after a set deductible is reached, top-up insurance often has a lower premium, making it a cost-effective way to increase protection. Many use top-up insurance to supplement their employer-provided health plans.  

However, note that top-up health insurance is only available to those with an existing regular health plan. 

How Top-Up Insurance Works

Top-up insurance comes into effect after two conditions are met: first, your base health insurance must be fully used up; second, your medical expenses must exceed the deductible amount specified in the top-up policy. 

Once both conditions are fulfilled, the top-up plan covers the remaining costs, up to its coverage limit.

For example, if your primary health insurance covers up to USD $10,000 and your top-up coverage has a deductible of USD $10,000 and a maximum coverage limit per policy of USD $15,000, then: 

• Your primary plan will cover medical expenses up to USD $10,000.
• Bills exceeding USD $10,000 will be covered by your top-up plan since its deductible of USD $10,000 has been met through your base policy’s payment. 
• Your top-up plan continues to cover costs until reaching its USD $15,000 maximum limit. 

What Top-Up Insurance Covers for Expats in Singapore

Top-up insurance not only increases the maximum benefit coverage beyond your primary health insurance but also covers a wide range of typical health insurance expenses, just like a regular policy. This typically includes:

• Hospitalization expenses such as room fees, nursing charges, and doctor’s fees. 
• Pre-hospitalization and post-hospitalization medical expenses, usually within a specified number of days.
• Daycare treatments and procedures that do not require a 24-hour hospital stay.

Top-up plans can also cover additional expenses that are not included in your base policy, such as ambulance charges, outpatient treatment, maternity coverage, and more, depending on your selected plan and insurer. 

Why Expats in Singapore Might Need Top-Up Insurance

Expats in Singapore will particularly benefit from top-up insurance for many reasons, including: 

Low Sum Insured 

If your existing insurance plan has a low coverage limit that is unable to fully cover expenses for major medical treatment, it is wise to acquire extra financial protection through top-up insurance. 

For instance, employer-provided insurance often has low claim limits and may exclude important benefits such as maternity, dental care, critical illness coverage, or specialist treatments. Additionally, it may not cover costly medical events outside of Singapore while expats are traveling.

Top-up insurance steps in to bridge these gaps, ensuring expats have sufficient coverage when their primary plan falls short.

High Costs of Private Healthcare

Singapore’s healthcare is considered one of the world’s best; however, medical expenses can be very high, especially for expats who are not eligible for government healthcare subsidies. Here are the average costs of some common medical services in Singapore’s private system: 

• Medical specialities: ~SGD $3,900 to $24,700 (USD $3,040 to $19,250)
• Surgical specialities: ~SGD $8,100 to $19,000 (USD $6,300 to $14,800)

Therefore, to access quality healthcare without worrying about high out-of-pocket expenses, expats should secure a comprehensive insurance plan with a high sum insured limit or a top-up insurance that will help enhance your coverage.

Family Medical History

For expats with a family history of hereditary conditions or chronic diseases, a top-up plan provides an added layer of financial protection in case they develop the condition and require costly medical treatment.

Senior Citizens

Older expats are more likely to face expensive medical needs as the risk of developing chronic diseases increases. Having a top-up insurance plan can help extend your coverage at a lower premium when compared to a regular plan. 

For further information, visit our article on Why Expats in Singapore Need Top-Up Insurance. 

How to Choose the Right Top-Up Insurance for Expats in Singapore 

Expats in Singapore should consider these key factors, including deductible amount, coverage amount, waiting period, network hospitals, and premiums to ensure the plan both suits their budget and needs.

In addition, for expats in particular, other important considerations include geographic coverage and working with an insurance provider or broker who specializes in expat coverage.

Deductible Amount

Every top-up insurance includes a specified deductible, which is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your top-up coverage begins. It is important to choose a deductible that aligns with your base coverage limit.

For instance, if your base plan covers up to USD $50,000, consider a top-up plan with a USD $50,000 deductible for seamless coverage. 

Coverage Amount

Evaluate the maximum benefit amount the policy will pay. Factor in potential costs for serious conditions, specialist treatments, and extended hospital stays under Singapore’s private healthcare system, and aim for the top-up plan that provides adequate coverage. 

Waiting Period

Check the waiting period for specific illnesses and pre-existing conditions, as some top-up plans may impose longer waiting periods than regular health insurance policies.

Network Hospitals 

Review the insurer’s network hospitals and ensure that your preferred hospitals and clinics are included, particularly if you have a medical history with specific doctors or facilities. 

Premium Costs

Compare premiums across insurers, but don’t choose based solely on price. Consider the premium structure (annual increases, age-based pricing) and ensure that it fits your long-term budget. The right insurance plan will strike a good balance between benefits and costs. 

Geographic Coverage

Some policies extend coverage to your home country or other regions, which can be valuable for expats who travel frequently or return home for medical care.

Expat-focused Insurer/Broker

Consider working with an insurance provider or broker who specializes in expat coverage. They understand the unique challenges expats face and can identify coverage gaps you might overlook. 

Additionally, working with an insurance broker can make it easier to navigate the various options, compare policies across multiple insurers, and negotiate better terms. They also provide ongoing support for claims processing and policy adjustments as your circumstances change.

How to Buy a Top-Up Insurance Plan in Singapore

Buying top-up insurance in Singapore involves assessing your current health coverage, choosing a complementary plan that fills gaps, and often working with a broker to get a tailored solution. 

This helps expats manage high medical costs with affordable premiums beyond basic employer plans.

Step 1: Assess Your Existing Coverage 

Review your current health insurance, typically employer-provided, to identify gaps or limitations in coverage, such as hospitalization limits, exclusions for maternity, dental, or critical illnesses, and outpatient care limits.

Step 2: Determine your needs

Decide on the sum insured and deductible for the top-up insurance based on your healthcare needs, financial capacity, and travel habits. Expats who travel frequently may want a plan with international coverage.

Step 3: Compare plans and providers

Research private insurers in Singapore offering top-up insurance. Many offer flexible plans that boost your coverage limit, add benefits like maternity or dental, and cover outpatient treatments.

Insurance brokers like Pacific Prime can help analyze your existing insurance, budget, and needs and recommend suitable top-up plans tailored to your individual requirements. We also offer an online quote comparison tool, which allows you to compare plans from leading insurers obligation-free. 

Step 4: Apply for the Plan

Once you select a suitable top-up insurance, submit an application with required personal and health information. This step can be done directly through the insurance provider or a trusted insurance broker. 

After receiving your policy documents, be sure to review the terms and conditions carefully to avoid any unexpected surprises.

Secure Your Top-Up Insurance with Pacific Prime

Top-up insurance is a smart way for expats in Singapore to gain additional protection at a lower premium, especially since basic or employer-provided coverage may not be sufficient to meet the high cost of healthcare in the country.

Are you an expat looking for extra protection? Pacific Prime is a trusted insurance brokerage with over two decades of experience. 

Whether you are looking for top-up insurance, individual health insurance, or family insurance, our team of experts can help you find the right plan that will best suit your budget and needs. 

Contact us today for a free plan comparison and impartial advice. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreigners buy insurance in Singapore?

Foreigners can buy insurance in Singapore, with many insurers offering health, life, and travel policies tailored for expats. Coverage options and premiums, however, may depend on your age, gender, medical history, and personal preferences. 

Why might expats in Singapore need top-up insurance?

Expats in Singapore might need top-up insurance if their base health plan has low coverage, excludes dependents, or doesn’t cover certain treatments. It’s also helpful for those with a family medical history, ongoing care needs, or who want extra protection against high private healthcare costs.

How long does it take to process claims with top-up insurance?

Claims with top-up insurance in Singapore typically take 1–14 days to process, depending on the insurer and the complexity of the claim. Delays can occur if the insurer requires further clarification or documentation. However, many insurers offer direct billing with in-network facilities.