The Ins & Outs of Emergency Hospitalization Insurance in Singapore

Emergency hospitalization is essential coverage for foreigners living in Singapore, where the healthcare system is world-class but also expensive. For expats, comprehensive insurance is crucial to manage these costs and ensure access to necessary medical services without financial strain.

Do you know how emergency hospitalization insurance covers you, as an expat, in Singapore? How much and in what instances do you need to pay for ambulance services? In this article, Pacific Prime CXA will answer common questions on emergency hospitalization insurance.

What is Considered an Emergency?

An emergency is an illness or injury that could result in serious disability or death if not treated immediately. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) operates a 24-hour Emergency Medical Service (EMS), which is ready to respond to any medical emergency.

In an emergency, every second counts; you should dial 995 to call for an emergency response ambulance. Bear in mind that you will have no choice as to which hospital you will be taken to with EMS; they will take you to the nearest hospital, regardless of whether it’s a public or private facility.

Examples of emergencies that would require calling the EMS hotline at 955, among others, include:

Road accident
Near drowning
Deep cuts or wounds
Head injury
Suspected broken bones, dislocated joints
Loss of consciousness
Seizures

EMS operates 24/7, and its services are free for all emergency cases. Do note that if EMS deploys an ambulance and the case is later deemed a non-emergency case, you will be charged a fee of SGD 274.

In Singapore, accident and emergency room patients are not seen on a first-come-first-served basis. Patients with minor and non-life-threatening ailments, after an initial consultation, may have to wait, sometimes for several hours, to receive medical care.

Hence, it is advised that patients with non-life-threatening conditions see a GP at their local clinic. Learn more about Singapore’s healthcare system.

Non-emergency cases

According to SCDF data, every year about 10% of all ambulance calls are indeed non-emergency calls. This is an issue, as should someone be experiencing a severe condition such as cardiac arrest, they might be deprived of the ambulance service and immediate medical care.

For non-emergency situations where you or others require non-emergency ambulance service, please call 1777. However, be advised that you will be charged, according to that charge table for use of the private non-emergency ambulance service. Be careful of the charges, as they can easily skyrocket.

Emergency Room Charges in Singapore

Emergency room charges in Singapore vary significantly between public and private hospitals. Public hospitals are generally more affordable for common emergency treatments due to government subsidies, which help keep healthcare accessible for many, including expats.

In contrast, private hospitals charge higher fees for similar services. While they offer a more personalized experience and shorter wait times, this comes with a premium price. Patients can expect better privacy and comfort, but at a higher cost.

Understanding these differences is crucial for both locals and expats when seeking emergency care. Knowing potential charges can help individuals make informed decisions in high-stress situations. For expats, comprehensive health insurance is essential to cover these costs and avoid unexpected financial burdens.

What is Emergency Hospitalization Insurance?

Expats residing in, or even just traveling to, Singapore are highly recommended to obtain private health insurance to cover medical costs they might incur, and hospitalization insurance lies at the core of every medical insurance plan.

Hospitalization insurance, also called major medical or inpatient insurance, covers the costs related to any treatments and procedures incurred by you while you were admitted to the hospital and staying in the hospital room for at least one night.

The reason why it’s also referred to as major medical is because the cost of hospitalization treatment is usually much higher than other types of treatment (e.g., GP or specialist visits).

Private vs. Public Hospitals in Singapore

Private and public hospitals are essential components of Singapore’s healthcare system. While public hospitals provide quality care across various medical specialties, private hospitals emphasize specialized care and offer a more personalized experience.

One key difference between the two types of hospitals is the room options. Public hospitals offer more affordable accommodations, including 1-bedded to 8-bedded wards. In contrast, private hospitals tend to be pricier but provide greater privacy, featuring suite rooms and 4-bedded options.

Top Hospitals in Singapore for Expats

There are many world-class hospitals in both the public and private sectors in Singapore. Some of the best hospitals include Singapore General Hospital, National University Hospital, Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Gleneagles Hospital, and Raffles Hospital.

Singapore General Hospital

Singapore General Hospital is a renowned public hospital in Singapore, providing comprehensive healthcare services across various medical specialties. Patients can enjoy access to modern medical equipment, round-the-clock nursing care, and top-tier medical professionals.

National University Hospital

National University Hospital is a well-known public hospital in Singapore that serves as a major healthcare institution in the country. They are a comprehensive healthcare provider in various specialties, including oncology, cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, gastroenterology, and more.

Mount Elizabeth Hospital

Mount Elizabeth Hospital is a private hospital in Singapore that provides comprehensive medical services across various specialties. The hospital is renowned for its advanced medical facilities, expert medical professionals, and personalized patient care.

Gleneagles Hospital

Gleneagles Hospital is a private healthcare facility in Singapore known for its exceptional medical services, top-notch amenities, and state-of-the-art facilities across various specialties. The hospital is renowned for its modern infrastructure and skilled healthcare professionals.

Raffles Hospital

Raffles Hospital is a joint venture formed by Raffles Medical Group and Pidemco Land. They are renowned for the quality of their healthcare services, patient-centered care, and international patient services, making them a top choice for locals and expats alike.

Top Insurers with Emergency Hospitalization Coverage in Singapore?

Allianz, Cigna, HSBC Life, MSIG, and Raffles Health Insurance are some of the top insurers in Singapore. They offer the most comprehensive plans on the market, which also include other features, chief among them being direct billing arrangements and admission and coverage for private rooms.

Allianz

Allianz offers comprehensive insurance plans in Singapore to fit a variety of expats’ and foreigners’ needs. Riders are available to be purchased and attached to basic policies that Allianz provides. These riders can offer coverage for accidents and other risks that expats may face abroad.

Cigna Global

Cigna provides flexible insurance plans to expats in Singapore and across the globe. They offer their members 24/7 access to a customer care team and access to any of Singapore’s private hospitals and healthcare systems. Their plans are customizable and comprehensive.

HSBC Life

HSBC Life, formerly known as AXA Singapore, is a leading insurer for expats in Singapore. They provide 24/7 emergency assistance, no-claim discounts, and comprehensive worldwide coverage for individuals and families abroad.

MSIG

MSIG provides international health insurance plans for expats while abroad. They offer comprehensive insurance policies, with multiple plans and payment options to fit any expat’s budget. They provide superior services to their members, such as crisis support and preventative care.

Raffles Health Insurance

Raffles Health Insurance (RHI) partners with Bupa International to deliver tailored health insurance solutions for individuals and corporations in Singapore’s international community. With Bupa’s expertise, RHI provides comprehensive healthcare financing to meet expats’ unique needs.

Securing a Health Insurance Policy with Pacific Prime CXA

Finding a new plan or insurance provider can be a time-consuming and confusing process, as there are numerous insurance companies in Singapore, each offering a range of different insurance policy options. Fortunately for you, Pacific Prime CXA can help!

With over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry, our expert advisors can filter through plans from our extensive list of insurance partners to help you find a plan that suits you.

Contact us today for impartial advice from our expert advisors or get an obligation-free quote with our online quote comparison tool!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all hospitals in Singapore equipped for medical emergencies?

Most public and private hospitals in Singapore are equipped with emergency departments. When you call the 995 emergency hotline, you will be transported to the nearest public hospital. If your case is later deemed a non-emergency, you will have to pay a fee of SGD 274 for ambulance services.

What documents do I need for hospitalization in Singapore?

For hospitalization in Singapore, you will need to bring your identifications and any insurance documents that you may have. It is also recommended that you have a list of current medications.

Will my insurance cover emergency hospitalization?

Emergency hospitalization coverage depends on your insurance policy. Check with your provider for specifics regarding emergency care.

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Serena Fung

Senior Content Creator at Pacific Prime Singapore

Serena Fung is a Senior Content Creator at Pacific Prime, a global insurance brokerage and employee specialist serving over 1.5 million clients in 15 offices across the world. With 2+ years of experience writing about the subject, she aims to demystify the world of insurance for readers with the latest updates, guides and articles on the blog.

Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).

Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.