Medical Examinations for Your Singapore Visa Application: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re moving to Singapore for work, completing your medical examinations for Singapore visa application is a crucial step. It’s designed to protect public health and ensure you’re fit for your job, and it must be completed within a set timeframe once you arrive.
In this Pacific Prime CXA guide, we break down the medical examination requirements for different visa types for expats in Singapore. You’ll also discover why having a comprehensive international health insurance plan is essential for safeguarding your health and peace of mind while living abroad.
Purpose of the Medical Examination
The medical examination checks for:
- Four infectious diseases: tuberculosis, HIV, syphilis, and malaria
- General fitness to work: to make sure you’re medically able to perform your role in Singapore
This process is mandatory for most Work Permit holders and helps maintain Singapore’s high public health standards.
Types of Medical Examination in Singapore
In Singapore, medical examinations for visa and pass applications are usually required by one of two government agencies: the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) or the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). While the tests may be similar, the purpose and who needs them differ.
The MOM medical examination is required for certain work-related passes processed by the Ministry of Manpower, such as:
- Work Permit (for foreign workers, including domestic helpers)
The ICA medical examination is required for certain long-term pass applications handled by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, such as:
- Permanent Residency (PR) applications
- Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) for spouses, children, or parents of Singapore citizens or PRs
- Student Passes for foreign students studying in Singapore
In short, ICA medical check-ups are for long-term residency or family/student-related passes like PR, LTVP, or Student Passes, while MOM medical check-ups are made to ensure that foreign workers are fit for employment and free from certain infectious diseases.
Who Needs a Medical Examination
Whether you’re applying for a work pass, long-term residency, or a study visa, you may be required to undergo a medical examination before your application can be approved. In Singapore, the requirement typically applies to:
- Foreigners applying for certain work passes (e.g., EP, S Pass, Work Permit) under the Ministry of Manpower (MOM)
- Applicants for permanent residency (PR)
- Family members of Singapore citizens or PRs applying for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)
- Foreign students seeking a Student Pass
- Domestic helpers and other workers in roles with higher health screening requirements
Medical Examination Requirements for Foreign Workers
According to Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM), workers must complete and submit their medical examination results before a Work Permit can be issued. Below is a breakdown of which types of workers require a medical exam, as well as when and where it should be completed.
Worker Type | Where to Complete Medical Exam | Timeline |
Work Permit holders required to undergo the Onboard programme | MOM’s Onboard Centre | As part of the Onboard programme |
Work Permit holders not in the Onboard programme but required to have a Primary Care Plan (PCP) | Anchor Operator of their residential zone | Within 2 weeks of arrival |
Work Permit holders not required to:
|
Any local clinic | Within 2 weeks of arrival |
Work Permit medical check-ups in Singapore typically start from around SGD $55 and include a clinical examination, certification, urine test, VDRL, HIV, malaria parasite test, and chest X-ray.
When attending your appointment, remember to bring:
- Your identity documents (passport or work pass)
- In-Principle Approval (IPA) Form
- Medical Examination Form
The medical test usually takes about 30 minutes. Standard reports are ready by 4 PM on the next working day (weekdays only). For example, if you attend your check-up on a Friday, your report will be available on Monday.
If you need your report sooner, you can opt for the same-day service by arriving before 9 AM on a weekday, and your report will be ready by 4 PM that day. This option incurs an additional fee of SGD $30.
Medical Examination for Long-Term Pass Holders
For long-term pass applications such as Permanent Residency, Student Passes, or a Long-Term Visit Pass, you’ll need to undergo an ICA medical check-up required by Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority.
It typically includes a physical examination, chest X-ray, and blood tests for infectious diseases like tuberculosis and HIV. The medical examination can be performed by any registered doctor at a licensed medical clinic.
Renewal applicants must complete the examination in Singapore, while new applicants may do so in their home country or place of residence. The medical examination report is only valid if submitted within three months of issuance. For HIV testing, either rapid tests or ELISA tests are accepted.
Medical Examination Clinics Location
Here are 10 clinics in Singapore where you can go for MOM and ICA medical examinations.
1. ATA Medical Clinic Orchard
- Location: 1 Orchard Blvd, #05-09 Camden Medical Centre, Singapore 248649
- Phone: +6562230682
- Website: https://healthscreening.sg/
2. American International Clinic
- Location: 10 Sinaran Dr, #10-10, Singapore 307506
- Phone: +6563977129
- Website: https://www.aiclinic.com.sg/
3. 1 Bishan Medical Clinic
- Location: 283 Bishan Street 22, Block 283, Singapore 570283
- Phone: +6564561600
- Website: https://www.1medical.sg/
4. HMI OneCare Clinic Ang Mo Kio
- Location: 452 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10, #01-1789, Singapore 560452
- Phone: +6565920764
- Website: https://www.onecaremedical.com.sg/
5. AsiaMedic Wellness Assessment Centre
- Location: 350 Orchard Rd, #08-00 Shaw House, Singapore 238868
- Phone: +6567898888
- Website: http://www.asiamedic.com.sg/
6. Fullerton Health Executive Screening Centre
- Location: 238B Thomson Rd, #05 01, Singapore 307685
- Phone: +6563333636
- Website: https://www.fullertonhealth.com/
7. SATA CommHealth Ang Mo Kio Medical Centre
- Location: 715 Ang Mo Kio Ave 6, #01-4008/4010, Singapore 560715
- Phone: +6562446688
- Website: https://www.sata.com.sg/locate-medical-centre/
8. Beacon Medical Clinic Tanjong Pagar
- Location: 7 Tanjong Pagar Plz, #02-103, Singapore 081007
- Phone: +6565922739
- Website: https://www.beaconmedical.com.sg/
9. Dr Tan Medical Center
- Location: 10 Sinaran Dr, #09-30 Novena Medical Centre, Singapore 307506
- Phone: +6565130359
- Website: https://www.drtanmedicalcenter.com.sg/
10. Mediway Medical Centre
- Location: 20 Upper Circular Rd, #B1-26/29 The Riverwalk, Singapore 058416
- Phone: +6569090190
- Website: https://mediwaymedical.com/
Step-By-Step Guide to Prepare for Your Medical Examination
- Preparing for Your Medical Examination
- Check the requirements: Confirm whether your pass application falls under MOM or ICA, as each may have slightly different medical tests.
- Bring the right documents: Typically, you’ll need your passport, in-principle approval (IPA) letter, and any medical forms provided by the authorities.
- Know if fasting is needed: Some clinics may require you to fast for blood tests. Check this in advance to avoid delays.
- Medication & conditions: Inform the clinic of any existing medical conditions or medications you are taking.
- On the Day of the Examination
- Arrive early to allow time for registration and paperwork.
- Expect basic health checks such as height, weight, blood pressure, and vision tests.
- Depending on the pass type, additional tests may include a chest X-ray, urine test, or blood test for infectious diseases like tuberculosis (TB).
- For specific passes, the doctor may perform a physical examination or ask about your medical history.
- After the Examination
- Processing time is usually 1–5 working days, depending on the clinic and the complexity of tests. At some clinics, you can even pay extra processing fees to get the result on the same day.
- Many MOM-approved clinics will facilitate the process by electronically submitting the results directly to MOM or ICA, but some may give you a sealed report to submit yourself.
- Keep a copy of the medical report (if available) for your personal records.
Conclusion
Medical examinations are a crucial step in securing your Singapore visa, whether for work, study, or long-term residency. By understanding the different requirements for each visa, preparing the right documents, and knowing what to expect, you can have a smooth and stress-free process.
Planning ahead not only helps you meet official requirements but also protects your health as you begin your new life in Singapore. For expats, that means having health insurance that covers their unconventional needs and potential risks. That’s where Pacific Prime CXA comes in.
At Pacific Prime CXA, we’re more than just an insurance broker. We guide you through every stage of relocating or working in Singapore. From choosing the right insurance plan to understanding medical examination requirements, our expert team is here to support you every step of the way.
Get in touch today for personalised advice and plan comparisons that will keep you covered from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a medical examination for every type of visa in Singapore?
A medical examination isn’t required for every type of Singapore visa. Apart from employment-related passes and long-term passes like PR, other types of Singapore visa applications, such as a tourist visa, do not require a medical check-up.
How long does it take to get my medical examination results?
Processing time varies by clinic, but most results are ready within 1–5 working days. Some clinics offer same-day results for an additional fee. Many MOM- and ICA-approved clinics also submit the results directly to the relevant authority, which can speed up your application process.
What should I bring to my medical examination in Singapore?
Bring your passport, in-principle approval (IPA) letter, and any official medical examination forms provided by MOM or ICA. In most cases, fasting is not required since chest X-rays, HIV and syphilis blood tests, and general health assessments do not involve fasting.
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