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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:

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.

Medical Examinations for Singapore Visa

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:

  • Undergo the Onboard programme 
  • Have a PCP
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:

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 Examinations for Singapore Visa

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

2. American International Clinic

3. 1 Bishan Medical Clinic

4. HMI OneCare Clinic Ang Mo Kio

5. AsiaMedic Wellness Assessment Centre

6. Fullerton Health Executive Screening Centre

7. SATA CommHealth Ang Mo Kio Medical Centre

8. Beacon Medical Clinic Tanjong Pagar

9. Dr Tan Medical Center

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

  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.

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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.

Napasrapi Triemthana, best known by his nickname “Tawan,” is an upcoming content creator at Pacific Prime Thailand. He is a fresh graduate in English from the Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University, where he developed knowledge in literature and culture, while also building up experience writing both academically and professionally compelling essays and articles. Before joining Pacific Prime’s content team, Tawan had been in an internship at a top e-commerce company in Thailand, during which he had a chance to write blog posts and short articles for the company’s website and social media. During college, Tawan also worked part-time as a Thai-English translator and proofreader for the Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University’s academic journals.

With his keen interest in journalism, especially in the healthcare and wellness field, Tawan joins Pacific Prime with the goal of creating content that simplifies health insurance solutions, helping people make informed choices and choose the best options for their needs. Tawan firmly believes that words have power that can shape the world for the better.

In his free time, Tawan loves to pick up his Nintendo Switch and wield the Master Sword in Hyrule’s dungeons. He is also an avid sci-fi books/shows enjoyer. You can spot him hanging around bookstores and game shops all day long!
Napasrapi Triemthana