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Public vs. private: what to expect from a Singapore hospital ward

When you’re seeking medical care in Singapore, usually, the standard and effectiveness of healthcare you receive will be your priority (as it should be). Fortunately, many public and private hospitals in Singapore offer excellent inpatient services and lodging that can often make your treatment and recovery a little bit more bearable. But just so you know, not all hospitals are the same, especially when comparing the private and public sectors.

This Pacific Prime Singapore article will look at the hospital ward options in Singapore and whether private hospitals are better than their public counterparts.

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Key differences between the public and private hospitals in Singapore

The public versus private points of difference in Singapore is not dissimilar to those around the rest of the world. We’ve also written about this before, but here’s a quick refresher on what you need to know:

Wait times

Delays in seeking service in the public sector are experienced in Singapore, as much as elsewhere. Public hospitals have seen wait times between 2 and 22 hours to transfer patients from the emergency department to a hospital ward. In contrast, the private sector admits patients within an hour of arrival.

Appointments

Public sector hospitals work on a “first come, first served” basis, with priority cases often shifting lower priority patients further down the list to be seen. Private hospitals ensure capacity so that each patient gets the care required much faster, but this is due as much to their lower patient numbers compared to their staffing levels.

Doctors and hospital staff

Medical professionals in both sectors are highly trained and extremely capable. However, private hospital doctors can often be more experienced due to their competitive nature and higher salaries. Many private sector doctors are ex-public hospital physicians who switched once their experience levels were high enough to take such an opportunity.

Equipment

Due to their higher budgets, Singapore’s private hospitals have more to spend on new tech and innovative treatments. The public sector in Singapore is still well-resourced and works with world-class tier equipment. However, you can expect more advanced machines and medical equipment in private hospitals.

In addition to these differences, the level of comfort a patient can achieve while staying at a hospital can vary depending on where you choose to stay.

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The different Singapore hospital ward types

In Singapore, both public and private hospitals will have adequate and comfortable wards. However, many facilities will offer different levels of wards for your hospital stay; the more expensive options offer greater privacy and better amenities. While regaining your health should be your primary concern, it can definitely pay to understand what your stay options might be if you know you’ll be a patient for a while.

What to expect from a public sector hospital ward

Rooms at public hospitals range from crowded, Spartan-type lodgings to modest private rooms with simple amenities. Here are three public hospitals for your reference, which include the room types and amenities, and the rate per day.

1. Singapore General Hospital*

Room type and amenities

Rate (SGD)

Standard ward class C – Up to 8 beds in a room

  • (Ward list not available)
From $37.00 per day

Standard ward type B2 – Up to 6 beds in a room

  • Semi-automated electric bed
From $83.00 per day

Standard ward type B1 – 4 beds in a room

  • Attached bathroom and toilet
  • Television
  • Semi-automated electric bed
  • Choice of meals
From $266.43 per day

Standard ward class A – Single room

  • Attached bathroom and toilet
  • Toiletries
  • Television
  • Telephone
  • Fully automated electric bed
  • Choice of meals
  • Sleeper unit for accompanying adult
From $535.00 per day

2. Changi Hospital*

Room type and amenities

Rate (SGD)

Standard ward class C – Open ward From $43.00 per day
Standard ward class B2 – Up to 6 beds From $85.00 per day
Standard ward class B1 – Up to 4 beds From $273.00 per day
Standard ward class A – Single bed From $534.00 per day

Note: Details of ward offerings are not available.

3. KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital*

Room type and amenities

Rate (SGD)

Standard ward class C – Up to 8 beds(Children wards only)

  • Naturally ventilated
  • Eight-bedded ward with shared bathrooms
  • Bed-side cabinet
  • A foldable bed is available for one parent in the children’s ward
  • Meals included
From $37.00 per day

Standard ward class C – Up to 6 beds (Women wards only)

  • Naturally ventilated
  • Six-bedded ward with common bathrooms
  • Bed-side cabinet
  • Meals included
From $37.00 per day

Standard ward class B2 – Up to 6 beds

  • Naturally ventilated
  • Six-bedded ward with common bathrooms
  • Bed-side cabinet
  • A foldable bed is available for one parent in the children’s ward
  • Meals included
From S87.50 per day

Standard ward class B2+ – Up to 5 beds

  • Air-conditioned
  • Five-bedded room with attached bathroom
  • Furnished with bedside cabinet
  • A foldable bed is available for one parent in the children’s ward
  • Meals included
From $189.50 per day

Standard ward class B1 – Up to 4 beds

  • Air-conditioned
  • Four-bedded room with attached bathroom
  • Furnished with bed-side cabinet, telephone, and television set
  • A foldable bed is available for one parent in the children’s ward
  • Meals included
From $287.83 per day

Standard ward class A1 – Single bed

  • Air-conditioned
  • Single room and attached bathroom
  • Wardrobes
  • Sofa bed for accompanying spouse/parent at no extra charge
  • Telephone
  • Mini fridge
  • Personal safe
  • Television set
  • Daily newspaper
  • Meals included
From $556.40 per day

* Note: Updated as of November 8th, 2022. All prices are subject to change without prior notice. For the most accurate cost for your treatment, please enquire at the hospital directly.

What to expect from a private sector hospital ward

The private hospital sector is where the truly luxurious options are, many of which are compared to five-star hotel stays. Here are three private hospitals to reference, which includes their room types and amenities as well as rate per day.

1. Gleneagles Singapore**

Room type and amenities

Rate (SGD)

Single Room – 1 bed

  • Sofa bed
  • Television
  • Telephone
  • In-room safe
  • Mini-fridge
  • Slippers
  • Towels
  • Toiletries
  • WiFi

From $722.00 per day

Single Heritage Room

  • Writing table
  • Lodger bed
  • Television
  • Telephone
  • In-room safe
  • Mini-fridge
  • Slippers
  • Towels
  • Toiletries
  • WiFi
  • Nespresso machine
  • Hairdryer
  • Electronic bidet/washlet
  • Water dispenser-purifier
  • Air purifier
  • Smart room automation
  • Direct roof garden access

From $838.00 per day

4-bedded Room

  • Television
  • Telephone
  • Locker
  • Slippers
  • Towels
  • Toiletries
  • WiFi

From $274.00 per day

Superior Room

  • Writing table
  • Lodger bed
  • Television
  • Telephone
  • In-room safe
  • Mini-fridge
  • Slippers
  • Towels
  • Toiletries
  • WiFi

From $998.00 per day

Executive Suite

  • Lodger bed
  • Television
  • DVD player
  • Telephone
  • In-room safe
  • Mini-fridge
  • Nespresso machine
  • Hairdryer
  • Slippers
  • Kimono
  • Towels
  • Toiletries
  • WiFi

From from $1,288.00 per day

Ardmore / Botanic / Cluny Suite

  • Writing table
  • Lodger bed
  • Television
  • Telephone
  • In-room safe
  • Mini-fridge
  • Slippers
  • Towels
  • Toiletries
  • WiFi
  • Nespresso machine
  • Hairdryer
  • Electronic bidet/washlet
  • Water dispenser-purifier
  • Air purifier
  • Smart room automation
  • Direct roof garden access

From $1,588.00 per day

Dalvey / Executive Deluxe Suite

  • Sofa
  • Writing table
  • Lodger bed
  • Television
  • DVD player
  • Telephone
  • In-room safe
  • Mini-fridge
  • Hairdryer
  • Slippers
  • Towels
  • Toiletries
  • WiFi
  • Nespresso Machine

From $1,588.00 per day

Dempsey Suite

  • Writing table
  • Lodger bed
  • Television
  • Telephone
  • In-room safe
  • Mini-fridge
  • Nespresso machine
  • Hairdryer
  • Slippers
  • Towels
  • Toiletries
  • WiFi

From $1,788.00 per day

Napier/Nassim Suite

  • Lodger bed
  • Television
  • DVD player
  • Telephone
  • In-room safe
  • Mini-fridge
  • Nespresso machine
  • Hairdryer
  • Slippers
  • Kimono
  • Towels
  • Toiletries
  • WiFi

From $3,338.00 per day

Tanglin Suite

  • Automatic drapery system
  • Writing desk
  • Lodger bed
  • Television
  • DVD player
  • Telephone
  • In-room safe
  • Mini-fridge
  • Nespresso machine
  • Hairdryer
  • Kimono
  • Slippers
  • Towels
  • Toiletries
  • WiFi

From $6,488.00 per day

Gleneagles Suite

  • Automatic drapery system
  • Automatic toilet seat
  • Writing desk
  • Lodger bed
  • Armchair
  • Television
  • DVD player
  • Telephone
  • In-room safe
  • Mini-fridge
  • Nespresso machine
  • Hairdryer
  • Kimono
  • Bathrobe
  • Slippers
  • Towels
  • Toiletries
  • WiFi

From $8,088.00 per day

2. Parkway East Hospital**

Room type and amenities

Rate (SGD)

Single Room

  • Adjoining bathroom
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Free WiFi
  • In-room safe
  • Mini fridge
  • Multi-function USB power points
  • Sofa Couch
  • Telephone
  • Wardrobe

From $698.00 per day

2-Bedded Room

  • Adjoining bathroom
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Free WiFi
  • In-room safe
  • Multi-function USB power points
  • Telephone
  • Wardrobe

From $322.00 per day

4-Bedded Room

  • Flat-screen TV
  • Free WiFi
  • In-room safe
  • Multi-function USB power points
  • Telephone
  • Wardrobe

From $255.00 per day

Deluxe Room

  • Adjoining bathroom
  • Armchair
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Free WiFi
  • In-room safe
  • Mini fridge
  • Multi-function USB power points
  • Nespresso machine
  • Sofa Couch
  • Telephone
  • Wardrobe

From $798.00 per day

Orchid/Hibiscus Suite

  • Adjoining bathroom
  • Armchair
  • Coffee table with 2 chairs
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Free WiFi
  • In-room safe
  • Mini fridge
  • Multi-function USB power points
  • Nespresso machine
  • Sofa Couch
  • Telephone
  • Wardrobe

From $888.00 per day

3. Mount Elizabeth Hospital**

Room type and amenities

Rate (SGD)

Single Room (Orchard)

  • Free WiFi
  • Lodger bed cum sofa
  • In-room safe
  • In-room telephone
  • Writing desk
  • Ensuite bathroom
  • Luxury toiletries with plush towels and slippers
  • Hairdryer
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Daily copy of the local newspaper
  • 5 nourishing meals per day
  • Daily meals for 1 companion
  • 24-hour in-house security
  • Daily housekeeping
  • 24-hour nursing services

From $749.00 per day

2-Bedded Room (Orchard)

  • Free WiFi
  • Visitor chair
  • In-room safe
  • Personal wardrobe
  • In-room telephone
  • Shared bathroom
  • Toiletry kit, towels, and slippers upon request
  • Hairdryer
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Daily copy of the local newspaper
  • 5 nourishing meals per day
  • 24-hour in-house security
  • Daily housekeeping
  • 24-hour nursing services

From $388.00 per day

4-Bedded Room (Orchard)

  • Free WiFi
  • Visitor chair
  • In-room safe
  • In-room telephone
  • Shared bathroom
  • Toiletry kit, towels, and slippers upon request
  • Hairdryer
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Daily copy of the local newspaper
  • 5 nourishing meals per day
  • 24-hour in-house security
  • Daily housekeeping
  • 24-hour nursing services

From $291.00 per day

Executive Deluxe Suite (Orchard)

  • Free WiFi
  • Spacious guest lounge
  • Lodger bed cum sofa
  • In-room safe
  • In-room telephone
  • Writing desk
  • Ensuite bathroom
  • Luxury toiletries with plush towels and slippers
  • Hairdryer
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Daily copy of the local newspaper
  • Tablet with in-built remote control
  • 5 nourishing meals per day
  • Butler service
  • 24-hour nursing services
  • 24-hour in-house security
  • Daily housekeeping

From $1,288.00 per day

Daffodil or Magnolia Suites (Orchard)

  • Free WiFi
  • Spacious guest lounge
  • Lodger bed
  • In-room safe
  • In-room telephone
  • Writing desk
  • Ensuite bathroom
  • Luxury toiletries with plush towels and slippers
  • Hairdryer
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Daily copy of the local newspaper
  • Tablet with in-built remote control
  • 5 nourishing meals per day
  • In-room coffee machine
  • Butler service
  • 24-hour nursing services
  • 24-hour in-house security
  • Daily housekeeping

From $2,838.00 per day

VIP Room (Orchard)

  • Free WiFi
  • Spacious guest lounge
  • Lodger bed cum sofa
  • In-room safe
  • In-room telephone
  • Writing desk
  • Ensuite bathroom
  • Luxury toiletries with plush towels and slippers
  • Hairdryer
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Daily copy of the local newspaper
  • Tablet with in-built remote control
  • 5 nourishing meals per day
  • Butler service
  • 24-hour nursing services
  • 24-hour in-house security
  • Daily housekeeping

From $4,238.00 per day

Royal Suite (Orchard)

  • Free WiFi
  • Spacious guest lounge
  • Lodger bed cum sofa
  • In-room safe
  • In-room telephone
  • Writing desk
  • Ensuite bathroom (bathtub)
  • Luxury toiletries with plush towels and slippers
  • Hairdryer
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Daily copy of the local newspaper
  • Tablet with in-built remote control
  • 5 nourishing meals per day
  • Butler service
  • 24-hour nursing services
  • 24-hour in-house security
  • Daily housekeeping

From $5,988.00 per day

** Note: Updated as of November 8th, 2022. All prices are subject to change without prior notice. Please enquire at the hospital for the most accurate cost for your treatment.

What’s the best way to get financial support for inpatient hospital visits?

By far, the easiest way to meet the costs of a hospital visit is by using private medical insurance. Most basic plans will offer coverage for private quarters when seeking hospital treatment, while the more comprehensive plans can see you set up in the more luxurious lodgings on offer.

Private health insurance will also usually see you get access to private hospitals in Singapore, meaning you’ll be able to consider a private Singapore hospital ward too!

When it comes to weighing up the pros and cons of the public versus private hospital sectors in Singapore, our helpful insurance experts are on hand to provide impartial advice across multiple plans.

Contact our team today to find out how we can secure your access to some of the best Singapore hospitals around.

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Content Strategist at Pacific Prime Singapore
Jessica Lindeman is a Content Strategist at Pacific Prime. She comes to work every day living and breathing the motto of "simplifying insurance", and injects her unbridled enthusiasm for health and insurance related topics into every article and piece of content she creates for Pacific Prime.

When she's not typing away on her keyboard, she's reading poetry, fueling her insatiable wanderlust, getting her coffee fix, and perpetually browsing animal Instagram accounts.