{"id":1045,"date":"2023-03-22T12:00:33","date_gmt":"2023-03-22T04:00:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.sg\/blog\/?p=1045"},"modified":"2023-08-04T16:00:14","modified_gmt":"2023-08-04T08:00:14","slug":"outpatient-insurance-singapore","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.sg\/blog\/outpatient-insurance-singapore\/","title":{"rendered":"Outpatient Health Insurance in Singapore – Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"

In Singapore, outpatient insurance typically refers to health insurance covering medical expenses incurred outside of a hospital or clinic admission.<\/p>\n

This type of insurance typically covers expenses related to consultations with doctors or specialists, diagnostic tests, prescription medications, and other outpatient services such as physiotherapy or traditional Chinese medicine.<\/p>\n

In Lion City, healthcare remains one of the top concerns for residents and expats. And of the main reason for concern is the rising healthcare costs; Singapore has been consistently ranked among one of the top countries globally for its healthcare infrastructure<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Moreover, patients in Singapore are spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting first-class medical facilities. So, by securing health coverage featuring inpatient and outpatient insurance<\/a>, you can rest assured that your healthcare requirements will be taken care of.<\/p>\n

Those hunting for insurance will quickly realize that there are countless health insurance options on the market. Learning the key features of plans helps, as you can confidently approach the buying process. This week\u2019s article gives you the lowdown on one of the most coveted health coverage benefits: outpatient insurance.<\/p>\n

\"Health<\/p>\n

What is outpatient insurance?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Outpatient insurance is designed primarily for those treatments and hospital visits that do not require an overnight stay at a medical facility. On the other hand, inpatient care is care received when admitted to the hospital for medical treatment. Most people choose outpatient treatments through GPs and specialists when it comes to inpatient vs. outpatient use.<\/p>\n

When searching for health insurance in Singapore<\/a>, one of the first questions a broker or insurer<\/a> will ask you is whether you\u2019re looking for a basic inpatient-only plan or a plan that includes both inpatient and outpatient insurance coverage.<\/p>\n

In most countries, health insurance policies that cover outpatient care also include inpatient coverage. A policy that covers inpatient and outpatient tends to have higher premiums than inpatient-only plans simply because they cover a wider range of benefits.<\/p>\n

Why is outpatient insurance important?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Speaking of health insurance in Singapore, having coverage for inpatient treatment may seem enough since it can be very expensive, especially without subsidized healthcare. For instance, according to MOH Singapore, a knee replacement in a public hospital can cost up to SGD $30,203<\/a>.<\/p>\n

However, outpatient insurance can also be extremely beneficial in Singapore, particularly if you need regular outpatient care. The cost of outpatient consultations in Singapore can be relatively affordable for subsidized patients, with citizens and permanent residents paying up to SGD $59<\/a>. But private patients, such as foreigners, expats, and tourists, can expect to pay much higher fees. For non-permanent residents, initial consultation with a Senior Consultant can cost SGD $146, with repeat consultations charged SGD $107. Non-residents can expect to pay even more.<\/p>\n

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Is it worth getting outpatient insurance in Singapore?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Doctor<\/p>\n

Having inpatient and outpatient care coverage can be more expensive than an inpatient-only insurance policy. Still, we recommend a more comprehensive plan that covers both to ensure your long-term health.<\/p>\n

You may not need outpatient care at the moment, but the future can be uncertain, and it can be challenging to secure outpatient insurance if you develop an ongoing illness.<\/p>\n

If you only make one unexpected outpatient visit to a clinic in a year, you may feel that outpatient insurance is unnecessary. However, if you have a serious illness that requires regular hospital visits, such as dialysis, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy, the costs can quickly add up over time.<\/p>\n

What does outpatient insurance cover?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Plans come with various levels and benefits for inpatient and outpatient care, so being clear about what\u2019s covered and not covered is important. Check the outpatient schedule to ensure that you and\/or your family are covered for treatments you might expect you\u2019ll need.<\/p>\n

Typically speaking, most outpatient insurance benefits will include the following items:<\/p>\n