{"id":2380,"date":"2023-10-19T08:00:38","date_gmt":"2023-10-19T00:00:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.sg\/blog\/?p=2380"},"modified":"2023-10-30T16:12:34","modified_gmt":"2023-10-30T08:12:34","slug":"health-insurance-for-expats-in-singapore-a-guide-to-costs-involved-and-choosing-a-plan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.sg\/blog\/health-insurance-for-expats-in-singapore-a-guide-to-costs-involved-and-choosing-a-plan\/","title":{"rendered":"Health Insurance for Expats in Singapore: A Guide to Costs Involved and Choosing a Plan"},"content":{"rendered":"

In many countries, expats who are legally working and contributing to taxes receive the same level of healthcare subsidies as local residents. However, this isn\u2019t the case in Singapore, and coupled with the city-state\u2019s exorbitant cost of healthcare, securing a health insurance plan is essential.<\/span><\/p>\n

Going for the cheapest plan might not be the smartest move in the long run, as not all health insurance plans are created equal. In this <\/span>Pacific Prime CXA<\/span><\/a> article, we\u2019ll go through the different options you\u2019ll have, the costs involved, as well as tips to help you compare plans.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\"Individual<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Health Insurance Options and Costs for Expats in Singapore<\/strong><\/h2>\n

As a health insurance broker, the question we are asked most is about the cost of expat insurance in Singapore. To answer this, we\u2019ll first need to explain your health insurance options in the Lion City, due to the fact that premiums can differ significantly depending on the plan.<\/span><\/p>\n

Local Insurance Plan (Singapore only)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you opt for a Singapore insurer, chances are you\u2019ll be looking at a local health insurance plan. As the name suggests, these plans are typically valid only in the city-state, and any coverage abroad will be limited to emergencies only.<\/span><\/p>\n

Note: <\/em><\/strong>Certain Singapore insurers also offer international health insurance plans (outlined below) that cater specifically to expats. Therefore, if you\u2019re engaging with local insurers, it\u2019s important to clarify with them what plan you\u2019re getting.\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Local plans in Singapore are designed to be used alongside \u201c<\/span>MediShield Life<\/span><\/a>\u201d, the basic national health insurance plans that citizens and permanent residents receive, which is why they are commonly known as \u201cIntegrated Shield Plans\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even though you\u2019re not eligible for MediShield Life as an expat, you may be able to purchase <\/span>Integrated Shield Plans<\/span><\/a> from local insurers. However, note that you may have to pay higher premiums.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cost of an Integrated Shield Plan from AIA<\/strong><\/h4>\n

One example of a Singapore insurer is AIA. Their HealthShield Gold Max is an Integrated Shield Plan that costs the following for a 25-year-old expat (who is not a dependent of a Singaporean citizen or permanent resident):<\/span><\/p>\n