Best Expat Health Insurance in Singapore 2026
If you're a foreigner in Singapore, private health insurance isn't optional—it's your only safety net. No MediShield Life, no Medisave, no government subsidy: when something goes wrong, the full bill is yours. This guide cuts through the noise so you can find the right cover with confidence.
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Health Insurance Requirements Based on Pass Type
| Pass type | Health insurance mandatory? | Who arranges it? | Medisave / MediShield eligible? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work Permit | Yes | Employer | No |
| S Pass | Yes | Employer | No |
| Employment Pass | No | You | No |
| Dependant's Pass | No (schools may require) | You | No |
| Long-Term Visit Pass | No | You | No |
| Student Pass | Varies by institution | School or you | No |
| Permanent Resident | Auto-enrolled | CPF Board | Yes |
⚠️ Note: EP holders, dependants, and LTVP holders have no legal mandate, but no fallback either. If you're uninsured and hospitalised, the full bill is yours.
What Healthcare Actually Costs Without Cover
As a foreigner, your pass type plays a heavy role in your health insurance coverage: foreigners are billed at full, unsubsidised rates at both public and private hospitals. In contrast, Singaporeans can offset medical bills using MediShield Life and Medisave.
| Scenario | Estimated cost (Uninsured foreigner) |
|---|---|
| GP visit (private clinic) | $45–$80 |
| Specialist consultation | $150–$300 |
| MRI scan | $1,200–$2,800 (varies by body part and facility) |
| One night, private hospital | $1,800–$3,500 |
| Major surgery (e.g. appendectomy) | $20,000–$30,000+ |
💡 For verified cost benchmarks, refer to MOH's Hospital Bills and Fee Benchmarks portal.
What Is Expat Health Insurance In Singapore?
Who is it for?
Expat health insurance is meant for foreigners (neither Singaporeans nor Permanent Residents) who have relocated from other countries to work and live in Singapore with a valid visa.
What is it?
A health insurance plan for foreigners to access Singaporean healthcare facilities while residing here in Singapore. It is essentially a foreigner’s version of the Integrated Shield Plan (although expats don’t get the government-provided MediShield Life portion).
Where to buy?
There is a wider range of international health insurance plans around for expats here in Singapore as compared to the Integrated Shield health insurance plans available. International health insurance plans usually offer more extensive protection than the basic coverage given in Integrated Shield health insurance plans provided by Income Insurance, AIA and Great Eastern.
Health Insurance Plans for Foreigners: Coverage and Cost
Plans broadly fall into four categories, and which one fits depends on your pass type and whether you or your employer is arranging cover. Use the respective table breakdowns below to find your starting point.
Individual / Personal health insurance plans
⭐ Best for EP holders, LTVP holders, solo professionals, and long-term stayers who need comprehensive hospitalisation cover.
| Provider | Entry age | Annual limit | Ward entitlement | Pre- / Post-hospitalisation | Co-payment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIA HealthShield Gold Max | Up to 74 | Up to S$2 million | Private (Standard room) | 100 days pre- & post-hosp | 10% (reducible with rider) |
| Income IncomeShield | Up to 74 | S$250,000–S$1.5 million | Private (Preferred) / Class A (Advantage) | 100–180 days pre-hosp; 100–365 days post-hosp | 10% (reducible to 5% with Deluxe Care rider) |
| Great Eastern SupremeHealth | Up to 75 | Up to S$1.5 million | Private (Standard room) | 120 days pre-hosp; 365 days post-hosp | 10% (reducible with rider) |
| Raffles Elite Care* | Up to 75 | S$300,000–S$1 million | 1-bedder (Public & private) | 90 days pre- & post-hosp (120 days if at Raffles Hospital) | None; first dollar coverage |
Things to note:
- All inpatient charges are covered in full and “as charged”.
- Income’s extended pre- and post-hospitalisation durations are for panel provider visits under their Preferred plan only.
- Raffles Elite Care covers Singapore and listed regional countries. Three tiers available: Bronze (max S$300K), Silver (max S$500K), and Gold (max S$1M). They are the only provider with no deductible or co-payment offerings.
International / Expat health insurance plans
⭐ Best for globally mobile professionals, frequent travellers, and digital nomads who need coverage beyond Singapore.
| Provider | Entry age | Annual limit | Ward entitlement | Key inclusions | Coverage add-ons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FWD International Health* | Up to 65 | S$100,000–S$3 million | Standard single room (Private) |
Organ transplant Pregnancy complications 90 days pre/post-hosp Medical evacuation up to S$1M S$100–S$200 (per day) hospital cash |
Dental & vision, maternity |
| Cigna Silver Plan | Up to 80 | Up to US$1 million | Semi-private room |
ICU Surgeon & anaesthetist fees MRI / CT / PET up to US$10K Medical evacuation Physiotherapy up to US$5K |
Outpatient, health & wellbeing, evacuation, vision & dental |
*FWD International Health plan offers global coverage except for in the US, Canada, Japan, and Korea.
Group / Family health insurance plans
⭐ Best for families with dependants on DP, Student Pass, or Long-Term Visit Pass. Some providers offer discounts for three or more members.
If a Singaporean or PR family member holds the policy, some health insurers may permit the use of MediSave to pay premiums for a foreign dependant as illustrated in this table below.
| Provider | Entry age (Child) | MediSave portability | Family discount | Ward entitlement | Co-payment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIA HealthShield Gold Max | Up to 74 | Yes (if SG/PR family member holds existing AIA plan) | N/A | Private (Standard room) | 10% (reducible with rider) |
| Income IncomeShield | Up to 74 | Yes (any SG/PR family member) | N/A | Private (Preferred) / Class A (Advantage) | 10% (reducible to 5% with Deluxe Care rider) |
| Great Eastern SupremeHealth | Up to 75 | Yes (SG/PR family member's MediSave) | 15% off first-year premiums for child up to age 18 (one parent must be policyholder) | Private (Standard room) | 10% (reducible with rider) |
| Raffles Elite Care | Up to 75 | N/A | 5% off premiums for 3+ members | 1-bedder (Public & private) | None |
Employer-Arranged Plans (Work Permit & S Pass)
Your employer is legally required to buy this.
As mandated by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), a minimum of S$60,000 per year for inpatient care and day surgery is required. Also from 1 July 2025, premiums are age-differentiated and insurers must reimburse hospitals directly.
⚠️ Note: Employer plans typically exclude outpatient, dental, and maternity. If you need broader cover, a personal health insurance top-up plan is worth considering.
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How to Compare Health Insurance Plans as a Foreigner in Singapore
Choosing a health insurance plan as a foreigner in Singapore boils down to a few key considerations:
- What the plan actually covers
- How much you’ll pay out of pocket
- Whether it fits your lifestyle and pass situation
Here are some important factors to consider before you commit to a plan:
What your plan should cover
- Hospitalisation and inpatient care: Standard on all plans. Check coverage benefits like ward class entitlement (private room vs shared), ICU coverage, and co-payment terms.
- Outpatient care: Usually a paid rider. Covers GP visits, specialist consults, diagnostics, and chronic illness management.
- Pre- and post-hospitalisation: Coverage ranges from 90 days on standard plans to up to 365 days on plans like Income Preferred and Great Eastern SupremeHealth. AIA covers up to 100 days pre/post-admission.
- Direct billing: Most major plans support cashless admission at panel hospitals. You won't need to pay upfront and claim later. Confirm which hospitals are on your insurer's panel before committing to a plan.
Riders worth adding to your plan
| Rider | What it covers | Who needs it |
|---|---|---|
| Outpatient | GP and specialist visits, diagnostics | Anyone with regular clinic needs |
| Maternity | Pregnancy complications, newborn care | Expecting families |
| Dental & Vision | Routine dental, eye exams, lenses | Families, long-term stayers |
| Mental Health | Inpatient psychiatric, outpatient counselling | All ages |
| Medical Evacuation | Emergency transport overseas | Frequent travellers |
Limits, co-payments, and deductibles
| What to compare | Typical range | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Annual claim limit | S$250,000–S$2 million | Sets the ceiling on what your insurer will pay out in a policy year |
| Co-payment | 5–10% | Your share of every bill; some riders reduce or cap this |
| Deductible | Varies by plan | Higher deductible = lower premium, but more out-of-pocket if hospitalised |
| Age cut-off | 65–75 years old for most; Cigna plan goes up to 80 years old | Determines how long you can enter a new plan |
💡 MoneySmart Tip: It is generally advised to apply for health insurance plans early, while you’re still younger and healthier. The healthier you are during application, the higher the coverage you qualify for and the lower the premiums you’ll benefit from.
Common exclusions to watch out for
Most plans follow the same exclusion patterns, but a few catch foreigners off-guard more than others.
- ❌ Pre-existing conditions: The most common claim rejection. Everything must be disclosed upfront, otherwise the claim is denied.
- ❌ Waiting periods: Maternity, newborn complications, and organ-related benefits often carry 9–12 month waiting periods.
- ❌ Age cut-offs: Entry caps fall between 65–80 years old depending on the health insurer. It’s advised to apply before you hit the age threshold because premiums rise steeply with age too.
- ❌ Job changes: Employer-arranged cover stops on your last day of employment. Don’t assume continuity.
- ❌ Elective and cosmetic procedures
- ❌ Fertility treatments
- ❌ Alternative therapies (unless specified in higher-tier plans)
- ❌ Self-inflicted injuries, substance abuse
- ❌ Experimental or unapproved treatments
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Why Do I Need Health Insurance?
While Singapore has a high standard of healthcare, the cost of healthcare is equally high. Hence, it is highly recommended that you have a health insurance plan that allows you to access local healthcare facilities – and get reimbursed for it. If your company provides you with sufficient health insurance coverage, or if you have existing health insurance from your home country which covers your stay in Singapore then it may not be necessary for you to get additional health insurance in Singapore. However, in the event that you do not have any corporate health insurance at all, you should consider getting additional local health insurance for your stay in Singapore.
Who Is Expat Health Insurance For?
If you are on a work permit or S-pass, do you need to buy health insurance? The answer is yes. In fact, your employer has to purchase health insurance for you.
Work Permit or S-Pass
If you are a foreigner on a Work Permit or S-Pass, it is compulsory for your employer to insure you with health insurance coverage with them with a minimum annual coverage of S$15,000. The health insurance coverage should be fully paid for by your employer. However, there may be a co-payment of up to 10% of the employee’s monthly income for claims that are non-work related.Employment Pass
However, for foreigners with an Employment Pass, it is not compulsory for employers to insure you with health insurance. If you are not covered by any corporate health insurance or other types of health insurance coverage, it is highly advisable to get yourself some coverage.Private Health Insurance
If you are a frequent flyer looking for a health insurance plan that will cover your medical expenses around the globe, you will need to purchase an international health insurance from private insurance companies.Get the right plan for you today!
How to Apply for Health Insurance As a Foreigner: Step-by-Step Guide
Getting insured as a foreigner in Singapore can be fairly straightforward once you know what you need. The steps below cover the full process—from comparing plans to activating cover.
Step 1
Assess your coverage needs
Take stock of your coverage situation:
- Your pass type
- Whether you’re covering just yourself or a family
- Any pre-existing conditions
- Coverage extent and amounts required
- Preferred ward class
- Estimated budget
The clearer you can self-assess your health insurance needs, the easier it’ll be to proceed to the next stage.
Step 2
Speak to a MoneySmart financial advisor
With your needs in hand, click on any of the “Speak to a Specialist” buttons on this page to fill up a questionnaire and connect with our trained financial advisors.
Through your personalised response, they’ll help assess and shortlist plans suited to your pass type and situation—including options you might not have known of or considered, and request quotes on your behalf.
Through your personalised response, they’ll help assess and shortlist plans suited to your pass type and situation—including options you might not have known of or considered, and request quotes on your behalf.
Step 3
Gather required documents
Most health insurers will ask for the following documents:
- Valid passport (Min. 6 months’ validity)
- Your Singapore pass
- Any supporting family or medical documents
Elderly applicants may also need to provide a recent health report.
Step 4
Review your FA’s recommendations
Once your advisor has returned with your shortlisted plans, use this stage to clarify anything unclear such as:
- Ward class differences
- How pre-existing conditions are handled
- What riders are worth adding for your situation
Step 5
Apply for plan and activate your cover
Once you’ve chosen a plan, your FA will guide you through the application and payment process.
You can expect most policies to be issued within 3–5 working days. Check your policy document for any waiting periods before assuming your cover is active too.
Expat vs International Health Insurance
If you are a foreigner relocating to Singapore to study or work as an expat, you have 2 health insurance options. One, a health insurance plan that grants you access to local healthcare facilities called the Integrated Shield Plan for foreigners. Two, an international health insurance plan.
Local Health Insurance Plan
If your profession requires you to be physically based in Singapore and you do not foresee yourself travelling or uprooting much to move around global offices, you should get an expat (or local) health insurance in Singapore. The local Integrated Shield Plan for foreigners primarily offer local medical coverage within Singapore – any overseas medical coverage will be limited and has to classified as emergency. Your local health insurance will be valid as long as you are a legal resident of Singapore. You could read our expat health insurance guide to know more about which policies gives you the best coverage.
International Health Insurance
If your profession, however, requires you to uproot a couple of times per year to move around global offices in a certain region or even across various regions, then you should consider an international health insurance. For example, if you need to travel to and fro in different countries in Southeast Asia, your international health insurance will be able to offer you medical coverage not only for your stay in Singapore, but elsewhere around Asia such as Tokyo, Hong Kong, Seoul, or Jakarta. Likewise, you can opt for other iterations of such international health insurance plans – worldwide, worldwide (without the USA), or Asia only.
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Further Reading
Guide to Health Insurance in Singapore for Foreigners (Expats & Dependents)
Best Health Insurance Plans Singapore
International Health Insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Work Permit and S Pass holders need health insurance?
- Yes, employers are legally required to provide it. Minimum $60,000 per year for inpatient care and day surgery, per MOM. From 1 July 2025, premiums are age-differentiated and direct hospital reimbursement is mandatory for qualifying claims.
Do EP holders need health insurance?
Not legally. That said, EP holders get no employer mandate, no MediSave, and no MediShield Life. If you're uninsured and hospitalised, the bill is entirely yours.
Can foreigners use Medisave or MediShield Life?
- No. Both Medisave and MediShield Life are restricted to Singapore citizens and PRs. However, a Singaporean or PR can use their own MediSave to pay for a foreign spouse, child, or parent’s approved Singapore hospital bills or eligible private medical insurance premiums from any CPF-approved insurer (like Income and AIA).
What about dependents and children?
- Dependant's Pass and Student Pass holders have no mandatory insurance requirement, but schools and some visa renewals require proof of private cover. Children are typically covered under family plans up to age 18–25 if studying full-time.
What happens if I change jobs or lose my pass?
- Employer-arranged cover ends when employment does. If your pass is cancelled, your policy eligibility may change. Always confirm continuity with your insurer before a job change or transition.
Are there age limits for foreigners getting insured?
Yes. Most plans cap new applications at age 65–75. Cigna Silver extends to 80. Premiums rise steeply with age, and some plans close to new applicants above 65. Existing policyholders may be able to renew past the entry cut-off.
How much does health insurance cost for foreigners in Singapore?
It varies significantly by age, plan type, and coverage scope. As a benchmark, the average annual premium for an individual international health insurance plan in Singapore is around S$8,800.
- Mid-20s — Closer to S$2,000 per year
- Mid-40s — Around S$3,200 per year
- Local private plans (covering Singapore only) tend to be more affordable than international plans, but offer lower limits and no overseas coverage.
What’s the difference between a local private plan and an international health plan for foreigners?
The main differences come down to coverage scope and cost:
- Local private plans (e.g. AIA HealthShield Gold Max, Income IncomeShield) cover treatment within Singapore only and are generally more affordable.
- International plans (e.g. FWD International Health, Cigna Silver) extend coverage globally with higher annual limits, but come with a higher premium.
If based permanently in Singapore with no plans to seek treatment abroad, a local private plan is usually sufficient. However, if you travel frequently or want flexibility to be treated in your home country, an international plan might be worth the extra cost.