Best Expat Health Insurance in Singapore: Coverage, Costs, and How to Choose

Pricing claim based on comparative data for select airports and passes. Live pricing is subject to exchange rate fluctuations.
📱Find out how to get lounge access

---

If you're living, working, or studying in Singapore as a foreigner, having expat health insurance in Singapore can help protect you from potentially high medical costs. While the country has one of the best healthcare systems in Asia, treatment can be expensive without the right coverage.

The good news is that there are several options available. Many insurers offer insurance for foreigners in Singapore, including international policies and local private plans from providers such as AIA or NTUC Income.

This guide explains how healthcare works for expats, the best expat health insurance Singapore providers may offer, and the average cost of expat health insurance so you can better understand your options.

We'll also introduce the Wise account, a handy companion to make your money go further with low, transparent fees.

What is expat health insurance?

Expat health insurance is a type of medical insurance designed for foreigners living abroad. In Singapore, these plans help cover healthcare costs for people who are not citizens or permanent residents.

Expat health insurance plans are available from a range of local, regional, and international insurers. Coverage can vary depending on the provider and the level of protection you choose.

Typically, expat health insurance plans may cover:

• Hospital treatment and surgery
• Doctor consultations and outpatient care
• Prescription medication
• Emergency treatment

Some policies may also include optional coverage for:

• Dental treatment
• Vision care
• Maternity services
• Rehabilitation therapies

As plans differ widely, it’s important to review the coverage limits, exclusions, and deductibles before choosing a policy.

Do foreigners need health insurance in Singapore?

To understand insurance for foreigners in Singapore it helps to understand how the local health care system works.

Singapore citizens and permanent residents are automatically signed up to a government backed health plan called MediShield Life. They may also choose to top up by buying an Integrated Shield Plan - additional cover for peace of mind.

Expats are not eligible for MediShield Life and so rely on employer insurance or private coverage to access health care. While some insurers offer similar private plans to foreigners, these are not issued as Integrated Shield Plans and are not integrated with MediShield Life.

Without insurance, health care costs in Singapore can be extremely high - so understanding your cover options and making the best choices based on your preferences and risk is essential.

Types of expat health insurance available in Singapore

Let’s walk through some options you may want to consider - including global policies like those from AIA expat health insurance¹ and local policies such as NTUC health insurance² for foreigners.

This guide is for information only and does not constitute advice. Different types of insurance are suitable for different individual needs. Get professional advice and support to choose the right policy for your unique situation.

International health insurance

International health insurance is offered by global insurers and typically provides coverage both in Singapore and abroad.

International features may vary - for example, many policies exclude cover for the US, which would mean you’d need a different policy should you intend to seek treatment there.

To get a feel for the cover available under these policies, take a look at one such as AIA Platinum International Health Insurance³ which gives helpful insights into the type of package you may access.

International health insurance is attractive to expats in Singapore as it allows you to be treated here - and also in your home country, or in a third country if you need to or choose to. This gives flexibility and peace of mind and means you’ll know you can get care as and when it’s required.

Policies do vary, but this can be one of the most expensive options for expat health insurance in Singapore due to its broad coverage and often high levels of reimbursement.

Local private health insurance

Local private health insurance plans are designed for residents living in Singapore. These policies generally focus on covering treatment within the country. Local policies usually offer only medical care within Singapore and overseas under specific emergency conditions.

You can get a feel for the options and cover available through providers like NTUC Enhanced Incomeshield⁴, which is available as a Medicare integrated plan for Singapore citizens and PRs, and as a standalone plan for foreigners legally living in Singapore with an appropriate pass.

For expats who plan to live long-term in Singapore and do not require international treatment options, local plans may offer a practical alternative.

Employer-provided insurance

Many expats working in Singapore receive health insurance as part of their employment package.

This type of insurance for foreigners in Singapore is arranged by the employer and may cover the employee, and sometimes their family members.

Coverage can vary widely depending on the company. Larger international organisations may provide comprehensive global insurance, while smaller employers may offer more limited plans.

Common features of employer insurance include basic hospital coverage, outpatient treatment and access to selected hospital networks

However, some plans have low annual limits or high co-payments. Because of this, some expats choose to supplement employer coverage with an additional private policy.

Average cost of expat health insurance

The average cost of expat health insurance in Singapore varies depending on the level of coverage you choose.

According to insurance broker Pacific Prime, the average annual premium for health insurance in Singapore is about SGD 8,800 per person⁵.

This average covers a broad range of individual plan options from basic to comprehensive and premium plans which have very different premiums. The costs can also vary a lot based on the age of those insured and any pre-existing health conditions that must be covered.

As policies vary significantly, it’s often worth comparing multiple insurers before choosing a plan.

What to look for in an expat health insurance plan

If you're not familiar with reading health insurance plans you might want to start your search for expat health insurance in Singapore through a broker. Policies can be complicated and navigating the process is sometimes confusing.

When reviewing different expat health insurance plans consider the following:

• The overall premium you’ll need to pay as well as any co-pay amount - some policies have a co-pay or deductible you must pay every time you make a claim
• Cover levels and areas - plans may cover inpatient (hospitalisation) and outpatient care, and in some cases have extra options for things like dental, vision, and maternity care
• Choice of healthcare providers - some policies restrict you to certain doctors or hospital networks, while others allow you free choice
• Look for direct billing - direct billing is the most convenient option where available, as it means the insurer pays your healthcare provider without you needing to spend upfront
• Check for worldwide cover - policies may offer all care worldwide (often excluding the US), or may offer emergency care only in some cases
• Pre-existing conditions and lifetime guarantees - check if pre-existing conditions are supported, and look for a policy with a lifetime guarantee if you can, to ensure your policy won’t be ended in future

How to apply for expat health insurance

You can usually apply for expat health insurance online and make your payment digitally. Some people also use brokers to make the application simple, and to offer advice on policy choice.

If you’re applying directly for insurance online, you’ll usually need to take the following steps:

1. Research different providers and policy options and pick the ones which suit you best
2. Apply online for a no obligation quote, by entering your personal details and the cover you require
3. Compare your quotes to select the best policy and read the fine print carefully
4. Select the policy you like the best and apply for cover - usually online, or by phone
5. Pay online using your card or a bank transfer, and receive your policy documents

Managing money across countries? Send and convert with Wise at the mid-market rate

Managing healthcare costs abroad is just one part of living overseas. If you also need a way to manage money across currencies, the Wise account can help.

The Wise account is an easy way to hold and exchange 40+ currencies, including SGD, MYR, EUR, CNY, and more. All you need to do is create a free account to get started.

With Wise, you can exchange currencies at the mid-market rate each time, with low, transparent conversion fees from 0.26% and absolutely no markups. Plus, you can order a linked Wise card for convenient spending without any foreign transaction fees, and up to 2 free ATM withdrawals to the value of 350 SGD when you're overseas. You'll even get 8+ local account details to get paid conveniently to your Wise account in SGD and a selection of other major global currencies.

What's more, you can activate Wise Interest to earn returns* on your eligible balances while keeping your money available to spend.

*Growth is not guaranteed. Capital at risk.

Sending money or making payments abroad? Wise also offers fast, low cost transfers to 140+ countries - you can track your transfer in your account and your recipient will also be notified when a transfer reaches them.

🚀 Get Started with Wise

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can foreigners buy health insurance in Singapore?

Yes. There’s a broad market for foreigner health insurance in Singapore including broad global policies and local options which can be more economical

How much does expat health insurance cost?

Costs vary widely based on policy type and policy holder age and personal situation, However, Pacific Prime states that the average health insurance costs in Singapore for 2025 are around 8,800 SGD per person annually.

Does employer insurance cover expats?

Your employer may offer you some health insurance if you’re working in Singapore - check the policy options and details carefully to decide if it is enough to cover your specific requirements.

What is the difference between local and international health insurance?

Local health insurance for expats usually supports care within Singapore in public and private hospitals, while an international policy may allow you to seek care in Singapore, your home country, or elsewhere in the world if you need to.

---

Sources:

1. AIA health insurance
2. NTUC Insurance
3. AIA Platinum International Health Insurance
4. NTUC Enhanced Incomeshield
5. Pacific Prime - average health insurance costs