Singapore · Healthcare
How the Singapore healthcare system works — public vs private care, eligibility, and costs for residents and visitors.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
Singapore combines government subsidies, mandatory medical savings (MediSave), national catastrophic insurance (MediShield Life) and a safety net (MediFund) — but these schemes are for citizens and permanent residents only. Foreigners on work or other passes are not covered by them and rely on employer-provided group insurance or private cover. The Ministry of Manpower sets a minimum medical-insurance requirement for Work Permit and S Pass holders.
Singapore has a mixed system combining government subsidies, mandatory medical savings (MediSave), national catastrophic insurance (MediShield Life) and a safety net (MediFund) — but these schemes are for citizens and permanent residents only. Foreigners on work or other passes are not covered and rely on employer-provided or private insurance; the Ministry of Manpower sets minimum medical-insurance requirements for some pass holders.
- MediSave, MediShield Life and MediFund are for citizens and permanent residents only.
- Foreigners on work or other passes are not covered by these national schemes.
- Most rely on employer-provided group insurance or private health insurance.
- MOM sets a minimum medical-insurance requirement for Work Permit and S Pass holders.
- 1
Check whether the national schemes apply to you
MediSave, MediShield Life and MediFund are for citizens and permanent residents only. If you hold a work or other pass, they do not cover you — this is the assumption most worth correcting early.
- 2
Confirm what your employer provides
Most foreigners rely on employer-provided group insurance. Ask exactly what the policy covers and what the limits are before you need it.
- 3
Check the MOM minimum for your pass type
The Ministry of Manpower sets a minimum medical-insurance requirement for Work Permit and S Pass holders. Confirm your employer meets it for your pass type.
- 4
Top up privately where the gap matters
A minimum requirement is a floor, not comprehensive cover. Consider private insurance on top where the limits leave you exposed, particularly for major treatment.
- 5
Re-check cover if your status changes
Because eligibility turns on being a citizen or permanent resident, a change in status changes your position. Re-check cover if your pass or residency status changes.
- Understood that MediSave/MediShield Life/MediFund exclude pass holders
- Employer group policy details obtained
- Policy limits and exclusions reviewed
- MOM minimum requirement checked for your pass type
- Private top-up considered for major treatment
- Dependants' cover checked if applicable
- Plan to re-check cover on any status change
- Ministry of Health — MediShield Life
Official national health-financing scheme (citizens/PRs).
- Ministry of Manpower (work-pass medical cover)
Medical-insurance requirements for pass holders.
Frequently asked questions
Does MediShield Life cover foreigners in Singapore?
No. MediSave, MediShield Life and MediFund are for citizens and permanent residents only. Foreigners on work or other passes are not covered and rely on employer-provided or private insurance instead.
Is my employer required to insure me?
The Ministry of Manpower sets a minimum medical-insurance requirement for Work Permit and S Pass holders. Confirm your employer meets it for your pass type — and note that a minimum is a floor rather than comprehensive cover.
Should I buy private insurance on top?
Often worth it. A regulatory minimum is a floor, and employer group limits can leave real exposure for major treatment. Review the policy limits and exclusions, then decide where a private top-up closes a gap that matters to you.
Government portals
- Singapore Government — Singapore's integrated government services portal — unified Singpass identity login
- Immigration & Checkpoints Authority — Employment Pass, S Pass, Work Permit, PR and citizenship applications in Singapore
- Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore — Personal and corporate income tax, GST filing, and tax incentive lookup