Best Health Insurance for Expats in Singapore 2026: Complete Guide

Health insurance is one of the most important things you need to sort out when moving to Singapore as an expat. Medical costs in Singapore can be very high, and without proper insurance, a single hospital visit could cost you thousands of dollars. In this complete guide, we cover everything you need to know about health insurance for expats in Singapore in 2026 — from mandatory requirements to the best plans available.

Is Health Insurance Mandatory in Singapore for Expats?

The answer depends on your work pass type.

Work Permit Holders

If you hold a Work Permit, your employer is legally required to purchase medical insurance for you. The minimum coverage required is SGD 15,000 per year for inpatient and day surgery costs.

S Pass Holders

Similar to Work Permit holders, employers of S Pass holders must provide medical insurance with a minimum coverage of SGD 15,000 per year.

Employment Pass Holders

For Employment Pass holders, there is no legal requirement for employers to provide health insurance. However, most employers do offer group health insurance as part of the employment package.

Dependents and Family Members

Family members on Dependent Pass are not covered by employer insurance. They must arrange their own health insurance.

Types of Health Insurance in Singapore

1. Employer Group Insurance

Most companies in Singapore provide group health insurance for their employees. This is usually the most affordable option as the cost is shared between employer and employee. Coverage varies significantly by employer.

2. MediShield Life

MediShield Life is Singapore's national health insurance scheme. It is compulsory for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents but optional for most expats. It covers large hospital bills and selected outpatient treatments.

3. Integrated Shield Plans

Integrated Shield Plans top up MediShield Life coverage and allow access to private hospitals and higher ward classes. These are available from insurance companies like AIA, Prudential, Great Eastern and others.

4. International Health Insurance

International health insurance plans are specifically designed for expats. They offer comprehensive coverage including outpatient, inpatient, dental, optical and even emergency evacuation. These plans cover you in Singapore and often worldwide.

Best Health Insurance Plans for Expats in Singapore 2026

1. AXA International Health Insurance

AXA is one of the most trusted insurance brands in the world. Their international health plans offer comprehensive coverage for expats in Singapore. Key features: - Worldwide coverage options available - Comprehensive inpatient and outpatient cover - Dental and optical add-ons available - Fast and easy claims process - 24/7 customer support Best for: Expats who travel frequently and want worldwide coverage

2. Cigna Global Health Insurance

Cigna is particularly popular among corporate expats and their families. They offer excellent mental health coverage which is increasingly important for expats living far from home. Key features: - Comprehensive global coverage - Excellent mental health support - 24/7 multilingual customer service - Direct billing at most Singapore hospitals - Flexible plan options Best for: Families and corporate expats who need comprehensive coverage

3. Now Health International

Now Health International is a specialist expat insurer that offers great value plans. They have a large network of hospitals in Singapore and worldwide. Key features: - Competitive premiums - Good coverage options - Large hospital network - Simple online claims process - Available in multiple currencies Best for: Expats looking for good value international coverage

4. Allianz Care

Allianz is a globally recognized insurance brand that offers comprehensive health plans for expats in Singapore. Their plans are flexible and can be customized to your specific needs. Key features: - Flexible coverage options - Strong global network - Good claims support - Multiple plan levels available - Dental and wellness add-ons Best for: Expats who want flexible and customizable coverage

5. Raffles Health Insurance

Raffles Health Insurance is a local Singapore insurer backed by Raffles Medical Group. It offers good local coverage and direct billing at all Raffles Medical clinics and hospitals. Key features: - Strong local Singapore network - Direct billing at Raffles hospitals - Competitive premiums - Good for regular outpatient visits - Available for expats on most work passes Best for: Expats who mainly use local Singapore medical facilities

What Does Health Insurance Cover in Singapore?

A good health insurance plan for expats in Singapore should cover:

Inpatient Coverage

Hospital stays, surgeries, specialist consultations during hospitalization, ICU care, prescribed medications during hospital stay.

Outpatient Coverage

General practitioner visits, specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, prescribed medications, physiotherapy.

Maternity Coverage

Prenatal checkups, delivery costs, postnatal care, newborn care. Note that maternity coverage is usually not included in basic plans and may require a waiting period.

Dental Coverage

Basic dental treatments, scaling and polishing, fillings. Dental is usually an optional add-on.

Optical Coverage

Eye tests, glasses and contact lenses. Usually an optional add-on.

Emergency Evacuation

Medical evacuation to the nearest appropriate medical facility or home country if required.

How Much Does Health Insurance Cost for Expats in Singapore?

The cost of health insurance in Singapore varies significantly depending on: - Your age - Coverage level selected - Deductible and co-payment chosen - Whether you include family members - Pre-existing conditions General cost ranges for 2026: Basic international plan: SGD 150 to SGD 400 per month Comprehensive international plan: SGD 400 to SGD 800 per month Family plan: SGD 800 to SGD 2,500 per month

How to Choose the Right Health Insurance Plan

Choosing the right health insurance plan requires careful consideration of your personal situation.

Consider Your Budget

Decide how much you can afford to spend on health insurance each month. Remember that a higher premium usually means lower out-of-pocket costs when you make a claim.

Think About Your Health Needs

If you have pre-existing conditions, make sure your plan covers them or at least does not exclude them. If you are planning to have children, look for plans with good maternity coverage.

Check the Hospital Network

Make sure the plan includes your preferred hospitals and clinics in Singapore. Direct billing is a big convenience as you do not need to pay upfront and claim later.

Consider Your Travel Needs

If you travel frequently for work or leisure, look for a plan with good worldwide coverage rather than just Singapore coverage.

Read the Policy Exclusions

Always read the policy exclusions carefully before signing up. Common exclusions include pre-existing conditions, cosmetic surgery and self-inflicted injuries.

Tips for Expats on Health Insurance in Singapore

- Compare at least 3 plans before deciding - Check if your employer provides any health insurance benefit first - Consider a plan with direct billing to avoid upfront payment - Keep all medical receipts for claims - Declare all pre-existing conditions honestly when applying - Review your coverage annually as your needs may change - Consider adding dental coverage as dental costs are high in Singapore

How to Make a Health Insurance Claim in Singapore

Direct Billing

If your hospital or clinic has a direct billing arrangement with your insurer, simply present your insurance card and the hospital will bill the insurer directly. You only pay any co-payment or deductible amount.

Reimbursement Claim

If direct billing is not available, pay the medical bill yourself and keep all receipts. Then submit a claim to your insurer through their online portal, mobile app or by mail. Most insurers process claims within 5 to 15 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can expats use government hospitals in Singapore?

Yes, expats can use government hospitals in Singapore. However, you will be charged at a higher rate than Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents. Subsidies are generally not available to expats.

What is a deductible in health insurance?

A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. For example, if you have a SGD 1,000 deductible and your medical bill is SGD 5,000, you pay SGD 1,000 and the insurer pays the remaining SGD 4,000.

Can I get health insurance if I have pre-existing conditions?

Yes, but your pre-existing conditions may be excluded from coverage or you may be charged a higher premium. Always declare your medical history honestly when applying for insurance.

Is mental health covered by health insurance in Singapore?

Some plans include mental health coverage but it is not standard. If mental health support is important to you, specifically look for plans that include it such as Cigna.

Useful Resources

Life Insurance Association Singapore Website: lia.org.sg Ministry of Health Singapore Website: moh.gov.sg Compare health insurance plans: Website: gobear.com or moneysmart.sg

Final Thoughts

Health insurance is not optional for expats in Singapore. Medical costs are high and even a short hospital stay can result in a very large bill. Take time to compare different plans and choose one that fits your budget, covers your health needs and includes the hospitals you prefer to use. AXA and Cigna are excellent choices for comprehensive coverage. If you want a more affordable option, Raffles Health Insurance provides good local coverage. Do not wait until you are sick to think about health insurance. Get covered today and give yourself peace of mind. Have questions about health insurance in Singapore? Leave a comment below and we will be happy to help!