Singapore’s healthcare system has been recognized worldwide for being efficient, accessible, and affordable for citizens. According to Bloomberg Health-Efficiency Index 2020, Singapore topped the global list for being the most efficient healthcare system during the COVID-19 era. Prior to the pandemic, Singapore was within the top 3 most efficient healthcare systems worldwide.
Singapore’s Healthcare Facilities
With over 4,000 clinics and polyclinics and 32 hospitals all over the country, Singapore’s healthcare providers are conveniently located around all neighbourhoods and in the town area. There are two types of healthcare facilities – government and private.
Government healthcare facilities provide affordable and essential healthcare to the citizens. This is done through subsidization of healthcare services, according to the patient’s household income level and the type of ward that the patient is admitted into. There are four types of wards in a public hospital: A-class, B-1 class, B-2 class, and C-class. A-class wards are solely occupied by one patient and it has a private bathroom. B-1 and B-2 class wards have 4 and 6 beds in each ward respectively. However, the B-1 wards have an attached bathroom to them while the B-2 wards do not. C-class wards have up to 8 patients in it with no bathroom in them. Notable public healthcare facilities are Singapore General Hospital (SGH), Khoo Teck Phuat Hospital (KTPH), and National Healthcare Group Polyclinics (NHGPs).
Compared to government healthcare facilities, public healthcare facilities charge a higher cost and are not subsidized by the government. However, private hospitals and clinics tend to have a shorter waiting time as most citizens will choose to visit the public healthcare facilities due to the subsidized rates.
Central Provident Fund: MediSave Account
Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents are required to contribute a portion of their income to their Central Provident Fund (CPF) as long as they are working. There are three types of accounts under CPF – Ordinary Account (OA), Special Account (SA), and MediSave Account (MA) – each with a different rate of contribution.
The amount in MA is specifically set aside for approved medical expenses and insurance which can be used on the individual, dependents, and siblings. Individuals need to contribute around 8% to 10.5% to the account monthly, with the contribution rate based on age. In order to make a successful withdrawal to use the MediSave funds, individuals should only take on healthcare services from approved healthcare facilities. Funds from MA can be used on health insurance premiums, inpatient care, outpatient care and long-term care. More details can be found here.
Singapore’s healthcare system has always been one of the best worldwide. The government subsidizes a portion of the healthcare costs, ensures that the healthcare system is able to meet the growing needs of today’s society, and has a compulsory healthcare saving scheme in place for its citizens. With such excellent healthcare facilities, it makes Singapore an even more attractive country to reside in. To know more about the migration process to Singapore, contact us via our contact form, email (contact@fcg.com.sg), or WhatsApp (+65 8792 2664) today!