Mutuelle Singapore: understanding the healthcare system
Are you planning to move to Singapore? It’s a great expatriation project! Before you leave, it’s important to understand the healthcare system. Singapore’s healthcare system is renowned for its quality, but prices can be very high. To avoid unpleasant surprises, take out an appropriate health insurance policy to ensure you are properly reimbursed and can leave with peace of mind.
Singapore’s healthcare system
Singapore’s healthcare system is based on three pillars, often referred to as the “3M”.
- MediSave: a compulsory medical savings plan for citizens and permanent residents, financed by salary contributions.
- MediShield Life: a public health insurance scheme covering critical illness and costly hospitalization.
- MediFund: a fund designed to help the poorest citizens cover their healthcare expenses.
Only expatriates with permanent resident status are eligible for local healthcare programs. This means that travelers, digital nomads and short-term expatriates do not benefit from health coverage. You’ll need to take out international health insurance to be covered. Medical costs are particularly high in Singapore, so it’s important to take out private health insurance tailored to your situation.
Health insurance options for expatriates
There are several options available to ensure your health cover in Singapore:
- Local health insurance: In Singapore, some companies offer local health insurance to their foreign employees. However, these plans may have limited reimbursement limits. Some treatments, such as optical, dental or maternity, may not be covered.
- International health insurance: These policies offer more extensive coverage, including both routine care and hospitalization. They also offer a degree of flexibility, with options to cover dental, optical and maternity expenses. Another advantage is that they also cover you when you travel abroad, including when you return to France.
- Caisse des Français de l’Étranger (CFE): If you’re a French expatriate, CFE provides coverage similar to that of the French Social Security system. However, we recommend that you take out complementary international health insurance to ensure full reimbursement.
Cost of medical care in Singapore
Singapore’s healthcare system is renowned for its excellence, but costs can be high. A consultation with a general practitioner ranges from €25 to €62, while hospitalization for an appendectomy can cost up to €13,000. Without health insurance, these costs are entirely your responsibility, which can quickly take a toll on your budget.
Tips for choosing your health insurance
- Evaluate your needs: Consider your age, your state of health, and the types of care you may need.
- Compare offers: Analyze the different policies available, taking into account coverage, exclusions, reimbursement limits and deductibles. We recommend that you use carexpat.com, the specialist international health insurance comparator.
- Consider CFE: If you’re French, consider the benefits of joining CFE. In particular, it will facilitate your reintegration into the French healthcare system on your return.
- Check out additional services: Some insurances offer services such as teleconsultation in French or a network of partner healthcare professionals.
If you are a French expatriate in Singapore, having the right health insurance is essential to avoid unexpected medical expenses. The quality of care is excellent, but prices can be particularly high. Take the time to assess your needs and compare the different offers to choose a cover that will guarantee you peace of mind and security.
