Best Health Insurance in Singapore in 2025
- Excellent inpatient and cancer care coverage
- Long pre/post-hospitalisation window
- Generous co-insurance caps with rider
- Comprehensive critical illness benefits
- No dental or optical cover
- Excellent inpatient and cancer care coverage
- Long pre/post-hospitalisation window
- Generous co-insurance caps with rider
- Comprehensive critical illness benefits
Singlife offers one of the most comprehensive private health insurance solutions in Singapore, especially for hospitalisation and cancer care. With annual coverage up to SGD 2 million through panel providers and generous pre- and post-hospitalisation periods (up to 180/365 days), it suits the structure of Singapore’s private healthcare landscape. Notable features include coverage for proton beam and gene therapies, maternity complications, and congenital conditions. A key advantage is the co-insurance cap of SGD 3,000 (with rider), making long-term budgeting more manageable. However, the absence of outpatient, dental, and optical benefits may limit its daily utility.
This plan is ideal for working adults and families looking for high-value protection against critical and chronic health conditions, and who are comfortable with structured panel healthcare access.
For all these reasons, we recommend the health insurance plan from Singlife.
- High inpatient and cancer treatment limits
- Excellent coverage of advanced therapies
- Predictable co-payment ceiling with rider
- Includes maternity and congenital support
- No outpatient or dental cover
- Optical care excluded
- Strong hospitalisation and cancer limits
- Excellent TCM and home care support
- Panel-based reimbursement optimization
- Lacks outpatient coverage
- Dental, optical not included
- Strong hospitalisation and cancer limits
- Excellent TCM and home care support
- Panel-based reimbursement optimization
Great Eastern’s SupremeHealth and TotalCare combination delivers strong hospital and critical illness benefits at a competitive premium level. Annual coverage can go up to SGD 1.5 million, including wide-ranging support for cancer drugs, even those outside MOH’s standard lists. It also covers post-hospital TCM, maternity complications, and psychiatric treatment. The plan is optimised for panel usage, offering longer pre/post-hospitalisation coverage and cashless claims. However, it lacks outpatient consultations and does not include any dental or optical coverage, limiting versatility for everyday healthcare use.
Recommended for individuals seeking strong inpatient and cancer coverage who are willing to use panel providers to maximise benefits and reduce costs.
For all these reasons, we recommend the health insurance plan from Great Eastern.
- High hospital and cancer drug limits
- Includes TCM and home care
- Psychiatric and maternity complications covered
- Lifetime benefit with no cap
- No outpatient GP or specialist care
- No dental or vision options
- Highest outpatient and maternity flexibility
- Clear co-insurance and deductible tiers
- Optional dental and vision included
- Strong global emergency care
- Some benefits require add-ons
- Highest outpatient and maternity flexibility
- Clear co-insurance and deductible tiers
- Optional dental and vision included
- Strong global emergency care
FWD’s International Health Insurance offers one of the most flexible and modular private health plans in Singapore. It allows policyholders to customise their cover with optional benefits such as maternity (up to SGD 20,000), optical (up to SGD 300 every two years), and complex dental (after 12 months). The core plan offers robust inpatient benefits up to SGD 3 million annually and includes outpatient services up to SGD 15,000 with defined co-insurance. Cancer care, global evacuation, psychiatric sessions, and TCM are all available, positioning it as one of the most holistic options on the market.
This plan fits expatriates, younger families, or high-income individuals who seek comprehensive, globally valid protection and want to personalise their plan with dental, vision, and maternity.
For all these reasons, we recommend the health insurance plan from FWD Singapore.
- Customisable outpatient, dental, optical, maternity benefits
- Very high annual coverage (up to SGD 3M)
- Excellent global coverage including emergency and psychiatric
- Includes preventive services and home care
- Add-ons increase cost
- Maternity and dental care subject to waiting periods
- High cancer treatment limits
- Stop-loss feature limits OOP expenses
- Extensive family benefits
- Requires rider for optimal cost-sharing
- Dental and optical absent
- High cancer treatment limits
- Stop-loss feature limits OOP expenses
- Extensive family benefits
Prudential’s PRUShield and PRUExtra plans offer robust protection against severe and chronic conditions, with cancer drug support among the highest on the market (up to 15x MSHL for CDL drugs, and SGD 150,000/year for non-CDL). The co-insurance is capped at SGD 3,000 with the rider, making costs predictable. The plan also includes benefits for psychiatric care, maternity complications, congenital conditions, and hospice care. However, it does not extend to outpatient GP or specialist consultations and lacks dental and vision coverage.
Best suited for adults with family responsibilities or chronic conditions who want capped financial risk and comprehensive inpatient and critical illness protection.
For all these reasons, we recommend the health insurance plan from Prudential Singapore.
- Generous cancer drug limits
- Strong family-oriented benefits (maternity, congenital)
- Predictable co-insurance with rider
- Covers mental health and end-of-life care
- No outpatient or GP services
- Optical and dental not included
- Long pre/post-hospitalisation range
- Comprehensive transplant and dialysis cover
- Covers psychiatric follow-up
- Clear rider benefits structure
- No outpatient or optical benefits
- Long pre/post-hospitalisation range
- Comprehensive transplant and dialysis cover
- Covers psychiatric follow-up
- Clear rider benefits structure
AIA’s HealthShield Gold Max coupled with VitalHealth riders offers strong inpatient protection (up to SGD 2 million/year), particularly if care is sought within AIA’s preferred provider network. The pre- and post-hospitalisation windows (up to 13 months) are among the longest available. Benefits include coverage for psychiatric care, congenital issues, dialysis, and organ transplants. It is, however, limited for outpatient GP or dental needs, and does not provide optical care, making it better suited for hospital-focused scenarios.
Best suited to older individuals or those with chronic health concerns requiring long hospitalisation and specialist follow-up, especially if they already use AIA’s panel providers.
For all these reasons, we recommend the health insurance plan from AIA Singapore.
- Extensive follow-up periods around hospitalisation
- Dialysis, transplant, and psychiatric care included
- High inpatient annual limits
- Supports congenital conditions
- No outpatient or GP support
- Dental and vision not available
- Good mental health and maternity support
- Competitive cancer drug coverage
- Clear deductible/co-pay structures
- Strong panel incentives
- No outpatient or vision care
- Good mental health and maternity support
- Competitive cancer drug coverage
- Clear deductible/co-pay structures
- Strong panel incentives
Income Insurance offers reliable hospital-focused protection with flexible co-insurance options via its Deluxe and Classic Care riders. With annual limits reaching SGD 1.5 million and clear cancer drug benefits (up to SGD 15,000/month for non-CDL), the plan is suitable for managing serious health issues. It also includes psychiatric, maternity, and congenital condition benefits. However, there is no outpatient, dental, or optical coverage, which may reduce value for daily medical needs.
Well adapted to individuals seeking affordable, high-limit hospitalisation and critical illness protection who are open to using Income’s preferred provider network.
For all these reasons, we recommend the health insurance plan from Income Insurance.
- High non-CDL cancer coverage
- Psychiatric and maternity complications included
- Clear deductible and co-pay caps
- Lifetime cover with no maximum limit
- No outpatient, dental or optical benefits
- Panel use required for cost optimisation
- Strong outpatient and TCM access via Raffles network
- Regional scope with repatriation
- Moderate cancer and transplant coverage
- Vision not covered
- Only Gold plan is competitive
- Strong outpatient and TCM access via Raffles network
- Regional scope with repatriation
Raffles Elite Care is a hospital-focused insurance plan with access to the Raffles Medical Group network. The Gold plan provides up to SGD 1 million in annual inpatient coverage, home nursing (26 weeks), and post-discharge support. It offers limited but relevant outpatient services via rider (GP, specialists, diagnostics), as well as benefits like TCM, physiotherapy, and emergency dental care. However, cancer and transplant limits are lower than competitors, and the plan excludes optical care. The inclusion of regional emergency coverage and preventive health check vouchers adds notable value.
Best for residents who prefer using the Raffles healthcare network and value moderate outpatient access, preventive care, and strong post-hospital recovery benefits.
For all these reasons, we recommend the health insurance plan from Raffles Health Insurance.
- Strong Raffles panel access with cashless service
- Outpatient GP, TCM, and diagnostics available with rider
- Regional coverage and emergency repatriation
- Health check-up voucher included
- Optical not covered
- Lower cancer and transplant ceilings than market average
- High limits on core hospitalisation
- Optional maternity benefit
- Long post-care coverage (up to 180 days)
- Vision excluded
- Ambulatory care only in Platinum plan
- High limits on core hospitalisation
- Optional maternity benefit
- Long post-care coverage (up to 180 days)
MSIG’s Prestige Healthcare plan offers robust inpatient benefits (up to SGD 3 million/year) and comprehensive post-discharge care (up to 180 days), including home nursing and rehabilitation. The Platinum plan adds outpatient benefits up to SGD 25,000/year with physiotherapy, TCM, and even psychiatric support. Maternity care is optional, with meaningful reimbursement limits. However, optical is not covered, and outpatient services are not available in Deluxe or Elite plans, which reduces its accessibility unless subscribing to the highest tier.
Well-suited for individuals seeking a high-tier hospitalisation plan with long-term recovery care and optional outpatient or maternity protection.
For all these reasons, we recommend the health insurance plan from MSIG Singapore.
- High inpatient and ICU coverage
- Extended post-hospital care and home nursing
- Outpatient services available in Platinum plan
- Maternity add-on available
- Optical care excluded
- Outpatient only accessible in top-tier plan
- Strong lifestyle and wellness inclusion
- Dental and optical better than peers
- Annual and lifetime caps limit long-term use
- Lower hospitalisation scope
- Complex plan options
- Strong lifestyle and wellness inclusion
- Dental and optical better than peers
Manulife’s ComboPlus range blends hospital and outpatient care with rare inclusions like vision and dental benefits. Dental care is covered up to SGD 920/year (major care from year 2), and optical benefits reach SGD 250 every two years. While hospitalisation cover includes semi-private and private rooms, the total lifetime cap (SGD 250,000) is relatively low compared to the market. This makes it more suitable for routine health needs than for serious or prolonged conditions.
Ideal for younger, healthy individuals who prioritise dental and vision benefits, wellness services, and prefer cost-efficient, lifestyle-focused insurance.
For all these reasons, we recommend the health insurance plan from Manulife Singapore.
- Includes both dental and optical coverage
- Lifestyle benefits via Manulife Vitality
- Travel medical insurance included
- Hospital cash option available
- Lower lifetime medical limits
- Hospitalisation less comprehensive than top-tier plans
- Simple fixed payouts instead of open limits
- Ideal for budget-conscious profiles
- No outpatient, dental or vision
- Basic cancer and transplant support
- Low-cost option with capped benefits
- Simple fixed payouts instead of open limits
- Ideal for budget-conscious profiles
HSBC Life Shield is a basic health insurance plan with a focus on budget-conscious consumers. It provides fixed daily cash benefits for hospitalisation and surgery instead of “as charged” reimbursement. Cancer, dialysis, and transplant care are included but with low annual limits (max SGD 20,000). There are no outpatient, dental, or optical benefits. While global emergency coverage and a no-claim discount may appeal to cost-sensitive buyers, the limitations make it unsuitable for those seeking comprehensive protection.
Suited to young and healthy individuals seeking affordable, entry-level coverage or a supplemental hospital plan.
For all these reasons, we do not recommend the health insurance plan from HSBC Life Singapore.
- Low-cost hospitalisation option
- Predictable lump sum payouts
- Global emergency coverage
- No-claim discounts available
- No outpatient, dental, or optical benefits
- Fixed limits reduce protection in serious illness scenarios
- How does health insurance work in Singapore?
- What health insurance covers
- What does health insurance not cover?
- How much does health insurance cost in Singapore?
- How to lower the cost of your health insurance?
- FAQ
Did you know that a single private hospital room in Singapore can cost over SGD 1,000 per night, often not fully covered by MediShield Life or your basic Integrated Shield Plan?
Outpatient specialist visits, dental care, and alternative treatments are among the most common expenses Singaporeans may face gaps in, especially as expectations rise for healthcare quality and speed. While MediShield Life offers fundamental support, its claim limits, annual caps, and exclusions mean many still pay substantial out-of-pocket costs. Comparing private health insurance options helps protect you and your family from unexpected bills and ensures you receive care where and when you need it most.
At HelloSafe, our experts rigorously review health insurance policies in Singapore to bring you the most reliable, impartial comparisons and practical insights into the local market.
How does health insurance work in Singapore?
In Singapore, the public healthcare system is known as MediShield Life, which offers basic protection for large hospital bills and certain outpatient treatments.
However, MediShield Life has limits on room types, claim amounts, and does not cover private hospitals or international medical care.
Private health insurance provides added value, including faster access to doctors, choice of hospital and room, higher reimbursement levels, and global coverage for medical treatment.
It is especially relevant for those seeking flexible care, direct specialist access, or protection against high-cost medical events at private or overseas facilities.
What health insurance covers
Basic health insurance in Singapore usually covers hospitalisation, surgery, and certain outpatient treatments, focusing mainly on large medical expenses.
Optional extras can be added to extend cover to dental care, optical (vision) needs, maternity, alternative medicine, and higher hospital room classes.
Reimbursement works by covering all or part of eligible expenses up to annual or per-treatment limits, with some plans requiring a deductible or co-payment and initial waiting periods for certain benefits such as maternity.
Singapore’s public system, MediShield Life, provides essential protection for serious illnesses and hospital stays in public hospitals, but has limitations on private hospital care, specialist choice, and does not include many optional benefits.
Private health insurance allows for higher limits, faster access to care, and tailored options for a broader range of treatments and services.
| Type of cover | Reimbursement by MediShield Life | Coverage with basic private insurance | Coverage with premium private insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💊 General care | Not covered | Partially / Optional | Yes |
| 🏥 Hospitalisation | ~80-100% (public, B2/C wards, limits) | 100% (up to annual/monthly limits) | 100% (higher limits, private hospitals) |
| 🦷 Dental | Not covered | Optional | Yes |
| 👓 Optical | Not covered | Optional | Yes |
| 🤰 Maternity | Not covered | Optional | Yes |
| 🌿 Alternative medicine | Not covered | Optional | Yes / Higher caps |
| 🛡️ Preventive care | Not covered | Optional | Yes |
| 🧠 Psychological care | Not covered | Optional | Yes |
| 👂 Hearing aids | Not covered | Optional | Yes |
| ♨️ Thermal spa treatments | Not covered | Not covered | Optional |
| ⚙️ Medical equipment and devices | Not covered | Optional | Yes |
| 🧘 Non-covered alternative treatments | Not covered | Optional | Yes |
| ✈️ Medical assistance abroad | Not covered | Optional | Yes |
| 💻 Teleconsultation | Not covered | Optional | Yes |
What does health insurance not cover?
Most health insurance plans in Singapore exclude pre-existing medical conditions, unless specifically covered or after a waiting period.
Cosmetic and elective treatments, such as plastic surgery for non-medical reasons, are not covered.
Experimental or unproven procedures, as well as alternative therapies without clinical backing, are usually excluded from policies.
Other frequent exclusions in Singapore include treatment for injuries resulting from hazardous sports, self-inflicted harm, or illegal activities, as well as limits or waiting periods for dental, maternity, or congenital conditions.
| Exclusion type | Example | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Medical | Pre-existing conditions, cosmetic surgery | May require disclosure, waiting periods, or remain uncovered |
| Medical | Experimental or unapproved treatments | Only proven medical care is reimbursed |
| Medical | Certain congenital conditions or chronic care | Coverage limits or exclusions are common |
| Administrative | Non-panel or out-of-network providers | Lower reimbursement or no coverage |
| Administrative | Waiting periods for maternity/dental | Coverage starts only after specified time |
| Legal | Injuries from illegal acts or hazardous sports | Claims for these circumstances are not payable |
| Legal | Misrepresentation or fraud | Providing false information voids coverage |
How much does health insurance cost in Singapore?
The cost of health insurance in Singapore is influenced by factors such as the insured person's age, their medical history, the chosen level of cover, the deductible selected, and the total number of people included in the policy.
Premiums increase as you get older or if you have pre-existing health conditions, since the risk of claims is higher.
Comprehensive plans with more benefits and lower deductibles result in higher monthly premiums compared to basic plans.
Premiums also typically rise if you upgrade to higher coverage, after significant claims, or as medical inflation and healthcare costs increase.
| Age group | Cover type | Monthly premium (basic) | Monthly premium (premium) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 years | Basic cover | S$45 | S$92 |
| 25 years | Premium cover | S$68 | S$170 |
| 45 years | Basic cover | S$85 | S$160 |
| 45 years | Premium cover | S$135 | S$290 |
| 65 years | Basic cover | S$165 | S$325 |
| 65 years | Premium cover | S$280 | S$560 |
How to lower the cost of your health insurance?
| Tip | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Compare offers | Use the HelloSafe comparison tool at the top of the page to easily identify the cheapest coverage that fits your needs. |
| Choose B1 or B2 ward cover | Selecting plans that restrict stays to B1 or B2 wards at public hospitals can significantly lower your premium. |
| Opt for higher deductibles | Selecting a higher deductible or co-payment means you pay more out-of-pocket for claims, but your monthly premiums will be less. |
| Remove unnecessary riders | Excluding optional riders like daily hospital cash or extra outpatient cover will reduce your policy cost. |
| Pay annually | Paying your premium in a single annual payment can result in greater savings as compared to monthly instalments. |
| Maintain good health | Insurers may offer discounts or reward programmes for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, no-claims bonuses, or regular health screenings. |
| Use only what you need | Choose coverage based on your real medical priorities and avoid including features you are unlikely to use. |
| Review and update annually | Assess your coverage at each renewal to ensure it matches your needs and to take advantage of better offers available. |
FAQ
What does health insurance in Singapore usually cover?
Most health insurance plans in Singapore cover hospitalisation, surgery, and major medical expenses. Integrated Shield Plans supplement MediShield Life by extending coverage for stays in higher-class wards and private hospitals. Some plans also include additional benefits for outpatient, specialist, or critical illness treatments.
Do I need health insurance if I already have MediShield Life?
MediShield Life is a compulsory basic health insurance scheme covering all Singaporeans and Permanent Residents for large hospital bills and selected costly outpatient treatments. However, private health insurance, such as Integrated Shield Plans, provides broader benefits, including greater choice of hospitals and higher claim limits, which many people find valuable.
Can foreigners or expats buy health insurance in Singapore?
Yes, expats and foreigners in Singapore can purchase health insurance from a range of local and international providers. Many international plans are designed to offer worldwide protection, while local insurers may focus on coverage within Singapore or the region. Always compare coverage options to ensure they match your residency and healthcare needs.
How can I lower my health insurance premium in Singapore?
You can reduce your health insurance premium by opting for a plan that covers only public wards, raising your deductible or co-payment, removing unnecessary add-on riders, and paying premiums annually to benefit from discounts. Regularly reviewing your policy to keep only essential coverage will also help control costs.
Are pre-existing conditions covered by health insurance plans in Singapore?
Most health insurance policies in Singapore do not cover pre-existing conditions that were evident before you bought the plan. Some insurers may consider coverage after a waiting period or further underwriting, so it is essential to declare all conditions truthfully when applying to avoid claim disputes later.
Can I use my MediSave to pay health insurance premiums?
You can use MediSave, Singapore’s national medical savings scheme, to pay for approved health insurance plans such as MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plan premiums. There are annual withdrawal limits set by the Ministry of Health, so always check if your premium payment qualifies and whether it is within the permitted amount.
What is the difference between MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans?
MediShield Life is administered by the Central Provident Fund Board and provides universal basic health coverage for large medical bills. Integrated Shield Plans are offered by private insurers and add extra protection such as higher ward classes, private hospital access, and extra benefits, working alongside MediShield Life as a top-up.
What does health insurance in Singapore usually cover?
Most health insurance plans in Singapore cover hospitalisation, surgery, and major medical expenses. Integrated Shield Plans supplement MediShield Life by extending coverage for stays in higher-class wards and private hospitals. Some plans also include additional benefits for outpatient, specialist, or critical illness treatments.
Do I need health insurance if I already have MediShield Life?
MediShield Life is a compulsory basic health insurance scheme covering all Singaporeans and Permanent Residents for large hospital bills and selected costly outpatient treatments. However, private health insurance, such as Integrated Shield Plans, provides broader benefits, including greater choice of hospitals and higher claim limits, which many people find valuable.
Can foreigners or expats buy health insurance in Singapore?
Yes, expats and foreigners in Singapore can purchase health insurance from a range of local and international providers. Many international plans are designed to offer worldwide protection, while local insurers may focus on coverage within Singapore or the region. Always compare coverage options to ensure they match your residency and healthcare needs.
How can I lower my health insurance premium in Singapore?
You can reduce your health insurance premium by opting for a plan that covers only public wards, raising your deductible or co-payment, removing unnecessary add-on riders, and paying premiums annually to benefit from discounts. Regularly reviewing your policy to keep only essential coverage will also help control costs.
Are pre-existing conditions covered by health insurance plans in Singapore?
Most health insurance policies in Singapore do not cover pre-existing conditions that were evident before you bought the plan. Some insurers may consider coverage after a waiting period or further underwriting, so it is essential to declare all conditions truthfully when applying to avoid claim disputes later.
Can I use my MediSave to pay health insurance premiums?
You can use MediSave, Singapore’s national medical savings scheme, to pay for approved health insurance plans such as MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plan premiums. There are annual withdrawal limits set by the Ministry of Health, so always check if your premium payment qualifies and whether it is within the permitted amount.
What is the difference between MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans?
MediShield Life is administered by the Central Provident Fund Board and provides universal basic health coverage for large medical bills. Integrated Shield Plans are offered by private insurers and add extra protection such as higher ward classes, private hospital access, and extra benefits, working alongside MediShield Life as a top-up.
