4 Best Health Insurance for Expats in Singapore

Now that you have decided to work in Singapore, and possibly bring your family with you, the next thing to consider is having a comprehensive medical insurance plan.

Although medical expenses here may not be as high as those in your home country, the bills can be quite hefty since you do not qualify for any subsidies as a foreigner. Even a simple 2-night stay in the government hospital here can cost up to $10,000! Or perhaps a critical illness can rake up to $800,000 – $900,000 in hospitalization expenses!

Ideally, the right health insurance for an expatriate is one that takes care of major medical expenses, covers internationally and has the flexibility to extend coverage to other benefits such as maternity, dental, emergency medical evacuation and so on.

Here are the 4 Best health insurance for expats in Singapore:

Best for Comprehensive cover & Maternity: RHI – BUPA

The most well-known brand in the International Personal Medical Insurance (IPMI) space, Bupa tied up with Raffles Health Insurance to distribute their products in Singapore more than a decade ago.

Key advantages:

  • Extension of coverage to home country
    – If you are looking to return to your home country where Bupa has a local product (eg. Australia), Bupa allows you to do so without additional medical declaration if you are already a member on the Bupa International product.
  • Maternity benefits
    – For family planning purpose, the RHI-Bupa Lifeline product also has the shortest maternity waiting period of 10 months, as compared to competitors.
  • Other benefits:
    –        Flexible benefits for physiotherapy, osteopathy and chiropractic treatment
    –        Comprehensive cover for outpatient mental and nervous conditions

Best for Europeans: Cigna

Cigna is another behemoth in the IPMI space and a close competitor of Bupa. Cigna is a good choice for individuals who find security in brand names.
Their modular product offers 3 tiers which enables it to be a far more customizable product than BUPA.

Key advantages:

  • Ideal choice for Europeans
    That’s because Cigna has many servicing offices around the European continent. This is beneficial for the Expatriates returning to their home country, and would like to transfer their plan to a local scheme.
  • Other benefits:
    – Comprehensive maternity benefits [24 month waiting period]
    – Cover for therapy for Autism in children [only when undiagnosed before enrolment]
    – No referrals required for physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic treatments.

Best for value for money – International: APRIL

As APRIL is the newest entrant in the international health insurance market in Singapore, they provide comprehensive coverage at competitive premiums. APRIL has a growing market share in Singapore as they are keen to establish their brand in the Southeast Asia.

Key advantages:

  • Digitally advanced – APRIL has an app to allow customers to submit and view claims status.
  • Flexible – can mix and match the inpatient coverage tier with a lower/ higher outpatient tier

Best for value for money – Singapore: MSIG Prestige Healthcare

This is a good option for healthy/ young expats who only wish to be covered temporarily in Singapore, since policy clauses are not ideal for individuals who go on to develop chronic conditions.

Key advantages:

  • Cheaper premiums: Up to 40-60% cheaper than other international healthcare solutions.
  • Great for Singapore-focused, no-frills coverage
  • Even includes outpatient treatment [standard excess of $100 for every outpatient visit]
  • Extended coverage outside of Singapore up to 90 days
  • Available maternity rider

What’s Next

Every family is unique, depending on your nationality, residency and coverage requirements.
With the wide-ranging health insurance options available to you, let us guide you through to find the best plan for you and your loved ones.
If you have any queries, do feel free to reach out to me via email brionyguntzenbach@fapl.sg or have a chat

Important: The information and opinions in this article are for general information purposes only. They should not be relied on as professional financial advice. Readers should seek unbiased financial advice that is customised to their specific financial objectives, situations & needs. This advertisement or publication has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

Published By:

Briony Guntzenbach

I have been a financial advisor since 2007, starting off as a tied agent before joining Financial Alliance. I did so to gain access to a platform where I can offer unbiased advice. From managing business risks to overseeing a client’s retirement portfolio, I have undertaken the effortful task of becoming adept at personal finance and risk management for both businesses and individuals.

The best thing about what I do is people. As an extrovert, I value the conversations and connections I have made with my clients. This also gives me a sense of achievement when I help my clients to construct a financial portfolio to protect and grow their Wealth.

In my free time, I like to create visual content to entertain my loved ones.

CONTACT US