International health insurance for expats in Singapore
Singapore has some of the best hospitals in Asia and some of the highest medical costs. Foreigners on work passes are outside the national MediShield Life scheme, and employer cover is often more limited than people expect, especially for spouses and children.
Why foreigners in Singapore need their own cover
- MediShield Life is for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents. Foreigners without PR status are generally not covered.
- Work Permit and S Pass. The employer must provide medical insurance with at least S$60,000 of annual cover for in-patient care and day surgery.
- Employment Pass. The Ministry of Manpower does not require employers to insure Employment Pass holders. Many do, but the cover depends on the company policy.
- Dependant’s Pass. Spouses and children are not automatically on the employer plan.
- Public hospitals. Foreigners can use them but pay unsubsidised rates.
Source: APRIL International, summarising Ministry of Manpower rules.
Topping up or replacing an employer plan
Group plans in Singapore often have annual or per-condition limits, cover only the employee, and end the day the job ends. An individual international plan is yours: it covers the whole family, continues between jobs, and moves with you if the next posting is in Hong Kong, Dubai or back in Europe. Some clients use it to replace the employer plan; others take a hospital-only plan with a deductible as a top-up.
Choosing the area of cover
Most clients in Singapore choose worldwide cover excluding the USA, which covers Singapore, the rest of Asia and treatment back home. Because medical costs in Singapore are high, we recommend high annual limits and direct settlement with the private hospitals. Add the US only if you expect to be treated there.
Eligibility
International plans are for people living outside their country of nationality, so Singaporeans living in Singapore are normally not eligible. US citizens are placed with Cigna Global, because Allianz Care does not accept US citizens. Individual plans are medically underwritten: you declare your history and the insurer may exclude a condition or apply a loading, unlike many group plans.
How we work
Both insurers, side by side
Allianz Care and Cigna Global configured on the same terms, with our recommendation in writing.
One adviser, quote to claim
The person who quotes your plan handles the application, the certificate, renewals and claims.
No fee to you
We are paid by the insurer. Quotation, comparison and help with claims cost you nothing.
Get your international health insurance quote
Four details are enough to start. We reply in writing within one working day with Allianz Care and Cigna Global configured for you.
Thank you
We will come back to you in writing within one working day.
Frequently asked questions
Am I covered by MediShield Life as a foreigner?
Generally no. MediShield Life covers Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents. Foreigners on work passes rely on employer cover or their own insurance.
My employer insures me. Do I need anything else?
Check three things: the annual limit, whether your spouse and children are covered, and what happens when you leave the company. An individual plan closes the gaps and stays with you.
Is maternity covered?
With Allianz Care, maternity is included in the Enhanced and Signature plans after twelve months of cover; with Cigna Global, it is part of Gold and Platinum once the mother has been insured for twelve months. If a child is planned, choose the right level from the start, because the waiting period begins on day one.
Allianz Care or Cigna Global for Singapore?
Both write cover for expats living in Singapore. We quote both on the same terms with our recommendation.
Related reading
Adler & Rochefort is the commercial brand of Ownizo, Unipessoal Lda., an insurance broker registered with the Autoridade de Supervisão de Seguros e Fundos de Pensões (ASF) under no. 425591790/3, authorised to carry on insurance mediation in the life and non-life branches, and not a tied agent of any insurer. We are appointed to distribute the international health plans of Allianz Care, Cigna Global and APRIL International. Availability depends on your nationality, your main country of residence and local law, and is confirmed before any quotation. This page is general information, not advice on a specific case, and not an offer of insurance. Acceptance, cover, limits, exclusions and premium are determined by the insurer following medical underwriting and are governed exclusively by the policy conditions issued.