As an expat in Singapore, you’ve got lots of options when it comes to health insurance for you and your family. Here, the insurance experts from UEX break down the different options for expat health insurance, including international health insurance and travel insurance.
Company health insurance
Here in Singapore, most companies offer health insurance as part of their benefits. However, these plans may be limited. Though every company plan is different, it’s important to review your health coverage to see if it’s sufficient. It may be possible that the corporate insurance may not cover your family. The experts at UEX can give you tips to easily estimate how well your employer’s health insurance covers you.
Local health insurance
This is the best health insurance in Singapore for individuals looking to get coverage only on the island. However, be aware that the reimbursement ceilings can be low! You may also have a restrictive network when it comes to providers. This is important to consider when it comes to your children’s health, as you may want to choose an international health insurance.
With UEX, each member of the family on the same policy can have a different plan. You can customise each plan according to your wishes and needs.
International health insurance
International health insurance is the most popular health insurance for expats in Singapore. It comes with a large range of advantages for individuals and families. These include:
- specialised coverage for the special needs of children (including orthodontics and optical);
- no restrictions on healthcare provider;
- higher coverage limits; and,
- a range of benefits in Singapore and worldwide.
Short-term medical plan
If you’re planning to travel soon, or you have a future trip planned after the pandemic, consider getting a short-term health insurance plan. It will cover you for a period of time, from one month up to 12 months.
You can also get travel insurance, which covers your medical expenses overseas up to a certain amount – not only in the case of an emergency and repatriation but also for other medical non-emergencies. For example, an ear infection while you’re scuba diving in the Maldives, or a jellyfish sting while visiting Australia. But, be careful when scouting, as not all travel insurance plans offer coverage for COVID-19. Learn more about travel insurance on UEX’s blog.
Government insurance
It’s estimated around 520,000 people hold a permanent resident (PR) visa in Singapore. If you’re one of these holders, you’ll be required to avail yourself of MediShield Life. You will be automatically enrolled, regardless of age or pre-existing conditions. Additionally, you have the option to add Integrated Shield Plan, which covers you in better-class wards and private hospitals, and covers your pre- and post-hospitalisation treatments. To learn more, you can read UEX’s health insurance guide for permanent residents in Singapore.
Are you an expat in Singapore and need help choosing health insurance?
If you’re looking for the best health insurance in Singapore for you and your family, it’s worth consulting a respectable insurance expert to find out what kind of expat health insurance plan is best for your family’s needs, preferences and budget. UEX is an online health insurance platform that offers customisable health coverage, and has advisors on hand to answer any questions you have. To learn more, contact these advisors at hello@uexglobal.com.
Here’s a quick video that explains the best health insurance options for expats in Singapore:
Written in collaboration with:
UEX Global
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