• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Go to Expat Living Hong Kong
Join our Mailing List

Expat Living Singapore HomepageExpat Living Singapore

Moving to Singapore and not sure where to start? Expat Living is the essential lifestyle guide to living in Singapore.

Menu
  • Living in Singapore
      • Living here
      • Neighbourhood Guides
      • Schools
      • Property
      • Work And Business
      • Finance
      • For Guys
      • Environment
        • BikeWhere to bike ride – relatively safely
        • Pasir RIs lakeWhat it’s like to live in Pasir Ris
        • Singapore skyline daytime marina bayStarting a business in Singapore
        • Abu Ahmad refugeLife as a refugee: One father’s story
      • View all
    Close
  • What’s On
    • Things To Do
    • EL Events
    • Family
    • Concerts & Shows
    • Wine, Dine & Party
    • Network & Shop
    • Sports & Wellness
    • Exhibitions & Workshops
    • Close
  • Kids
      • Enrichment
      • Kids Things To Do
      • Mums & Babies
      • Schools
      • Tots & Toddlers
      • Tweens & Teens
        • Swim School Singapore10 exciting enrichment activities for kids
        • Pacific Prime babymoon travel insurance woman in poolPlanning a babymoon?
        • AIS IBWant to ace the IB exam? Here’s how one girl did
        • White LodgeWhite Lodge’s newest centre is open!
      • View all
    Close
  • Homes
      • Accessories
      • Decorating Ideas
      • Homes Outdoor
      • Readers’ Homes
      • Shopping For Home
        • Gautier JulianaKids rooms from all over the world
        • Justinas siglap homeInside a colourful 1950s Siglap home
        • Courts Sofa10 sofa styles to suit you and your space
        • image-2019-02-18Where to buy cushions, curtains & upholstery
      • View all
    Close
  • Travel
      • Asia
      • Australia And New Zealand
      • Rest Of World
      • Travel News
      • Travel Tips
        • Niyama Private Islands Maldives Chill and Play IslandsEscape to this gorgeous Maldivian resort
        • Central Harbourfont Hong KongThings to Do with Kids in Hong Kong
        • Pacific Prime babymoon travel insurance woman in poolPlanning a babymoon?
        • Europe trip MelindaMelinda’s adventure in Italy and Germany
      • View all
    Close
  • Wine & Dine
      • Asian Cuisine
      • Western Cuisine
      • Bars & Clubs
      • Groceries & Speciality Services
      • Recipes & Classes
        • Mo Bar drinksWe think we might be in love with this cocktail bar!
        • tea cocktails rooftop bar The Other RoofNew Bar Alert – The Other Roof
        • The Monarchy teamWe check out a cool British-inspired bar
        • Banana cake recipeTea time recipe: Banana cake
      • View all
    Close
  • Style & Beauty
      • Fashion
      • Hair & Beauty
      • Horoscopes
        • BTL Vanquish Me slimming treatment cutis fire and iceHow to target specific problem areas
        • composite facelift dr wong w aesthetic plastic surgeryHow to get a natural looking facelift
        • MAH Collection Resort wearLooking for stylish resort wear?
        • engagement rings singapore gioia fine jewelleryWhere to buy or customise engagement rings
      • View all
    Close
  • Health & Fitness
      • Dental
      • Fitness
      • Medical
      • Wellness
        • composite facelift dr wong w aesthetic plastic surgeryHow to get a natural looking facelift
        • UP fitnessThe benefits of getting in shape with your partner
        • Pacific Prime babymoon travel insurance woman in poolPlanning a babymoon?
        • benefits of drinking water natural springs water deliveryThe natural remedy everyone needs
      • View all
    Close
  • Shop
    • PRINT MAGAZINE
    • DIGITAL MAGAZINE
    • BOOKS
    • Close
Home » Health & Fitness » Medical » Is it worth heading overseas for medical care?

Is it worth heading overseas for medical care?

Updated on 18th October 2018 by Lindsay Yap |

If there’s one common belief that people hold about Asia, it’s that things are relatively cheaper here. It’s mostly true too. From street food in Vietnam to taxi rides in Thailand, this part of the world provides ample opportunities to get more bang for your buck. The same applies to healthcare – Asia has an extremely competitive market for medical tourism, especially as governments and healthcare sectors in places like Malaysia and Thailand seek to grow their presence in the market. Singapore has long had an excellent reputation for medical tourism, and can still be cheaper than seeking care in the US, but its Southeast Asian neighbours are now offering equitable care at more competitive prices. The team at Pacific Prime Singapore discusses the must-knows of getting medical treatment in Asia.

Pacific Prime medical tourism
Bring a trusted friend or partner along

How much cheaper can it get?

People living in Singapore can count themselves fairly lucky. The country is home to one of the most efficient and advanced medical systems in the world, yet it still manages to have medical costs considerably lower than in the US. The standard and quality of care in neighbouring countries has also increased dramatically in the past decade. Thailand, for one, has long been considered the place to go for dental treatment, however its other medical services have also been brought up to speed.

When it comes to comparing costs, there may still be differences in the level of expertise offered as well as varying standards of care and comfort amongst the countries. Using 2016 data from MedicalTourism.com, the approximate costs of various procedures in the US and Asia are as follows:

Pacific prime medical treatment

These prices are approximate and do not include related costs such as air travel or accommodation, but they’re indicative of why an increasing number of people are choosing Asia for medical tourism.

What should I consider?

Getting treatment overseas doesn’t need to be scary, but it does require much thinking and planning. Here are some quick tips:

#1 Learn about accreditation

International standards are developed in every industry to ensure the safety and protection of consumers around the world. The Joint Commission International (JCI) is a major global accreditation body that many hospitals strive to be recognised by. When choosing an overseas facility, check its accreditations.

Pacific Prime medical tourism research
Do your homework!

#2 Research, research, research

You can’t believe everything you read online, but you’ll find some useful information about hospitals, doctors and treatments. Research the facility you think you want to use, search for information about the doctor that may perform your procedure and seek out reviews of previous patients.

#3 Get a travel companion

Travelling alone can be risky, but travelling as a solo medical tourism patient can be dangerous. If anything happens, you’ll need someone you trust to help you make the best decisions for your health. They can also provide you with moral and physical support during your recovery.

#4 Consult your regular physician

Just because you’re seeking services in another country doesn’t mean you need to hide it from your doctor. Tell them in advance and they’ll be able to give you valuable advice on your options, as well as prepare you for the trip.

#5 Enjoy yourself responsibly

Another reason to seek medical care in Asia is that you can rest and recover in relative luxury, compared to what you might experience in your home country. Remember that recovery is an important part of your procedure. For example, don’t risk infection by swimming if you’ve had invasive surgery, avoid alcohol while on painkillers and reduce your sun exposure if you’re concerned about darkening scars.

Pacific prime doctor medical tourism
Get some helpful tips from your doctor

#6 Consider a medical tourism agency

There are many companies that offer travel agency-type services to those considering healthcare abroad. If you’ll feel safer with an extra level of organisational support, consider engaging a medical tourism operator.

Finally, consider the whole cost of seeking treatment abroad. The treatment fees might be cheaper, but after factoring in flights and accommodation, would it still be financially wise?

Double check your medical coverage

Generally, standard health and travel insurance plans do not cover overseas elective medical treatments. Local health insurance likely won’t cover you for heading overseas to have a procedure done, but a local plan with international health benefits might. Go through your policy document carefully to find out if your plan covers medical tourism. If not, we recommend getting a specific plan designed for medical tourists.

Written in collaboration with:

Pacific Prime Singapore
18 Cross Street, China Square Central, #14-05
6346 3781 |
pacificprime.sg

Read on for more maternity, vision, dental and travel insurance advice and information.

Categories: Health & Fitness Medical Tags: Health Insurance Healthcare medical care Medical Insurance Travel

About Lindsay Yap

Lindsay has an (un)healthy obsession with strawberries and a huge weakness for bags (who doesn't really?). When she's not pigging out on her favourite hawker food or catching up on sitcoms, she's dreaming of her next holiday!

You May Also Like

composite facelift dr wong w aesthetic plastic surgery

How to get a natural looking facelift

The benefits of getting in shape with your partner

Pacific Prime babymoon travel insurance woman in pool

Planning a babymoon?

Like what you've seen?

Enter your email address to stay in touch!

By subscribing, you'll receive our monthly newsletters and offers, which you can unsubscribe to anytime.

Primary Sidebar

Editor's Picks

Best short breaks from Singapore

Where to live in Singapore expat guide

The expat’s guide to where to live in Singapore

my cozy room

Best Facials Singapore: We review 7 facial treatments!

Journey East Element Sofa

Best furniture shops in Singapore

35 Cool & Fun Things To Do In Singapore

best champagne brunches in Singapore - hilton

Best Brunch Places In Singapore: Champagne Sunday Brunches

What's On

Image of stamp collection at You've Got Mail Exhibition

You’ve Got Mail! Exhibition

The Little Prince_Behind The Exhibition (1). Image courtesy of Singapore Philatelic Museum

The Little Prince: Behind the Story Exhibition

Selling Dreams: Early Advertising in Singapore

Lim Cheng Hoe: Painting Singapore (Singapore River)

Lim Cheng Hoe: Painting Singapore

Five Oxen Wu Guanzhong

Wu Guanzhong: Expressions of Pen & Palette

Passion@KampongGlam

Passion@KampongGlam

Follow us @expatlivingsg

The mallets are up at the  @SingaporeUrbanPolo. Another great international event in our spectacular city. 🐴
How cool is this! This cocktail is the Halong Bay inspired Mother of Dragons 🐉  We checked out MO Bar this month, see our review in the magazine.
Want to win a free hair makeover? 💇🏻‍♀️ We're looking for two lucky readers to review a hair service of their choice at @keltureaveda , which will appear on our popular site!
To apply, drop us an email at anthia.chng@expatliving.sg with a photo of yourself and the following details: full name, age, nationality, preferred hair treatment/services and a short writeup on why you should be chosen.
Glamorous Giving is on tonight so get ready to shop! See you there!
#expatliving #shopping #shopforacause #singaporeshopping
Oven roasted French Chicken with ‘forty garlic’ and oven baked Atlantic Seabass with Fennel salad and Sicilian tomatoes at the lovely Atout Restaurant Dempsey - Bon Appetit - Jacqui @atout_restaurant #atout_restaurant #expatlivingsg
If you have no plans for the weekend, bring the fambam to #prudentialmarinabaycarnival for a blast! Happening till 24 March, the carnival features over 40 exciting rides and games. We had such a fun time last night 🎠🎡🎢 - Anthia
Head online to read our new round up on online stores for furniture like this one from @soulandtables! We're loving this contemporary piece!
Retail therapy that gives back?! We’re on board! We chatted to Leah Lambert in our February issue about @glamorousgiving. Pencil it in for the 20-21st of February. More details online ✨
Celebrate Valentine's with an exquisite five course meal for two at Café Melba for just $88++ PER COUPLE!
That fresh 🍓 tart (and everything else) looks YUM!
#ValentinesDaySG #CelebrateLove #CafeMelbaSingapore #expatliving #expatlivingsg
Wow! I love the look of this underwater restaurant in the Maldives. Lindsay Yap checked it out for us on page 130 of our Feb issue 🌊
Have you made plans for Valentine’s Day? If not don’t sweat it! We have plenty of ideas online or in our February issue 🥰❤️
Drinks tonight? Try Jigger and Pony’s signature creation, Donkey Kong - a banana-infused Monkey Shoulder Scotch!
We're giving away FREE copies of our latest Home & Property Guide for a limited time only! Grab your copy here: expatliving.sg/HPG_IG
Want to look professional and put-together, yet stylish at the same time? @rougesingapore has some of the most comfortable and flattering officewear that'll take you from day to night, office to bar. Digging the fun colours I wore in this mini shoot for our January workwear fashion spread 💃 - Anthia // #expatlivingsg #expatlivingsingapore #expatliving
Discover romantic bars and restaurants, Japan journeys and kid-friendly holidays in our latest issue! Grab your copy here: expatliving.sg/el-shop/
Have you ever been to Japan? Our editor headed to Kyushu and loved it! Her full story online now 🇯🇵
Where’s your favourite spot on the East Coast? This month we chatted to Rachel House and Sam Chapman about the ins and outs of living on Telok Kurau. See page 64 🍃
Gorgeous diamonds don't always have to be crazy expensive - @diamantipertutti is a designed-in-Belgium jewellery label offering modern and well-priced designs that incorporate ethically sourced diamonds 💍 They've just opened their first Singapore store in Raffles City! - Anthia
I’m sure by now you have all seen our cover, but where is this stunning view?! It’s in Italy 🇮🇹 In an area called Puglia which is located in the heel of Italy. More details on page 139 @borgoegnazia
We are loving The Monarchy’s new Quintessentially British Cocktail bar and Ultra lounge, open from 5pm till late Tuesday’s to Saturday’s check them out on the trendy Tras Street #expatlivingsg #themonarchysg #cocktailbar #ultralounge #singapore #hermajesty #trasstreet #peakyblinders #kevinseah
It’s my favourite round up of the year *drumroll* It’s our vegetarian and vegan round up!! Check out the 30 restaurants we chose in our January issue or online 🥰- Michaela
Brilliant weekend at the @SingOpenGolf! Well done @jazzjanegolf on becoming the third Thai champion to conquer the green!
We had a peak inside a Siglap 1950s home this January. We love the colours! 🥰
Early morning prayers. Piercings. Pots of milk. A long procession. To those who aren’t familiar with the Hindu ritual of Thaipusam, it may all seem a strange combination. Learn more about this festival in our things to do section online and head down to see it on Monday (21st Jan)
  • Competitions
  • Noticeboard
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • advertise
  • Contact
  • Privacy

© 2019 Expat Living Singapore, All Rights Reserved.

Near me
40 km