Should I go to a public or private hospital?

Known for its top-notch healthcare system, Singapore has garnered numerous global accolades, including high rankings in Bloomberg’s annual healthcare efficiency index. With both public and private hospitals in Singapore, the local healthcare system is designed to ensure that all have access to world-class care. The hospitals offer quality medical services catering to different needs at various price points. So, what exactly are the differences between public and private hospitals? And, most importantly, which should you go to? The team at Pacific Prime Singapore offers six important differences to help make your decision a little easier.

#1 Wait times

As more people seek public hospital treatment, wait times tend to be longer. Unlike other countries, wait times at public hospitals in Singapore are still quite reasonable. According to the Ministry of Health’s statistics on waiting times at public A&E departments (accurate as per article publish date), some hospitals saw wait-times of less than one hour, while others had averages of about three hours. On the other hand, at private hospitals, you can expect wait times of no more than one hour for admission.

Regardless of whether they’re public or private, hospitals prioritise patients with urgent or life-threatening cases (such as a stroke), meaning those with semi-urgent cases (joint dislocation, for example) can expect slightly longer wait times.

#2 Management

Public hospitals are wholly owned by the government, which explains why they’re often referred to as “government hospitals”. While they are government owned, they license healthcare companies like SingHealth to operate them. Private hospitals are owned and managed independently by groups such as Raffles Medical Group, Parkway Holdings and Pacific Healthcare Holdings.

#3 Hospital size

Public hospitals tend to be larger, with a generally higher number of inpatient beds – the number ranged from 974 to 9,404 as of 2019. Private hospitals are usually smaller, with smaller bed capacities (around 1,600 as of 2019).

#4 Medical staff

You can expect well-trained and highly qualified doctors and medical staff in both sectors. There’s not much difference, although doctors in private hospitals tend to spend more time with individual patients. But as private doctors are independent, they can set their own prices (which can be very high).

#5 Comfort level

Within the public hospitals in Singapore, you can opt for different types of hospital ward accommodation: Class A, B1, B2 and C. Class C wards are the cheapest, usually having eight to 10 beds in one room. Class B2 wards have around six beds in one room. B1 wards only have four beds and come with added benefits like air-con and television. Those who desire more privacy and comfort can opt for a Class A ward. They are private rooms featuring facilities comparable to private hospital rooms (television, reclining armchair, bar fridge, en-suite bathroom and so on).

If luxury is what you’re after, private hospitals like Gleneagles Hospital and Farrer Park Hospital go the extra mile to ensure that patients are pampered by making hospital suites look and feel like hotel rooms. Concierge service, personalised tablets with Wi-Fi access, en-suite bathrooms with premium toiletries, massages and a limo ride home are just some of the many extravagant perks offered. You’ll likely need to splurge if you don’t have a comprehensive private health insurance plan.

#6 Cost

Public hospital care is more affordable, especially for Singaporean Citizens and Permanent Residents who have access to government subsidies. It’s important to note here that costs differ with residency status. For example, for a specialist outpatient consultation at the National Neuroscience Institute, Singaporeans can expect to pay around $38, Permanent Residents pay $57, and non-residents will need to pay $88 and up (non-subsidised).

Private hospitals in Singapore can get pricey. A day-surgery colonoscopy can cost up to around $2,400, whereas the subsidised price for the same procedure at a public hospital can cost less than $750. It’s recommended to secure private or international health insurance if you wish to opt for private medical care.

Which type of hospital should I opt for?

At the end of the day, where you decide to go for care is entirely up to you. The answer to this question depends on your needs (comfort, location and privacy preferences, for example), as well as your budget. However, to access more personalised care in the fastest time possible, health insurance offers the option of getting the private care you desire. Health insurance is especially important for expats, many of whom do not have access to subsidies.

Written in collaboration with:

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

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