Since December last year, COVID-19 PCR tests in Singapore have been available to anyone who wants or needs them, whether it’s for travel or to attend large events. So how do you go about getting one? The team at UEX Global offer some easy steps to take, plus how to get COVID-19 tests covered by health insurance.
COVID-19 PCR tests in Singapore
Before December 2020, you needed to get approval from MOH before getting COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction tests, be it for pre-departure or pre-event testing reasons. Those who were healthy and without symptoms were also not allowed to take the test. But with Phase 3 underway, the government has allowed more people to get tested if they wish or need to.
Steps to take:
#1 Preparation and Research (Skip this step if your PCR test is not for travel purposes)
- Check the requirements of your destination country.
- Book your tickets and prepare what you need for your stay, including items needed for quarantine, if required.
- Find out if your destination country requires you to do another swab test when you arrive. If yes, here’s where to get COVID-19 tests around the world.
#2 Book your appointment
- Choose a clinic or facility from the MOH’s list of approved COVID-19 testing partners in Singapore.
- Take note of the test cost – around $200 at private clinics.
- Find out if your health insurance plan allows you to claim your test costs. Selected policies allow COVID-19 test costs to be reimbursed under preventive screening or health checks.
- Call or book ahead.
- Have these on hand when making your booking: Identity card or passport and visa, address in Singapore, contact number and email address. If you’re doing pre-departure testing, be ready to quote your departing flight timing.
- For those taking a pre-departure PCR test, book your appointment as early as possible, once your flight is confirmed. Check that your testing window is in line with your destination country’s requirements.
#3 Go for the test
- Be at the clinic or facility at least 15 minutes before your COVID-19 PCR test appointment time.
- Bring your identity card or passport and visa.
- For COVID-19 PCR tests for travel purposes, have a soft-copy booking reference with your departure flight timing.
#4 Wait for the test results
- You’ll get your test results and memo from the clinic within 48 hours. For pre-departure testing, you’ll get them at least three hours before you leave, if you meet the cut-off timing at the clinic.
- The clinic will email the results to your provided email address:
- Negative: If you’re travelling, you can go ahead with your plans. Print the memo and bring it along with you while overseas.
- Positive: You’ll be sent to a hospital or designated facility for COVID-19 patients.
Cover COVID-19 test costs with UEX
With UEX, COVID-19 tests (including COVID-19 PCR tests) can be covered under outpatient benefits. If you take a COVID-19 test, it’s considered a check-up and will be reimbursed up to the maximum in your health insurance policy. It’s under the “Screening and Check-up” module; you’ll be covered for up to $1,000 for Level 2 and $2,500 for Level 3. For queries, contact the UEX Global team at hello@uexglobal.com.
Can I get vaccinated instead?
COVID-19 vaccinations in Singapore are being rolled out in stages. It began on 30 December 2020 with healthcare workers. This will be followed by the elderly (70 and above) in February. After that, Singaporeans and Long-Term Residents will be next on the list.
The government aims to have enough vaccines for everyone who wants them by the end of the year. Vaccinations are not mandatory.
The vaccine is free for:
- Singaporeans
- Permanent Residents (PRs)
- Long-term Residents: Work Pass, Student Pass, LTVP, DP, Temporary Work Permits holders of In-Principle Approvals (IPA) or Letters of Eligibility (LOE), who are currently in Singapore.
Written in collaboration with:
UEX Global
hello@uexglobal.com | uexglobal.com
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