{"id":11272,"date":"2022-11-02T17:52:22","date_gmt":"2022-11-02T09:52:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/?p=11272"},"modified":"2022-11-11T17:00:02","modified_gmt":"2022-11-11T09:00:02","slug":"getting-sick-in-singapore-what-to-do-next","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/explore\/getting-sick-in-singapore-what-to-do\/","title":{"rendered":"Getting Sick in Singapore: What to do Next"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;padding-4-percent&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#fefeff&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;10px&#8221; top_margin=&#8221;-20%&#8221; width=&#8221;5\/6&#8243; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221;]<div class=\"divider-wrap\"><div style=\"height: 10px;\" class=\"divider\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"divider-wrap\"><div style=\"margin-top: 5px; width: 100px; height: 10px; margin-bottom: 5px;\" data-width=\"100\" data-animate=\"yes\" data-animation-delay=\"\" data-color=\"accent-color\" class=\"divider-small-border\"><\/div><\/div>[vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Getting Sick in Singapore: What to do Next&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h1|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1667382467346{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Expat&#8217;s Guide to Getting Healthcare in Singapore&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1667549411700{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]<span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Whether you&#8217;re a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">business traveller<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> or a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">digital nomad<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, no one wants to get sick abroad. But it happens, especially considering the spectre of COVID-19. After all, people<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2022\/05\/18\/health\/long-covid-hospitalization.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> who experience mild or moderate illness can still experience severe long-term symptoms<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. Getting sick abroad can be disorientating, even if it&#8217;s all spick-and-span in Singapore. You have to figure out what kind of medical assistance you should have, or whether your insurance company can cover the medical expenses. Every <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">business trip<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> nowadays is a game of Russian roulette\u2014you never know what could happen. Whether you&#8217;re reading this before you take off, or just beginning to feel under the weather, we&#8217;ve got you covered when you&#8217;re a sick foreigner in Singapore.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1667375875575{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]\n<h2><strong>Table of Contents<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#pack-the-basics\"><strong>Pack the Basics<\/strong><\/a>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#what-to-do-when-sick-in-singapore\"><strong>What to do when you get sick in Singapore?<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#the-telehealth-way\"><strong>The Telehealth Way<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#getting-medicine-in-singapore\"><strong>Where to get medicine as a sick foreigner in Singapore?<\/strong><\/a>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#1-pharmacy\"><strong>1. Pharmacies<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#2-polyclinics\"><strong>2. Polyclinics<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#3-general-practitioners\"><strong>3. General Practitioners (Private Clinics)<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#4-hospitals\"><strong>4. Hospitals<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#is-singapore-healthcare-free\"><strong> Is healthcare free in Singapore? How can I pay my medical bills in Singapore?<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#cons-of-singapore-healthcare\"><strong>Facing the Cons of Singapore&#8217;s Healthcare System<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#apartment-rentals-singapore-metroresidences\"><strong>Apartment Rentals in Singapore with Nearby Amenities<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"img-with-aniamtion-wrap \" data-max-width=\"100%\" data-border-radius=\"none\"><div class=\"inner\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-shadow=\"none\" data-shadow-direction=\"middle\" class=\"img-with-animation \" data-delay=\"0\" height=\"800\" width=\"1200\" data-animation=\"fade-in\" src=\"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/metroresidences-singapore-apartment-rental-doctor-visit-marcus-aurelius.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/metroresidences-singapore-apartment-rental-doctor-visit-marcus-aurelius.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/metroresidences-singapore-apartment-rental-doctor-visit-marcus-aurelius-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/metroresidences-singapore-apartment-rental-doctor-visit-marcus-aurelius-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/metroresidences-singapore-apartment-rental-doctor-visit-marcus-aurelius-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/metroresidences-singapore-apartment-rental-doctor-visit-marcus-aurelius-900x600.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" alt=\"\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"divider-wrap\"><div style=\"height: 10px;\" class=\"divider\"><\/div><\/div>[vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1668154448178{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]\n<h2 id=\"pack-the-basics\"><strong>Pack the Basics<\/strong><\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1667377707683{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]<span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Keep your travel plans on track by packing along all the medication you may need. Some business travelers would already know what to pack by heart: Tylenol, Advil, antihistamines\u2014just the basics that could counter mild issues like migraines or fevers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Don&#8217;t know where to start? You can check out America&#8217;s Centres for Disease Control and Prevention&#8217;s (CDC) Travel Health site. <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/wwwnc.cdc.gov\/travel\/page\/pack-smart\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">It has a really nifty list of what you should be packing.<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0As you pack, consider getting medicine for various types of common travel-related illnesses, such as typhoid, STDs, and gonorrhoea.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Don&#8217;t forget all the allergy medication you&#8217;re on too! Then you can save on an overseas doctor&#8217;s visit or a desperate search for a pharmacy when your allergies act up. If you&#8217;re still worried about the pandemic, you can look to the<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.moh.gov.sg\/covid-19\/general\/resources\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0comprehensive COVID-19 resources<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0by the Singapore government.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"divider-wrap\"><div style=\"height: 10px;\" class=\"divider\"><\/div><\/div>[vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1667377009893{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]\n<h2 id=\"what-to-do-when-sick-in-singapore\"><strong>What to do when you get sick in Singapore?<\/strong><\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1667378198589{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]<span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Thankfully, COVID-19 restrictions are mostly lifted in Singapore. So if it&#8217;s just a sniffle and you want to power through it at work or have a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">business meeting<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> that you can\u2019t just miss, you can go ahead and return to the office. On the other hand, if you do need a couple of days&#8217; rest, here&#8217;s what you need to do:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Simply apply for sick leave with your employer. Most employers are now using online human resources management systems<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Head to your doctor&#8217;s or rest at home (if your employer permits)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Don&#8217;t forget to get a copy of the medical certificate for your office!<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If your employment contract covers some medical costs, you can take the receipt of your doctor&#8217;s visit and claim the expense<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"divider-wrap\"><div style=\"height: 10px;\" class=\"divider\"><\/div><\/div>[vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1667377033970{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]\n<h2 id=\"the-telehealth-way\"><strong>The Telehealth Way<\/strong><\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1667378779878{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]<span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Zoom is really taking over our lives. Online medical consultants aren&#8217;t just for supervised COVID-19 tests anymore. With the wonders of technology, you can easily get a medical consultation right in the comfort of your living room. Besides getting a diagnosis and a prescription, most telehealth apps such as <a href=\"https:\/\/whitecoat.com.sg\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">WhiteCoat<\/a> &amp; <a href=\"https:\/\/sg.speedoc.com\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Speedoc<\/a> can also provide a digital medical certificate for when your employer needs a record. Of course, you <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">can&#8217;t<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> get an online consultation <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">just<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> to get the digital medical certificate to get a couple of days off and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.metroresidences.com\/sg\/expat-life\/explore\/5-best-space-saving-tips-for-your-studio-condo-rental\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">stay snug in your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">studio for rent in Singapore<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. You can&#8217;t just do that, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">right<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">?<\/span>[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"img-with-aniamtion-wrap \" data-max-width=\"100%\" data-border-radius=\"none\"><div class=\"inner\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-shadow=\"none\" data-shadow-direction=\"middle\" class=\"img-with-animation \" data-delay=\"0\" height=\"600\" width=\"800\" data-animation=\"fade-in\" src=\"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/metroresidences-singapore-condo-rentals-singapore-telehealth-session.png\" srcset=\"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/metroresidences-singapore-condo-rentals-singapore-telehealth-session.png 800w, https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/metroresidences-singapore-condo-rentals-singapore-telehealth-session-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/metroresidences-singapore-condo-rentals-singapore-telehealth-session-768x576.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" alt=\"metroresidences singapore condo rentals - singapore telehealth session\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"divider-wrap\"><div style=\"height: 10px;\" class=\"divider\"><\/div><\/div>[vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1667377051825{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]\n<h2 id=\"getting-medicine-in-singapore\"><strong>Where to get medicine as a sick foreigner in Singapore?<\/strong><\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"divider-wrap\"><div style=\"height: 10px;\" class=\"divider\"><\/div><\/div>[vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1667377074905{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]\n<h3 id=\"1-pharmacy\"><strong>1. Pharmacies<\/strong><\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1667378432575{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]<span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">You can just find a pharmacy near your Singapore apartment rental or serviced apartments if you&#8217;re only having a cold or a migraine. You can easily find plenty of pharmacies and drugstore chains in your nearest<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.metroresidences.com\/sg\/expat-life\/explore\/heartland-malls-must-visit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0heartland mall<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, after all. You already know the names: Guardian, Watson&#8217;s, and Welcia BHG. Don&#8217;t forget about Unity Pharmacy, the retail pharmacy chain by NTUC Fairprice.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"divider-wrap\"><div style=\"height: 10px;\" class=\"divider\"><\/div><\/div>[vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1667377094247{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]\n<h3 id=\"2-polyclinics\"><strong>2. Polyclinics<\/strong><\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1667378508662{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]<span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">You could also consider heading to the polyclinics located throughout the city. There&#8217;s usually one for every district in Singapore. They are &#8216;one-stop&#8217; healthcare centres, providing a wide range of subsidised primary care. However, only Singaporean citizens and permanent residents may enjoy the subsidised cost. Polyclinics are run by 3 healthcare operators: \u200b<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nhgp.com.sg\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">National Healthcare Group Polyclinics<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0(NHGP), \u200b<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"http:\/\/www.nup.com.sg\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">National University Polyclinics<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0(NUP), and \u200b\u200b<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/polyclinic.singhealth.com.sg\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">SingHealth Polyclinics<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> (SHP).<\/span>[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"divider-wrap\"><div style=\"height: 10px;\" class=\"divider\"><\/div><\/div>[vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1667377108665{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]\n<h3 id=\"3-general-practitioners\"><strong>3. General Practitioners (Private Clinics)<\/strong><\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1667378682185{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]<span style=\"font-weight: 400\">But there are days when you&#8217;ll be feeling especially under the weather and need medical attention from a healthcare professional or physician. Most of the time, you&#8217;d be heading to a general practitioner (GP) for your medical and healthcare needs. There are a couple of private healthcare groups in Singapore you can visit for a health check-up:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fullertonhealth.com\/sg\/contact\/locate-a-clinic\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fullerton Health<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ihhhealthcare.com\/singapore\/leading-healthcare-in-singapore\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">IHH Healthcare Singapore<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rafflesmedicalgroup.com\/clinic\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Raffles Medical Group<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomsonmedical.com\/contact-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Thomson Medical<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/healthwaymedical.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Healthway Medical<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/minmed.sg\/minmed-clinics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Minmed<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"img-with-aniamtion-wrap \" data-max-width=\"100%\" data-border-radius=\"none\"><div class=\"inner\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-shadow=\"none\" data-shadow-direction=\"middle\" class=\"img-with-animation \" data-delay=\"0\" height=\"600\" width=\"800\" data-animation=\"fade-in\" src=\"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/metroresidences-studio-for-rent-in-singapore-singapore-telehealth-session.png\" srcset=\"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/metroresidences-studio-for-rent-in-singapore-singapore-telehealth-session.png 800w, https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/metroresidences-studio-for-rent-in-singapore-singapore-telehealth-session-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/metroresidences-studio-for-rent-in-singapore-singapore-telehealth-session-768x576.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" alt=\"metroresidences studio for rent in singapore - singapore telehealth session\" \/><\/div><\/div>[vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1667378891053{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]Most of the healthcare groups in Singapore are located within shopping malls. If you&#8217;re too unwell to travel far from your Singapore apartment rental, look for medical care at independent clinics. They are usually situated in shophouses or neighbourhood shopping malls. You needn&#8217;t worry about the standards of sanitation for these clinics too! They&#8217;re just as clean as any other clinic.<\/p>\n<p>If you need specialised help with a medical condition, local GPs can get referrals to specialist healthcare. Though it&#8217;d help if you research beforehand so you can find the right specialist for your needs. And it&#8217;s not just about the medical expertise\u2014you could need a specialist who can communicate in your native language, or is more knowledgeable about queer experiences.[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"divider-wrap\"><div style=\"height: 10px;\" class=\"divider\"><\/div><\/div>[vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1667377123218{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]\n<h3 id=\"4-hospitals\"><strong>4. Hospitals<\/strong><\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1667378984153{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]<span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">There are plenty of options when it comes to Singapore&#8217;s hospitals. They&#8217;re fully equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities. Some of them are<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sgdi.gov.sg\/other-organisations\/hospitals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0publicly funded<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0or not-for-profit, and others are privately-run. Besides getting medical care, you can refill your<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/eservices.healthhub.sg\/public\/MedicationRefill\/Singhealth\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0prescription medicine at Singapore&#8217;s hospitals too<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">There are more types of medical treatment available at both kinds of hospitals. But, like the GPs above, the medical expenses incurred are dependent on your citizen status.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"divider-wrap\"><div style=\"height: 10px;\" class=\"divider\"><\/div><\/div>[vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1667377145232{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]\n<h2 id=\"is-singapore-healthcare-free\"><strong> Is healthcare free in Singapore? How can I pay my medical bills in Singapore?<\/strong><\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1667379790606{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]Many call Singapore a nanny state, but it does come with its own perks\u2014so long as you&#8217;re a Singaporean citizen or permanent resident. In essence, Singapore&#8217;s healthcare system works like Medicare in the United States. Citizens and permanent residents support the system with their monthly Medisave contributions. The contributions are part of their monthly pension contributions (the Central Provident Fund, CPF), where a portion of their wages are deposited automatically every month.<\/p>\n<p>But for the rest of us, we\u2019d have to pay our medical bills in full when we\u2019re at the clinic. In addition to cash payments, most clinics accept digital and credit card payments.<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re a foreigner working full-time in Singapore, your employer might cover some of your expenses. Most employment contracts also cover part of the hospitalisation cost, should the need arise.[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"img-with-aniamtion-wrap \" data-max-width=\"100%\" data-border-radius=\"none\"><div class=\"inner\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-shadow=\"none\" data-shadow-direction=\"middle\" class=\"img-with-animation \" data-delay=\"0\" height=\"600\" width=\"800\" data-animation=\"fade-in\" src=\"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/metroresidences-singapore-apartment-rental-pills-and-supplements.png\" srcset=\"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/metroresidences-singapore-apartment-rental-pills-and-supplements.png 800w, https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/metroresidences-singapore-apartment-rental-pills-and-supplements-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/metroresidences-singapore-apartment-rental-pills-and-supplements-768x576.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" alt=\"metroresidences singapore apartment rental - pills and supplements\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"divider-wrap\"><div style=\"height: 10px;\" class=\"divider\"><\/div><\/div>[vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1667377160073{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]\n<h2 id=\"cons-of-singapore-healthcare\"><strong>Facing the Cons of Singapore&#8217;s Healthcare System<\/strong><\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1667380028843{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]<span style=\"font-weight: 400\">So if you&#8217;re a business traveller or a digital nomad planning to stay in Singapore for a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">longer period<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, you might want to consider signing up for a medical insurance policy. No one wants to get hospitalised, but luck doesn&#8217;t work that way. Major illness or acute illness can happen to anyone. Not to mention, without help from government subsidies, hospital admission at public hospitals can cost as much as private hospitals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">With medical insurance, you can cover some or even all of the hospital bills and medical costs. Most policies allow for a personal injury claim for when you get into an accident. That way, you don&#8217;t need to ask for funds from your family when you&#8217;re facing a medical emergency. However, you do need to do some homework on whether the insurance policy covers pre-existing medical conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you&#8217;re just here on a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">business trip<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> or a vacation instead, you may want to think about taking up a travel insurance plan. You&#8217;d have to get a plan that covers the duration of your trip. It&#8217;s not just about getting compensation for travel delays anymore. Most travel insurers now do offer medical insurance as part of the travel insurance policies they provide for international travellers.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"divider-wrap\"><div style=\"height: 10px;\" class=\"divider\"><\/div><\/div>[vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1667377175499{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]\n<h2 id=\"apartment-rentals-singapore-metroresidences\"><strong>Apartment Rentals in Singapore with Nearby Amenities<\/strong><\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"img-with-aniamtion-wrap \" data-max-width=\"100%\" data-border-radius=\"none\"><div class=\"inner\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-shadow=\"none\" data-shadow-direction=\"middle\" class=\"img-with-animation \" data-delay=\"0\" height=\"800\" width=\"1200\" data-animation=\"fade-in\" src=\"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/09\/metroresidences_serviced_apartments_singapore_cityscape.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/09\/metroresidences_serviced_apartments_singapore_cityscape.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/09\/metroresidences_serviced_apartments_singapore_cityscape-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/09\/metroresidences_serviced_apartments_singapore_cityscape-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/09\/metroresidences_serviced_apartments_singapore_cityscape-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/09\/metroresidences_serviced_apartments_singapore_cityscape-900x600.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" alt=\"metroresidences_serviced_apartments_singapore_cityscape\" \/><\/div><\/div>[vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1667380354476{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeIn fadeIn vc_custom_1666234543354 animated wpb_start_animation\">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Whether you\u2019re staying for a longer period or not, we have a wide range of options across coveted locales such as Bukit Timah, Orchard Road, and Arab Street. All our Singapore serviced apartments and condo rentals are surrounded by a litany of amenities. You can find anything from top-notch schools to excellent hospitals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Not to mention, it all comes fully furnished too, with amenities like wi-fi, air-conditioners, and even<\/span>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.metroresidences.com\/sg\/expat-life\/explore\/exclusive-7-apartments-with-a-kitchen-that-reminds-you-of-home\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">fully-equipped kitchens<\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. With MetroResidences, you can find your home away from home. <\/span>If you\u2019re <a href=\"https:\/\/www.metroresidences.com\/sg\/expat-life\/explore\/move-your-pets-into-singapore-in-7-steps\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">planning to move your furkid abroad<\/a> with you, we\u2019ve even got a couple of pet-friendly Singapore condo rentals and serviced apartments too.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"divider-wrap\"><div style=\"height: 10px;\" class=\"divider\"><\/div><\/div>[nectar_btn size=&#8221;medium&#8221; open_new_tab=&#8221;true&#8221; button_style=&#8221;regular&#8221; button_color_2=&#8221;Accent-Color&#8221; icon_family=&#8221;none&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.metroresidences.com\/sg\/#contact-us&#8221; text=&#8221;Let&#8217;s Get in Touch&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; width=&#8221;1\/6&#8243; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_widget_sidebar enable_sticky=&#8221;true&#8221; sidebar_id=&#8221;blog-sidebar&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_column_text]\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;padding-4-percent&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#fefeff&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;10px&#8221; top_margin=&#8221;-20%&#8221; width=&#8221;5\/6&#8243; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Getting Sick in Singapore: What to do Next&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h1|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":11280,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,3,8],"tags":[220,218,221,219,153],"class_list":["post-11272","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-everyday-living","category-explore","category-medical-care","tag-expat-guide","tag-singapore-apartment-rentals","tag-singapore-condo-rental","tag-singapore-healthcare","tag-singapore-serviced-apartment"],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11272","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11272"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11272\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11292,"href":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11272\/revisions\/11292"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11280"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11272"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11272"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11272"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}