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Is Insurance Necessary for Singapore Travel? Medical Cost Examples

Is Insurance Necessary for Singapore Travel? Medical Cost Examples

Medical expenses in Singapore are high, and it’s essential to be prepared for costly medical treatments. If you use credit card insurance, check the terms and conditions, as it may not fully cover local expenses.

Let’s look at some real examples of medical expenses that resulted in high charges.

Case DetailsClaimed Amount
Complained of severe back pain, diagnosed with uterine fibroids,
hospitalized for 3 days, and underwent surgery.
$24,300
Complained of severe headache, transported by ambulance,
diagnosed with subarachnoid hemorrhage, hospitalized for 26 days,
and underwent surgery. A nurse accompanied for medical transport.
$38,600
Fell down the stairs and hit the elbow hard, was diagnosed with
ligament rupture, was hospitalized for 9 days, and underwent surgery.
$33,750

* If you are viewing on a smartphone, you can scroll left and right.

These are just a few examples of high medical bills.

To prepare for unforeseen circumstances, it is highly recommended to enroll in travel insurance before traveling to Singapore.

Online Travel Insurance Options

This page explains the medical situation in Singapore and important points to be aware of.

Singapore’s Healthcare System is a Private

In Singapore, the healthcare system operates on a private basis, meaning medical expenses can vary significantly depending on the facility. Additionally, compared to other countries, there is a stronger business aspect to medical services.

Many doctors expect foreigners to have travel insurance, and as a result, even simple treatments such as prescribing medication for a cold may result in high medical bills, such as $300.

On the other hand, treatment at local government hospitals tends to be more affordable. For example, even if you visit a government hospital’s emergency room at night, the cost may only be around $100.

However, at government hospitals, if the case is deemed non-urgent, waiting times can be extremely long.

In Singapore, dialing “995” will summon an ambulance immediately. It is generally free of charge, but you cannot choose the hospital, and you will be taken to one of the government hospitals.

Examples of High Medical Bills in Singapore

Medical costs in Singapore are high compared to other countries. For instance, a simple cold could cost $400, and the treatment for a cut requiring stitches could cost $3,000. Moreover, hospitalization often results in bills in the approximately $13,000 or more.

Let’s take a look at some specific examples

①:Hospitalized for 3 days and had surgery for uterine fibroids

While traveling in Singapore, severe back pain occurred, and upon visiting a hospital, uterine fibroids were diagnosed.

After a 3-day hospitalization and surgery, the bill amounted to $24,700.

②: Hospitalized for 26 days and had surgery for a subarachnoid hemorrhage

During a trip to Singapore, severe headaches led to an ambulance transport to the hospital. After being diagnosed with a subarachnoid hemorrhage, 26 days of hospitalization and surgery were required.

The bill amounted to $55,000.

③: Hospitalized for 9 days and had surgery for a ligament rupture after a fall

While traveling in Singapore, a fall down the stairs resulted in a severe elbow injury. After a hospital visit, a ligament rupture was diagnosed, requiring 9 days of hospitalization and surgery.

The bill amounted to $48,000.

④: Hospitalized for 7 days due to gastritis

During a cruise in Singapore, symptoms of vomiting and hematemesis (vomiting blood) appeared. After an emergency transport to a hospital, gastritis was diagnosed, and 7 days of hospitalization were required.

The bill amounted to $44,000.

⑤: Hospitalized for 14 days due to pyelonephritis

While traveling in Singapore, a fever led to a hospital visit. After being diagnosed with pyelonephritis, 14 days of hospitalization were required.

The bill amounted to $33,800.

Top 3 Travel Insurance Covering High Medical Bills in Singapore

If you encounter unexpected accidents or incidents during your trip to Singapore and require medical treatment, you may face surprisingly high medical bills.

To prepare for such emergencies, it is essential to enroll in travel insurance before traveling to Singapore. Here are three recommended travel insurance providers that you can easily apply for online.

①: Safety Wing

Safety Wing offers excellent cost performance and comprehensive coverage for travel insurance. You can easily enroll online, even while staying abroad.

Features of Safety Wing

  • A monthly insurance premium is $56.28
  • The minimum insurance period is 5 days
  • You can enroll instantly without any waiting period, even while abroad
  • 24-hour live chat support
  • Coverage for flight delays and lost baggage

The specific insurance details are as follows:

Coverage TypeMaximum Benefit AmountCovered Instances
Medical Insurance$250,000Coverage includes hospitalization, caregiving,
ambulance for hospitalization, MRI scans, long-term
care after discharge, prescriptions, and pregnancy complications.
Emergency Dental Treatment$1,000Covers emergency dental treatment for sudden and
unexpected acute pain.
Emergency Transportation$100,000Covers the cost of emergency transport to a well-equipped hospital.
Medical Return$5,000Covers emergency repatriation costs for medical reasons.
Emergency Return$5,000Covers travel expenses for emergency return due to
the death of a family member.
Lost Baggage$3,000If lost baggage is not found within 10 days,
compensation will be provided (up to $500 per item).
Flight Delay$200Covers meals and accommodation costs in case of a delay exceeding 12 hours
(up to $100 per day, for a maximum of 2 days).
Passport Theft$100Covers the cost of reissuing a passport or visa if stolen.
Car Accident
$250,000Covers accidents that occur while driving with a proper
license and wearing safety gear.
Trip Interruption (Return)$250,000Covers costs for returning home due to circumstances
such as the death of a family member.
Death$20,000Covers transportation costs of the body to Japan
(or $10,000 for local burial).

* If you are viewing on a smartphone, you can scroll left and right.

Safety Wing is a travel insurance known for its excellent cost performance.

It provides medical coverage up to $250,000. The premium starts at $56.28 per month, and the insurance period can be adjusted flexibly based on the number of travel days.

You can easily check the insurance estimate on Safety Wing’s official website.

②: World Nomads

World Nomads is a popular travel insurance among freelancers and digital nomads working overseas.

It offers extensive coverage that addresses a wide range of situations, making it a reliable choice.

Key Features of World Nomads

  • Premiums vary depending on the destination
    (Example: $265.07 per month for a 4-week plan that includes the US)
  • Medical coverage limit: $5 milion (unlimited plans available)
  • Coverage for flight delays and lost baggage
  • 24/7 support (via phone/email)

The specific insurance details are as follows:

Coverage TypeMaximum Benefit AmountCovered Instances
Medical Insurance$5 millionHospitalization, nursing care, ambulance for hospitalization, MRI diagnostics,
long-term care after discharge, prescriptions, etc.
Emergency Dental Treatment$300Emergency dental treatment for the onset of acute pain
(sudden and unexpected).
Medical Transportation$500,000Covers costs for emergency transport to a fully equipped hospital.
Emergency Return$500,000Covers costs incurred for emergency return due to sudden illness or injury.
Baggage Coverage$2,500Covers theft, damage, or loss of baggage during travel.
Flight Delay$500Covers additional accommodation and transportation costs due to
flight cancellation or delays exceeding 12 hours.
Trip Interruption (Return)$3,500Costs for return due to family illness or death
Death$15,000Transportation costs for repatriation of remains to Japan,
or costs for local burial.

* If you are viewing on a smartphone, you can scroll left and right.

World Nomads is particularly suitable for travel to high-cost countries like the US and Canada.

The medical insurance coverage amount can go up to $5 million or select from unlimited plans, making it an attractive option with comprehensive coverage.

Furthermore, the premium varies depending on the country of visit, and you can easily check the estimates based on your travel plan on the World Nomads official website.

③: Heymondo

Heymondo offers high-cost performance travel insurance designed for long-term travelers. By enrolling in a 3-month plan, you can further reduce the monthly premium.

Key Features of Heymondo

  • Cost-effective 3-month plan for long-term travelers
  • Premiums vary depending on the country you are traveling to
  • Medical coverage limit: $5 million (or $10 million)
  • Coverage for flight delays and lost baggage
  • 24/7 support (via phone/email)

The specific insurance details are as follows:

Coverage TypeMaximum Benefit AmountCovered Instances
Medical Insurance$5 millionHospitalization, nursing care, ambulance for hospitalization, MRI diagnostics,
long-term care after discharge, prescriptions, etc.
Emergency Dental Treatment$300Emergency dental treatment for the onset of acute pain
(sudden and unexpected).
Extended Stay Costs$1,800Emergency transportation costs to a well-equipped hospital.
Emergency Transportation$5 millionCosts for emergency return due to medical reasons.
Baggage Coverage$1,700Costs for return due to family death, requiring emergency return.
Flight Delay$450Meal and accommodation costs for delays over 12 hours
(up to $100 per day for a maximum of 2 days).
Trip Interruption (Return)$3,500Costs for return due to family illness or death.
Death$100,000Transportation costs for repatriation of remains to Japan,
or $10,000 for local burial.

* If you are viewing on a smartphone, you can scroll left and right.

Heymondo offers a variety of insurance plans. The above is an overview of the standard plan called “Travel Insurance Top.”

While the premiums vary by plan, you can also choose a high-end plan that includes medical coverage of up to $10 million.

You can easily estimate the detailed insurance premiums on the Heymondo official website.

Thank you for reading all the way through!!

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