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Singapore

Healthcare quality & costs · 2023

Excellent — 85.5/100   Universal system
Healthcare Index 85.5/100 +19.2pp vs Asia avg
Life Expectancy 83.6 yrs +5.5 vs region avg
GP / Doctor Visit $96 USD
Hospital Stay / Day $768 USD
Private Insurance / Month $240 USD
Public Coverage 100.0% of population
Health Spend (% GDP) 4.30%
Doctors per 1,000 2.60
Hospital Beds per 1,000 2.50
Infant Mortality Rate 1.70 per 1,000

Healthcare index trend

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Asia comparison

CountryIndexLife ExpGP VisitDoctors/1kCoverage
Singapore 85.5 83.6 yrs $96 2.60 100.0%
Hong Kong 85.1 84.8 yrs $77 2.00 100.0%
Japan 82.8 84.0 yrs $29 2.60 100.0%
South Korea 81.1 83.3 yrs $14 2.50 100.0%
Taiwan 78.8 80.9 yrs $14 3.40 99.0%
Thailand 66.8 76.9 yrs $29 0.95 99.0%
Malaysia 62.1 76.2 yrs $34 1.50 70.0%
China 60.8 77.9 yrs $24 3.10 96.0%
Vietnam 55.1 75.1 yrs $14 0.94 88.0%
Indonesia 47.5 71.4 yrs $19 0.47 56.0%
Philippines 45.8 72.2 yrs $17 0.64 40.0%
India 43.8 70.5 yrs $12 0.70 27.0%

Healthcare in Singapore — FAQs

How good is healthcare in Singapore in 2023?

Singapore scores 85.5 out of 100 on the LifeIndexed Healthcare Quality Index in 2023, rated as "Excellent". Life expectancy is 83.6 years. The country runs a Universal (government-funded, near-universal coverage) and spends 4.30% of GDP on health services.

How much does a doctor visit cost in Singapore?

A typical GP / doctor visit in Singapore costs approximately $96 USD. Hospital accommodation costs around $768 USD per day. These are out-of-pocket costs; insured patients may pay significantly less.

Is healthcare free in Singapore?

Singapore has near-universal public health coverage — essentially 100% of the population is covered. Basic medical services are free or heavily subsidised for all residents. The government funds this through 4.30% of GDP in health spending.

How much is private health insurance in Singapore?

Average private health insurance in Singapore costs approximately $240 USD per month. This provides access to private hospitals, shorter wait times and specialist care beyond what the public system offers.

What type of healthcare system does Singapore have?

Singapore operates a universal healthcare system funded primarily by the government, providing coverage to 100.0% of the population. This is typically financed through taxation or mandatory social insurance contributions.

How many doctors are there per 1,000 people in Singapore?

Singapore has 2.6 doctors per 1,000 people. This is above the global average of approximately 1.8 per 1,000. The country also has 2.50 hospital beds per 1,000 people.

What is the life expectancy in Singapore?

Life expectancy in Singapore is 83.6 years in 2023, compared to the Asia average of 78.1 years. Life expectancy is a key indicator of population health, nutrition, and the effectiveness of the healthcare system.

What is the infant mortality rate in Singapore?

The infant mortality rate in Singapore is 1.7 deaths per 1,000 live births. This is a low rate, indicating strong maternal and newborn healthcare.

How does Singapore compare to other Asia countries?

Singapore ranks 1 out of 12 Asia countries on the healthcare quality index. Its score of 85.5/100 is +19.2pp above the Asia average of 66.3/100. Life expectancy is +5.5 years versus the regional average.

Can expats and foreigners access healthcare in Singapore?

Expats who obtain legal residency in Singapore generally gain access to the public healthcare system, though registration processes and contribution requirements vary. Many expats also take out international or local private health insurance for faster access and broader coverage.

Is Singapore a good destination for medical tourism?

Yes — Singapore is a recognised medical tourism destination, attracting international patients with quality care at lower cost than Western Europe or North America. Common procedures include dental treatment, cosmetic surgery, orthopaedic surgery and specialist consultations. Private hospitals typically offer English-speaking staff and international accreditation.

How much does a hospital stay cost in Singapore?

A hospital stay in Singapore costs approximately $768 USD per day for private or uninsured patients. Public system patients pay little or nothing for inpatient care. Hospital costs can vary significantly between public and private facilities.

Is Singapore's healthcare improving?

Singapore's healthcare quality index has improved by 2 points from 2022 to 2026, rising from 84.2/100 to 86.2/100. Life expectancy also rose from 83.2 to 83.9 years over the same period.

What is the quality of hospitals in Singapore?

Singapore has excellent hospital infrastructure. With 2.50 beds per 1,000 people and 2.60 doctors per 1,000, the country's hospitals are well-staffed and well-equipped. Major urban hospitals often hold international accreditation.

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