Best private hospitals in Singapore for expats

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Singapore has an excellent healthcare system, with many world-class hospitals and private clinics, but it does come at a cost. There is a well-known adage that it’s cheaper to die in Singapore than fall sick, and it’s essential for expats to take out good-quality medical insurance before moving to Singapore.

Singapore has some superb private hospitals, such as the National University Hospital and the Singapore General Hospital, and many of these have private wings that can be used by expats as well as Singaporean citizens. There are also several private hospitals in Singapore that are operated by a handful of large hospital groups, but they are still regulated by the government to ensure standards are high.

In addition to hospitals, numerous private clinics in Singapore also provide specialist services and non-emergency outpatient procedures. In general, private hospitals and clinics offer more comfortable facilities, shorter wait times and greater access to specialists.

Citizens and permanent residents of Singapore are covered by public healthcare programmes, but the vast majority of expats do not qualify for this and must therefore pay for their healthcare out of pocket or have private health insurance.

Private hospitals in Singapore

Farrer Park Hospital

Address: Farrer Park Station Rd, Connexion, Singapore 217562
Website: www.farrerpark.com
Specialities: Dementia, dermatology, haematology, general surgery, oncology and gynaecology

Opened in 2016, the Farrer Park Hospital is one of the newest in Singapore and has already earned an excellent reputation. The hospital has 121 beds across four inpatient suites and 18 operating theatres, including major surgery, cardiovascular and endoscopic suites.

Farrer Park Medical Centre (FPMC) is located in the 20-storey Connexion building that connects to Farrer Park Hospital. It consists of 10 floors of clinical suites for over 230 medical specialists covering more than 30 medical specialities in cardiology, oncology, orthopaedics and sports medicine, gastroenterology, general surgery and more.

Gleneagles Hospital

Address: 6A Napier Road, Singapore 258500
Website: www.gleneagles.com.sg
Specialities: Cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, haematology and infectious diseases

With its 221-bed hospital on Napier Road, next to the MRT station, Gleneagles Hospital is one of the best private hospitals in Asia, providing a range of medical and surgical services.

The Gleneagles Day Surgery Centre offers a range of outpatient procedures, including dermatology (skin); gastroenterology (stomach); orthopaedic (bones and muscles); ophthalmology (eye); otolaryngology (ear, nose, throat); paediatric (children); respiratory (breathing); and urology (urinary).

The hospital provides a one-stop service for international patients through its Patient Assistance Centres, where expats can get advice on treatments and estimated costs for procedures, as well as book doctor appointments.

Mount Elizabeth Hospital

Address: 3 Mount Elizabeth, Singapore 228510
Website: www.mountelizabeth.com.sg
Specialities: Cardiology, neurosurgery, oncology, orthopaedics and gastroenterology

Known as Mount E, Mount Elizabeth Hospital is an iconic name in Singapore's healthcare landscape. It is Singapore's largest and best-known private hospital, with 345 beds and access to more than 850 surgeons and clinicians. The hospital is equipped with advanced medical technology, and its team of highly skilled specialists cover a wide range of medical disciplines.

National University Hospital (NUH)

Address: 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119074
Website: www.nuh.com.sg
Specialities: Geriatrics, dermatology, endocrinology, gastroenterology and hepatology, infectious diseases, nephrology, neurology, rheumatology and respiratory

NUH is a public hospital that offers private healthcare services through its private wing. It's renowned for its comprehensive medical services, research initiatives and multidisciplinary team of specialists. Patients benefit from NUH's state-of-the-art facilities and personalised care, making it a top choice for those seeking quality healthcare.

Novena Medical Center

Address: 10 Sinaran Drive, Singapore 307470
Website: www.novenamedicalcenter.com
Specialities: Cardiology, orthopaedics, dermatology and many others

Novena Medical Center offers an array of supporting medical facilities and services such as radiology, lab services and day surgery. This medical centre is adjacent to Singapore’s leading public and private hospitals as well as specialist institutions such as the National Skin Centre, National Neuroscience Institute, Johns Hopkins Centre and others.

Parkway Cancer Center

Address: Clinics in the Mount Elizabeth and Gleneagles hospitals and Parkway Cancer Center
Website: www.parkwaycancercentre.com
Specialities: Oncology

Parkway Cancer Centre focuses solely on oncology and brings together a multidisciplinary team of top-notch specialists, cutting-edge technology and a patient-centred approach. From early diagnosis to treatment and supportive care, they leave no stone unturned. Their warm and compassionate staff ensures that patients receive not only the best medical treatments but also emotional support.

Singapore General Hospital (SGH)

Address: Blk 3, Level 1, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Rd, Singapore 169608
Website: www.sgh.com.sg
Specialities: The SGH has over 50 clinical specialities on its campus

Although it's a public institution, Singapore General Hospital offers private healthcare services within its premises. SGH is the oldest hospital in Singapore and is also among the largest. The hospital is known for its dedication to medical research and education. Patients can access world-class healthcare services at SGH, including specialised treatments and procedures. The hospital's long-standing reputation and commitment to excellence make it a significant contender in the private healthcare arena.

Raffles Hospital, Singapore

Address: 85 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188770
Website: www.rafflesmedicalgroup.com
Specialities: Obstetrics and gynaecology, urology, neurology and cosmetic surgery

Raffles Hospital is known for its excellence in medical care and strong emphasis on research and innovation. Situated in the heart of Singapore, it offers a wide spectrum of medical services, from routine check-ups to complex surgeries. The hospital's commitment to cutting-edge technology and a patient-centric approach makes it a preferred choice for both local and international patients.

The hospital is a member of the Raffles Medical Group, which operates more than 80 specialist medical clinics around Singapore, offering a variety of outpatient services such as general practitioner (GP) consultations, family medicine services, health screenings, dental and women’s health.

Thompson Medical Center

Address: 339 Thomson Road, 307677, Singapore
Website: www.thomsonmedical.com
Specialities: Gynaecology, fertility, paediatrics and dermatology

The Thompson Medical Center is the largest private medical practice that specialises in healthcare services for women and children. They are particularly renowned for their IVF services.

What do expats say about hospitals in Singapore?
"The medical facilities are top-notch and private clinic/hospital staff are proficient in English. The private sector services are obviously more expensive because of the shorter waiting times and comfort. Personally, we have had good experiences at National University Hospital (NUH) and Mount Elizabeth Hospital, so I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend these hospitals." See our interview with Indian expat Megha to learn more about moving to Singapore.

Are you an expat living in Singapore?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Singapore. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.