health · Week 4-8
Buy private health insurance in Singapore (no Medishield)
EP and DP holders get NO public coverage. A 3-day SGH stay is SGD 4,500-12,000 unsubsidised. Private insurance is essential, not optional.
Source: MOH · verified 2026-04-06
Why this matters
EP holders have NO MediShield Life, NO CPF MediSave, and NO government healthcare subsidies. You are fully exposed to Singapore hospital bills without private insurance.
Singapore healthcare is world-class but expensive without subsidies. A 3-day hospital stay can cost SGD 10,000-30,000 at private hospitals. EP holders are excluded from the national MediShield Life scheme and cannot use CPF MediSave. Critically, EP holders cannot buy Integrated Shield Plans (ISPs) — only DP holders and PRs can. EP holders must buy international or standalone private plans.
If you skip it: One hospital admission without insurance can cost SGD 10,000-50,000+. No safety net exists for EP holders.
When to do it
Earliest
Before arriving in Singapore or within the first week.
Optimal
Within the first 2 weeks of arrival. Do not delay — one accident or illness without coverage can be devastating.
Deadline
No legal deadline, but you are uninsured every day you wait.
If late: Fully exposed to Singapore hospital costs (SGD 10,000-50,000+ per admission). Pre-existing conditions may be excluded if you delay.
How to do it
- 1
Understand your coverage gap: EP holders have NO MediShield Life and CANNOT buy ISPs
Unlike PRs and citizens, you have zero government healthcare coverage. You also cannot buy Integrated Shield Plans (ISPs) that layer on top of MediShield Life.
- 2
Check if your employer provides group health insurance
Many employers provide basic group hospitalisation coverage. Check the coverage limits and whether it includes outpatient, dental, and family.
- 3
Buy an international health insurance plan for yourself
International plans (Cigna, Allianz, BUPA, AXA) cost SGD 200-500/month but provide global coverage including Singapore private hospitals.
- 4
For DP holder spouse/children: consider ISP (Integrated Shield Plan)
DP holders CAN buy ISPs from approved insurers (AIA, Great Eastern, NTUC Income, etc.). Much cheaper at SGD 300-800/year. ISP layers on top of MediShield Life equivalent coverage.
- 5
Claim Life Insurance Relief on your tax return (up to SGD 5,000)
EP holders with zero CPF are always eligible for this relief. Applies to qualifying life and health insurance premiums.
Common mistakes
- · Assuming MediShield Life covers EP holders — it does not
- · Trying to buy ISP as an EP holder — only DP holders/PRs/citizens can
- · Relying solely on employer group insurance — it ends when you leave the company
- · Delaying purchase — pre-existing conditions may be excluded if you wait
What you need
- · passport — Identity verification for insurance application
- · ep_card — Proof of residency status — determines which plans you are eligible for
Cost
SGD 200 – 500
- · International health insurance for EP holder (monthly): SGD 200 – 500
- · ISP for DP holder (annual, per person): SGD 300 – 800
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Related steps
identity
Register for SingPass
SingPass is your digital ID for 2,700+ government and private services. Without it you can't file taxes, open accounts, or access HealthHub.
money
File income tax (annual)
Annual deadline: April 18. File via myTax Portal with SingPass. SRS contributions reduce taxable income up to SGD 35,700/year — biggest saving.
This is one of 13 things you need to do when moving to Singapore.
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