Compare Private Health Insurance in Singapore

Live offers

24 live offers compared from 11 providers, from S$8.72 /month. Updated daily.

What is private health insurance in Singapore?

Private health insurance in Singapore centres on Integrated Shield Plans (IPs), which build on the national MediShield Life scheme to give you access to private hospitals, higher-class wards and larger claim limits. MediShield Life is a basic, universal health insurance run by the CPF Board covering large hospital bills at subsidised public rates. Integrated Shield Plans, sold by private insurers, top this up so you can choose private treatment or better wards, and are usually paired with riders that reduce out-of-pocket costs.

How the Singapore market works

Every Singapore citizen and permanent resident is automatically covered by MediShield Life. Those wanting more buy an Integrated Shield Plan from one of a small number of appointed private insurers; the plan incorporates the MediShield Life layer, and part of the premium can be paid from your MediSave account up to set limits. Plans are tiered by the hospital class they cover, from public wards up to private hospitals. Optional riders cover the deductible and co-insurance, though rules require policyholders to retain some co-payment.

Benefits

Private hospital access — Higher-tier plans let you choose private hospitals and specialists, and better ward classes.

Higher claim limits — Larger annual and per-treatment limits than MediShield Life alone, reducing large-bill exposure.

MediSave-payable premiums — Part of the premium can be paid from MediSave, easing the cash cost.

Rider protection — Riders cut out-of-pocket deductibles and co-insurance, subject to a required co-payment.

How to choose

Decide the level of care you want, from public-ward to full private-hospital cover, since higher tiers cost more. Compare annual and lifetime claim limits, panel-versus-non-panel doctor arrangements, and pre and post-hospitalisation cover. Examine riders carefully, including the co-payment you must retain and any caps on it. Factor how much premium is MediSave-payable versus cash, especially at older ages when premiums rise sharply. Buy while healthy, as pre-existing conditions may be excluded or loaded.

Leading providers in Singapore

Integrated Shield Plans are offered by a limited set of appointed insurers, including AIA Singapore, Prudential Singapore, Great Eastern Life, Income (NTUC Income), Raffles Health Insurance, Singlife and HSBC Life. Other insurers such as Manulife and international-focused providers like Pacific Prime advise on or offer wider private medical cover, including for expatriates. Plans differ on hospital tiers, claim limits, doctor panels and rider co-payment terms, so compare on coverage scope and total premiums over time.

What it costs

Premiums rise steeply with age. Younger adults may pay relatively little, with much or all of the base plan premium payable from MediSave, while riders add cash premiums; the illustrative range shown reflects wide variation by age and tier. At older ages, annual premiums can reach several hundred to a few thousand dollars, increasingly paid in cash beyond MediSave limits. Higher-tier private-hospital plans cost significantly more than public-ward plans. Riders and co-payment terms further affect total cost.

Protections and regulation

Integrated Shield Plans are regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) as insurance products, while the underlying MediShield Life and MediSave usage are administered by the CPF Board and the Ministry of Health. Plans are covered by the Policy Owners' Protection Scheme run by SDIC, protecting policyholders if a licensed life insurer fails. Regulations require policyholders to retain a co-payment under riders. Disputes can be raised with the insurer and escalated to the Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre (FIDReC).

Common questions

Do I need an Integrated Shield Plan if I have MediShield Life? — MediShield Life covers subsidised public-ward care; an IP adds private-hospital access, better wards and higher limits.

Can I pay premiums with MediSave? — Yes, the base plan premium is MediSave-payable up to set limits; rider premiums are usually cash.

Why is a co-payment required? — Rules require policyholders to retain part of the bill to encourage prudent use of healthcare.

Private Health Insurance in Singapore — FAQ