David Ho is an independent, MAS-registered insurance broker helping businesses and expatriates secure the right health and medical coverage in Singapore. We serve two groups, including employers managing insurance obligations for Work Permit and S Pass holders under MOM requirements, and Employment Pass holders or expats arranging their own private coverage.
Foreigners in Singapore are not eligible for MediShield Life, Singapore’s national health insurance scheme. They must arrange their own private coverage to avoid high out-of-pocket medical expenses.
There are two distinct types of health insurance for foreigners in Singapore, each serving a different audience.
Two distinct groups in Singapore require different types of coverage based on their work pass type.
Employers in Singapore are legally required to buy and maintain medical insurance for all Work Permit and S Pass holders. Key requirements under MOM’s Work Pass Medical Insurance rules:
Health insurance is not legally required for Employment Pass (EP) holders under MOM’s foreign worker rules. In practice, many Singapore employers include EP holders in their group medical plans on a voluntary basis.
Dependant Pass and Long-Term Visit Pass holders are eligible for Integrated Shield Plans from local insurers, which are often more affordable for Singapore-based care.
Coverage varies by provider and plan tier. Standard plans typically include the following:
| Coverage | Status |
| Inpatient hospitalisation and surgery | Mandatory |
| GP and outpatient visits | Optional add-on |
| Personal accident coverage | Optional add-on |
| Coverage | Status |
| Inpatient hospitalisation and surgery | Standard inclusion |
| Outpatient GP and specialist | Standard in most plans |
| Dental and vision care | Optional |
| Maternity | Optional |
| International treatment coverage | Plan-dependent |
Foreigners in Singapore are billed at full, unsubsidised rates at both public and private hospitals. There is no MediShield Life or Medisave to fall back on, so a single hospital admission or major procedure can run into the tens of thousands of dollars if you have no coverage in place.
| Scenario | Estimated cost (uninsured) |
|---|---|
| Major surgery (e.g. gallbladder removal) | $23,000 to $39,000 for the full hospital bill |
| MRI scan | $800 to $2,500, depending on body part and facility |
| One night, private hospital ward | $370 to $780 per day, depending on the hospital and room type |
| Specialist consultation | $180 to $400 for an initial visit |
| GP visit (private clinic) | $35 to $55, before medicine and GST |
Figures for GP visits, specialist consultations, MRI scans, and ward rates are drawn from published Singapore private healthcare pricing and should be treated as a general guide rather than an official benchmark. The surgery figure comes directly from MOH’s fee benchmark for appendectomy, where the surgeon’s fee alone runs $5,100 to $8,200.
David Ho is a MAS-licensed independent insurance brokerage operating since 2011, with over 15 years of experience advising Singapore employers and foreign nationals on health coverage.
Clients trust David Ho’s team for these specific service advantages and professional credentials:
At David Ho Insurance, we specialise in helping Singapore employers and foreign nationals secure the right health and medical coverage. Our proven process ensures a smooth experience from initial consultation to full implementation.
We start with an in-depth conversation to understand your workforce profile and insurance needs.
Are you looking to…?
We will help you implement your chosen insurance policies:
Your questions answered about our insurance services and how we can assist you.
Yes. Since 1 July 2023, employers must provide medical insurance with a minimum annual coverage of $60,000 for all Work Permit and S Pass holders, across all sectors. The employer pays the full premium and cannot deduct this cost from the worker’s salary. Employment Pass holders are not covered under this mandate.
The minimum annual coverage has been $60,000 per worker since 1 July 2023. The insurer covers the first $15,000 of medical bills in full; above that, the insurer pays 75% and the employer pays the remaining 25%, up to the $60,000 limit. From 1 July 2025, policies must also use standardised exclusion clauses, apply premiums that vary by age, and pay hospitals directly.
Yes. Employment Pass holders are not covered under mandatory employer schemes, but they can purchase local health insurance plans or international plans from licensed insurers in Singapore. Dependant Pass and Long-Term Visit Pass holders are also eligible for Integrated Shield Plans from local insurers.
The employer pays the full cost of medical insurance for Work Permit and S Pass holders. Under MOM rules, the premium cannot be deducted from the worker’s salary or wages. For Employment Pass holders, health insurance is commonly employer-provided but is not mandated under MOM’s foreign worker medical insurance requirements.
Local health insurance plans in Singapore are generally more affordable and aligned with the local healthcare system. They work well for long-term residents who receive most of their care in Singapore. International health insurance plans offer broader coverage across multiple countries. They suit expats who travel frequently, plan to receive treatment in their home country, or are based in Singapore for a short period. Consulting a licensed insurance broker, like David Ho, helps you compare across plans from multiple providers rather than being limited to one insurer’s options.
Expats choosing health insurance in Singapore should assess the following points:
Working with a licensed insurance broker gives you access to plans from multiple insurers rather than being presented with a single provider’s options.
Generally, no. Foreign worker medical insurance (FWMI) covers illness and hospitalisation unrelated to work. Injuries that happen because of your job usually fall under Work Injury Compensation (WICA) instead, which covers medical costs, wage replacement, and compensation. See WICA insurance for details.
The cover arranged by your employer, whether under a Work Permit, S Pass, or group plan, ends when your job or pass ends, and a new employer must arrange fresh coverage. Your own private plan continues as long as you pay the premium, though a plan linked to your pass, like an Integrated Shield Plan for Dependant Pass holders, may need a valid pass to renew.
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