Health insurance is often seen as an optional expense—until an emergency happens. In Singapore, while government schemes like MediShield Life provide some level of protection, they may not be enough for all medical situations. 

Without adequate health insurance, you could face high medical costs, limited access to private healthcare, and financial strain in case of an emergency. This article explores the risks of not having health insurance and why it’s essential for financial and medical security.

Learn more: Health Insurance In Singapore >>

The Financial Risk of Being Uninsured

Medical treatment in Singapore is expensive, especially if you don’t qualify for government subsidies. Without insurance, you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket for all medical expenses, which can quickly add up.

Average Hospital Bill Costs in Singapore

Public Hospitals (Subsidised & Unsubsidised)

• Medical specialties: S$1,012 – S$7,876
• Surgical specialties: S$1,638 – S$10,541

Private Hospitals

• Medical specialties: S$3,906 – S$24,687
• Surgical specialties: S$8,109 – S$18,993

 For major treatments, the costs are even higher:

• Angioplasty (Blocked Heart Vessels)
  
  • Private: S$32,471
  • Public (Unsubsidised): S$15,177
  • Public (Subsidised): S$5,598
• Stroke Treatment (Brain Blood Clot or Bleeding)
  
  • Private: S$23,335
  • Public (Unsubsidised): S$7,804
  • Public (Subsidised): S$2,601

Cancer treatment costs:

Cancer treatment is one of the most expensive medical expenses, often requiring a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and diagnostic tests. The costs vary widely based on the type and stage of cancer:

• Chemotherapy: S$1,000 – S$8,000 per cycle
• Late-stage cancer treatment: S$100,000 – S$200,000 per year

Source: Smartwealth

For those without insurance, these expenses must be paid upfront. While MediSave can help cover some costs, there are withdrawal limits, meaning you may still need to pay a significant portion out-of-pocket.

Delayed or Avoided Medical Treatment 

When healthcare becomes expensive, many people delay or avoid seeking treatment. This is especially common for those with chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, where regular checkups and medications are necessary.

• A 2023 study found that 27% of uninsured patients in Singapore postponed medical visits due to cost concerns.
• Delayed treatment can worsen health conditions, leading to higher costs in the long run.
• Some people turn to alternative treatments or over-the-counter medication instead of professional medical care, which may not be effective. 

Without insurance, a minor illness can escalate into a severe medical emergency, leading to even greater financial strain.

Limited Access to Private Healthcare

Singapore has a dual healthcare system: public and private. While public hospitals offer high-quality care, they often have longer wait times due to high patient volumes. Without private health insurance, your options for faster, specialized care are limited.

• Public hospitals: Longer waiting times, lower costs with subsidies.
• Private hospitals: Faster appointments, shorter wait times, but much higher costs without insurance.

For example, a specialist consultation at a private hospital can cost between S$150 to S$500 per visit, while surgery wait times at public hospitals can be weeks or months. Many people prefer private healthcare for serious medical conditions, but without insurance, the cost can be prohibitive.

Government Schemes Are Not Always Enough 

MediShield Life provides basic hospitalization coverage, but it has limitations:

• Covers only B2 and C class wards in public hospitals.
• Limited payout amounts.
• Does not cover outpatient treatments, specialist visits, or dental care.