Investing in regular health screening is one of the best things that we can do to keep ourselves healthy. In the case of cancer screening, it is a key to our ability to detect and treat cancer at the earliest possible opportunity. Nonetheless, the cost of regular screening can be daunting for some people.
Thankfully, the Government provides a national health screening programme for Singaporeans and PRs. Called Screen for Life (“SFL”), this programme makes health screening affordable and encourages more Singaporeans and PRs to go for recommended screenings and receive the necessary follow-up. These screenings are available at CHAS GP clinics. Going for regular screenings and follow-up with patients’ regular GP has the benefit of enabling the GP to better able to manage their patients’ conditions in the long term.
What Conditions are Covered Under the SFL Health Screenings?
Depending on the age of the person, conditions recommended for under SFL includes cervical cancer, various chronic illnesses (high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, high blood cholesterol), colorectal cancer and breast cancer.
Where to Get Health Screening Under SFL and What Are The Charges?
Singaporeans can receive subsidised screening for cardiovascular diseases, cervical cancer, and colorectal cancer at a low, fixed fee, as long as they are eligible. With the subsidy, screening is free for Pioneers. CHAS Blue, CHAS Orange and Merdeka Generation (MG) cardholders pays only a fixed $2 fee. Other Singaporeans, including CHAS Green cardholders, will need to pay $5 (as of May 2022).
Singapore PRs are not eligible for SFL subsidies, but they can enjoy the Health Promotion Board’s screening test rate(s) at CHAS GP clinics. The prevailing doctor consultation rates will be charged accordingly by the respective CHAS GP clinics.
Who is Eligible for The SFL Subsidies?
According to HPB, the eligibility criteria for Singaporeans to enjoy SFL subsidies are:
1. Age and gender:
- Cardiovascular risk screening – Men and women aged 40 years and above
- Cervical cancer screening – Women aged 25 years and above
- Colorectal cancer screening – Men and women aged 50 years and above
2. Date of last screening:
- Cardiovascular risk screening – Three years since your last screening
- Cervical cancer screening – Three years since the last Pap test or five years since the last HPV test
- Colorectal cancer screening – One year since the last screening with FIT
3. Whether the person have been diagnosed with chronic diseases or selected cancers (cervical or colorectal)
Why Hesitate?
With the obvious benefits for early detection health screening and at such affordable costs, there is little reason for us not to go for regular screenings. Contact your CHAS GP and enquire about having the screening done. Locate one near you here.
Protect against cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic diseases with regular health screening. Compare and shop for health screenings from Singapore and regional healthcare providers at a single convenient platform - shop.health365.sg
This article is informative only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.
