Hospitals in Singapore for Foreigners
Singapore’s vibrant cityscape and modern infrastructure make it an attractive place for digital nomads and expats. It’s also known as an excellent place for medical care. Singapore is one of the most popular medical tourism destinations in the world because of its quality healthcare system and state-of-the-art technology.
This guide to the best hospitals in Singapore will help both tourists and expats find the top locations for treatment. Learn about Singapore’s public and private hospital options and how to access them.
Does Singapore Have Good Hospitals?
As one of the major medical hubs in Asia, Singapore has many world-class hospitals and medical facilities. The 2020-2021 Medical Tourism Index ranked Singapore first out of 46 destinations for its quality facilities and services.
Many hospitals in Singapore have been regionally recognized and awarded. For example, at the 2022 Asian Hospital Management Awards, Tan Tock Seng Hospital won gold for infection control excellence, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital received gold for community involvement and the National University Health System received the gold award for their advanced healthcare technology. We’ve listed some of the awards that the best hospitals in Singapore have received below.
Four of its hospitals, all private, have received The Gold Seal of Approval® from Joint Commission International (JCI). This is a prestigious and rigorous accreditation process that ensures that hospitals meet international quality standards in patient care and management.
What Are the 5 Best Hospitals in Singapore?
Four of the five hospitals listed below were on Newsweek’s list of the 250 World’s Best Hospitals in 2022. These award-winning hospitals have gained worldwide recognition for their medical services and customer operations.
Singapore General Hospital
Outram Road
Singapore 169608
Tel: (65) 6222 3322
Singapore General Hospital, the country’s first hospital and the jewel of its government-owned facilities, was ranked the 11th best in the world by Newsweek, 21st for urology, 70 in its global Smart Hospital rankings, and 141st globally for endocrinology. It was also ranked number 275 for cancer treatment. It’s also a member of the SingHealth group of medical institutions, which provides a seamless network for follow-up on any procedure.
Mount Elizabeth Hospital – Orchard
3 Mount Elizabeth
Singapore 228510
+65 6737 2666
Email: mpac@parkwaypantai.com
Mount Elizabeth Hospital is a private hospital located in the heart of Singapore’s shopping center, with a second location in Novena. The hospital holds Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation and Singapore Quality Class certification. Alongside its sister facility, it has won Hospital of the Year at the Global Health Asia-Pacific Awards for seven years running as of 2024, as well as awards for Advanced Cardiology Service, Patient Experience Satisfaction, Multi-Disciplinary Oncology, Neurology and more. It was ranked 116th in the world by Newsweek, 107th in the world for gastroenterology and 293rd for oncology.
Gleneagles Hospital
6A Napier Road
Singapore 258500
Tel: +65 6575 7575
Email: gpac@parkway.sg
Gleneagles Hospital provides a one-stop service for international patients through its Gleneagles Patient Assistance Centre (GPAC). It has received the JCI Gold Seal of Approval®. At the Global Health Asia-Pacific Awards 2022, it won Complex Paediatric Service Provider of the Year, Endocrinology Service Provider of the Year, Respiratory Service Provider of the Year and Spine Care Service Provider of the Year. In 2024, the hospital ranked 167th in the world by Newsweek, 38th in the world for urology and the 43rd Smart Hospital globally, notable for its use of digital imaging.
National University Hospital
5 Lower Kent Ridge Road
Singapore 119074
+65 6908 2222
Email: appointment@nuhs.edu.sg
National University Hospital is the first university hospital in Singapore and has a comprehensive pediatric kidney and liver transplant program. According to Newsweek’s Best Hospital in The World 2024, it is the 79th best hospital in the world. It also ranked worldwide in several categories, including 70th for pulmonology, 73rd for endocrinology, 85th for gastroenterology, 107th for pediatrics, and the 164th best Smart Hospital, with particular expertise in robotic medicine. It received the Infection Control Excellence award at the 2022 Hospital Management Asia Awards.
Tan Tock Seng Hospital
11 Jln Tan Tock Seng
Singapore 308433
+65 6256 6011
Email: contact@ttsh.com.sg
Tan Tock Seng Hospital is located in Novena, the central region of Singapore. The institution is the flagship hospital of the National Healthcare Group and part of Singapore’s Public Healthcare System. In 2024, the hospital ranked by Newsweek as the 35th best Smart Hospital in the world because of its use of advanced technology and the 140th best hospital in the world for endocrinology, including diabetes.
How Can Expats and Visitors Access Hospitals in Singapore?
Patients may be admitted to a hospital from its emergency room. They may also be admitted by a referral from a doctor. If you are referred to the hospital, the facility will take you through a pre-admission process, including requests for required documents. If you have international health insurance you should also contact your provider for pre-authorization at this point.
Foreigners and expatriates can choose either a public or private healthcare facility for treatment. However, if they do not have private insurance or a plan provided by an employer, they will need to pay costs upfront. If you are referred for a procedure, most facilities will tell you the estimated costs during the pre-admission process. Therefore, you’re unlikely to be blindsided by a surprisingly high bill. But if you have a global medical plan, they are likely to pay directly, in which case you won’t see a bill at all.
Most hospitals will allow you to choose your class of room. If you were too ill upon arrival to choose your class of room, you can request an upgrade or a downgrade if you decide you need a change.
Also Read: Understanding Singapore’s Health System
How Much Does it Cost to Visit a Hospital in Singapore?
Choosing between public and private care can make a significant difference in terms of cost and service. A general appointment with a physician can cost about USD$14 (SGD$20) in the public sector and up to about USD$90 (SGD$125) at a private clinic, while dental visits can be USD$14 (SGD$20) in the public sector and USD$21 (SGD$30) at a private clinic.
According to the Ministry of Health Singapore, ankle fracture and conventional surgery can cost between USD$5,400–USD$6,700 (SGD$7,603-$9,375) at a public hospital (unsubsidized) and between USD$4,275-$5,350 (SGD$6,000-$7,500) for the operation alone and an additional USD$870-$1,150 (SGD$1,220-$1,600) for anesthesia at a private hospital.
Inpatient care can differ based on the ward type. Ward types are classified by how many beds are in a room and the type of amenities that are included. At a public institution like Tan Tock Seng Hospital, daily room charges for non-citizens can cost around USD $160 (SGD$227) for a six bedded room and common bathroom to USD$470 (SGD$655) for an air-conditioned deluxe suite inclusive of a mini fridge, television and adjoining private room for visitors.
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Recommended Hospitals for Expats in Singapore
Singapore has English-speaking medical professionals since English is one of the four main languages spoken in the country. Many hospitals in Singapore provide treatments and services in various specialties, including maternity care, optometry, Chinese medicine, and ENT (ear, nose, and throat).
Changi General Hospital
2 Simei Street 3
Singapore 529889
+65 6788 8833
Changi General Hospital is a member of the SingHealth network. Newsweek ranked it number 34 in its global list of Smart Hospitals, naming it a standout for its use of artificial intelligence. Newsweek also globally ranked it 51st for pulmonology, rated its neurosurgery department 77th worldwide, its orthopedic surgery department 120th in the world, and its oncology clinic as the 152nd best in the world.
Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital
38 Irrawaddy Road
Singapore 329563
+65 6898 6898
Email: mnpac@parkwaypantai.com
Accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI). Newsweek ranked it number 187 on its global list of smart hospitals.
Parkway East Hospital
321 Joo Chiat Place
Singapore 427990
+65 6377 3737
Accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI).
Khoo Teck Puat Hospital
90 Yishun Central
Singapore 768828
+ 65 6555 8000
Email: enquiry@ktph.com.sg
Mount Alvernia Hospital
820 Thomson Road
Singapore 574623
+65 6347 6688
Mount Alvernia Hospital is Singapore’s only Catholic hospital.
Raffles Hospital
585 North Bridge Road
Singapore 188770
+65 6311 1111
Specialist Facilities in Singapore
Thomson Medical Centre
339 Thomson Road
307677, Singapore
+65 6250 2222
Thomson Medical is a specialist in fertility, obstetrics, gynecology and pediatric care. It has ISO accreditation for Quality, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety.
KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital
100 Bukit Timah Road
Singapore 229899
+65 6225 5554
Newsweek ranked KKH number 175 on its global list of Smart Hospitals, naming it a standout in the field of telemedicine.
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Author / Editor: Joe Cronin, Founder and President of International Citizens Insurance. Mr. Cronin, a former expat, is an authority in the areas of international travel, and global health, life, and travel insurance, with expertise in advising individuals and groups on benefits for today's global workforce. Follow him on LinkedIn or Twitter.