The Singaporean healthcare system remains competitive compared to the US despite being ranked as the world's most expensive city for the sixth consecutive year. An instance is the cost of a knee replacement surgery in Singapore at US$16,000 as opposed to US$35,000 in the US.
Medical tourists from all over come to Singapore to get treatment for a wide range of conditions, including those that are rare or expensive to treat at home. With a growing number of medical tourists each year, Singapore is quickly becoming the go-to destination for top-notch medical care.
Looking for world-class medical treatment? Look no further than Singapore! Our island nation ranks second in the world for medical tourism, according to the Medical Tourism Association.
The number of international medical tourists visiting Singapore each year is growing due to the wide range of medical care and treatments available, from health screenings to surgeries. So if you're looking for high-quality, affordable medical care, Singapore should be at the top of your list.
The cornerstones of the nation's medical tourism industry are high-quality services and the involvement of up to 21 accredited hospitals that are Joint Commission International (JCL) accredited.
Where Does Singapore Rank in Healthcare?
The nation was ranked sixth among all nations' health systems by the World Health Organization in 2000, and it continues to hold that position today.
Singapore was ranked second for healthcare outcomes among 166 nations by the Economist Intelligence Unit. Singapore was ranked as the fourth-healthiest nation in the world by the Bloomberg Global Health Index, which evaluated 163 nations.
Curious About Why People Visit Singapore for Medical Treatment? Here are Three Good Reasons:
1. High Standards of Healthcare: Singapore is home to several private hospitals that offer world-class medical care. If you're covered by a health insurance plan, you'll be in good hands.
2. Advanced, High-end Diagnostic Equipment: Singapore's medical professionals use some of the most cutting-edge equipment available. By doing this, they guarantee that you will get the best treatment.
3. Excellent Healthcare System and Structure: The healthcare system in Singapore is highly efficient and well-organized. You can be confident that you'll receive high-quality treatment.
What are the Best Medical Treatments that Singapore Provides for Foreigners?
The most frequently requested medical services by medical visitors are:
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Orthopedic Surgery
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Heart Surgery
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Neurology & Neurosurgery
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Bariatric Surgery
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Dental Services
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Cosmetic Surgery
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Pediatrics
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Aesthetic Procedures
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Oncology
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Assisted reproductive technologies like in-vitro fertilization, and intrauterine insemination
Medical Treatment Cost Comparison Between Singapore and the US
The following table lists the price ranges for a few common medical procedures in the USA and Singapore.
| Name of Medical Procedure | Cost in the USA | Cost in Singapore |
| Heart Bypass Surgery | Around USD 200,000 | Around USD 50,000 |
| Hip Replacement Surgery | Around USD 45,000 | Around USD 30,000 |
| Knee Replacement Surgery | Around USD 50,000 | Around USD 17,000 |
Based on the table, it appears that medical procedures in Singapore are significantly cheaper when compared to the USA.
It is important to note that the costs vary depending on the procedure and hospital chosen. However, on average, medical procedures in Singapore cost about 60-70% less than in the USA.
Do Medical Procedures Cost A Lot in Singapore?
No, medical treatments are not expensive in Singapore. In fact, they are quite affordable when compared to the cost of living in other major cities in the world. The cost of bypass surgery, for instance, is only a fraction of what it would cost in the USA.
Medical treatments in Singapore are quite affordable due to several factors, such as the heavy investment in medical technology and the influx of medical tourists. Additionally, new and innovative medical technologies have increased the range of treatments available, leading to increased utilization of healthcare facilities.
How to Choose a Hospital in Singapore?
Singapore has many reputable hospitals to choose from. However, it is essential to do your research before making a decision. With the rising popularity of medical tourism, more and more people are flocking to Singapore for medical treatment.
With so many hospitals to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which is right for you. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing a hospital in Singapore:
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Credibility
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Quality of care
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Cost of treatment
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Location
It is also advisable to read reviews and compare hospital ratings before making a decision. Once you have shortlisted a few hospitals, you can contact them to inquire about their treatments and the costs involved.
What Are The Medical Treatment Visa Requirements Needed to Travel to Singapore?
Singapore does not require an entry visa for patients from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, or the European Union. Singapore requires visas from 39 additional countries, which are divided into two categories:
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Group 1 requires only an electronic visa, which is available online. These nations include Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, and others; as well as, China, India, and Turkmenistan.
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A full visa is required for Group 2: This group of nations includes African nations like Algeria, Nigeria, Tunisia, Egypt, etc., as well as Near Eastern Asian nations like Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Libya, etc.
While visiting Singapore, you must also comply with the following requirements in addition to the visa:
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A passport that has at least a six-month validity period;
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Confirmed return flight ticket;
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2 photographs
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The application that has been properly completed and signed
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A letter stating the necessity of the visit
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Enough money to cover both the treatment itself and the declared stay in Singapore;
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Adequate proof of ties to your country of origin, such as a family or a job.
What If the Treatment Period is Prolonged than Estimated While You Stay in Singapore?
Only a few times can a treatment period last longer than the standard 30-day entry permit. An additional permit (good for up to 90 days) can be obtained at the Singapore Embassy or Consulate in the patient's home country to extend your legal stay in Singapore in the event that your pre-surgery, surgery, and post-surgery periods are longer than 30 days.
When you are already in Singapore and the doctor says that your treatment will take longer than expected, you can apply for a special permit at the ICA.
Is Singapore a Safer Place to Travel for Medical Treatments?
Yes, Singapore is considered a safe place to travel for medical treatment. The country has a low crime rate and is relatively free of political unrest. Additionally, the quality of healthcare in Singapore is excellent, and the country is home to some of the best hospitals in the world.
Medical tourists view Singapore as a safe country to visit with clean and safe neighborhoods and a stable political situation.
The city-state has a very low crime rate and is ranked as the second-safest country in the world, after Iceland. Moreover, Singapore has a tropical climate, which makes it an ideal destination for those seeking to escape the cold winters of Europe or North America.
Best Hospitals in Singapore
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Thomson Medical Centre in Singapore: This is well known for its focus on obstetrics, gynecology, and pediatrics, as well as for being the country's biggest provider of women's and children's healthcare services.
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Farrer Park Hospital, Singapore: It is located in Connexion and is a multispecialty medical centre. It has 3 Speciality Centres namely, Cancer Care, Dementia Services, and Heart Health. It also has a Japanese clinic called the Nichii International Clinic, which provides one-stop comprehensive general practice care.
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Singapore General Hospital, Singapore: It is the first in Asia to be the recipient of the Magnet Recognition in 2010 for nursing excellence awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Centre.
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National University Health System: This is the only public hospital in the country to offer a pediatric kidney and liver transplant program along with kidney, liver, and pancreas transplantation for adults.
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Changi General Hospital, Singapore: It is the first hospital in Singapore to be awarded JCI accreditation in its Heart Failure Programme and Acute Myocardial Infarction Programme.
Best Doctors in Singapore
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Dr. Yong Quek Wei: He is a highly regarded interventional cardiologist with over 35 years of experience.
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Dr. Timothy Lee: He is a well-known neurosurgeon with over 40 years of clinical and surgical experience.
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Assoc. Prof. Low Boon Yong: With more than 50 years of experience, he is an Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon in Singapore.
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Prof. Tan Kok Chai: He is an Academic Clinician and senior consultant in Turkey with a clinical interest in reconstructive and microsurgery in Plastic and Hand Surgery.
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Clin. Prof. Fock. Kwong Ming: A renowned Medical Gastroenterologist with over 4 decades of extensive experience, his research interests include H-pylori, GERD, gastric cancer, functional dyspepsia, and irritable bowel disease.
Role of Vaidam
If you're interested in learning where to find high-quality medical care or how to start IVF treatment, Vaidam can help you find information. It is one of the best platforms to get in touch with the best doctors and hospitals around the world.
To Conclude
Medical tourism is a growing industry, and Singapore is one of the top destinations for medical tourists. Singapore has world-class hospitals and clinics that offer a wide range of medical procedures and treatments. There are several reasons why people choose to come to Singapore for medical care, including the high quality of care, the relatively low cost of care, and the convenient location.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do doctors speak English in Singapore?
Many of the doctors and other medical personnel who work in Singapore are from other countries. They speak fluent English and do not let language barriers prevent international patients from receiving care.
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Is Singapore good for medical treatment?
Singapore's public health care system is among the best in the world, providing high-quality medical care in cutting-edge facilities.
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How many hospitals are JCI accredited in Singapore?
There are around 21 hospitals across Singapore that have been accredited by JCI.
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What is the key advantage of medical treatment in Singapore?
The primary benefit of seeking medical treatment in Singapore is its ability to treat complex conditions or provide drugs for life-threatening conditions, as well as its high regulatory standards and reputation for cleanliness and stringent hygiene standards.
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Why is Singapore considered the best medical travel destination?
Singapore is regarded as the best medical travel destination because more affluent patients from Asia might still choose to go there because of the better facilities, higher level of expertise, and doctors who are fluent in important regional languages like Mandarin Chinese.
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