Singapore at a Glance
Health and Social Security in Singapore
Safety and security are valued highly in Singapore.
Social Security
The Social Security system for citizens and permanent residents working in Singapore is called the Central Provident Fund (CPF). It is one of Asia´s oldest contribution-based retirement schemes with over 3.3 million members.
Expats working in Singapore on employment passes are not liable to contributions and therefore not eligible for government support. However, most international employers provide group health insurance schemes for their expat employees working in Singapore. People who are not covered by either of the above are strongly advised to take out private health insurance.
CPF Contributions
Expats who acquire the Singapore Permanent Resident status will start paying CPF contributions based on the length of time spent in Singapore, age and income. If subsequently they decide to leave Singapore forever, they can request a CPF pay-out.
Employee contributions range from 5 % to 20 % of the monthly salary, and employer contributions from 6.5 % to 16 % of the employee´s salary. All payments and withdrawals are tax free, and only the first S$ 5,000 of every salary is liable to contributions.
Every CPF member has 3 accounts: the Ordinary Account with a 2.5 % interest rate, the Special Account and the Medisave Account, both earning 4 % interest. Funds in the Ordinary Account can be used for purchasing property and insurance, paying for education, etc. The Special Account, on the other hand, is reserved exclusively for retirement savings. The Medisave Account is every Singaporean’s basic medical insurance.
Healthcare
Healthcare in Singapore is of superior quality while still remaining affordable. Medical professionals receive world-class training and education either at home or abroad, and English is spoken in all healthcare centers across the country.
A whole industry has developed around the needs of international patients, expats and medical tourists alike. Singapore Medicine, a multi-agency government initiative, provides a guide to all International Patient Service Centers in Singapore.
Their services extend far beyond what one would expect from a traditional healthcare establishment. They also offer advice on accommodation, travel and visa arrangements, as well as sightseeing trips.
Medical Facilities
The Singapore Ministry of Health maintains 18 outpatient polyclinics, which are supplemented by some 2,000 private medical practitioners’ clinics across the island. There are 7 public hospitals with emergency departments, including one psychiatric clinic and one mother-and-child hospital, plus six specialist centers.
A detailed list of medical facilities can be found on the Ministry of Health website. All medical treatment is to be paid for immediately by the patient, either out of a Medisave Account or from private funds.
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