If you dream of being an international student in Singapore, it’s good to prepare well in advance for any unforeseen events. Do you want to know the best health insurance for you to be prepared in case of problems? Read this article to have all the answers right at your fingertips!

Health insurance is one of the points that many exchange students do not give much importance to, but which is essential to guarantee a peaceful and safe home in another country. In addition, most institutions require you to present proof of hiring an insurance company to enroll!!

With that in mind, I have listed the best insurance options for students in Singapore, along with information about types of student visas, the courses that are offered, and the health system offered in the country.

Keep reading!

 

 

 

Do I really need health insurance as an international student in Singapore?

All residents, including foreign students, need to prove that they are covered by health insurance to reside there.

Furthermore, even though Singapore does not require travel insurance coverage when entering the country, it is always good to insure yourself that way as well.

Having specific health insurance coverage in Singapore is necessary in case something unforeseen happens and medical care in the new country where you will live is necessary.

 

How does the health system work in Singapore?  

Public and private health care in Singapore is subject to government regulations. The city-state’s healthcare system is often among the best in the world and is admired by many other nations for its remarkable results.

Citizens enjoy universal health care – meaning that the public health system and mandatory health insurance are funded by the government. Patients can access care in public facilities with ease – but public healthcare is not free.

 

However, things are different for students and expats living and working in the city, as they are not eligible for the affordable prices only available to locals. Therefore, students without a permanent residency visa will need a comprehensive health insurance plan.

Overall, Medishield and Medisave are the core of Singapore’s health insurance system. Citizens and permanent residents pay routine expenses from their Medisave account, and if things get bad enough for them to hit their deductible, they start using the Medishield account.

If you are not a permanent resident student, you will not be eligible for government assistance or subsidies for your health care, including MediShield Life coverage. If you do not take out private health insurance, you will have to pay for medical treatments and consultations out of pocket.

 

The 7 best and cheapest health insurance plans for international students in Singapore

As I always recommend, it is interesting that you make an online quote with all the companies listed here… It may take a little more time, but in the end you will save a lot more on your move to Singapore!

Ah! And to make this process a little easier for you, I also created a comparison table just below the plan descriptions showing the different health insurance plan options for students. 

To learn more about the types of courses and visas that you can apply for, continue reading on beyond the list of the best international health insurance policies for students in Singapore.

 

 

 1. Student Health Advantage from IMG

IMG has several types and options of health plans for students (as well as insurance plans for expatriates in general).

They have three main student-focused insurance plans to choose from. But one of them, The Patriot Exchange Program is only available for students who are going to study in the United States. So, we’re just going to talk about the other two here.

 

 

Plan # 1: Student Health Advantage 

This plan has the necessary features to meet the basic health coverage requirements required by your school (but it’s always interesting to check the minimum coverage required by the institution you will be enrolling!).

This plan is different in that it covers many things that other plans do not – such as mental health-related treatments, maternity care and pre-existing illnesses. IMG also has COVID-19 cost coverage and telemedicine available.

 

Plan # 2: Student Health Advantage Platinum

This plan is the same as the previous one but offers double the maximum coverage: $1,000,000 USD.

 

What I like about IMG’s International Student Insurance:

• Plans are made specifically for students
• They cover students of all nationalities
• More than 17,000 healthcare professionals available worldwide
• Customer service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• They cover COVID-19 and telemedicine appointments

 

What I don’t like about IMG’s International Student Insurance:

• Some programs have a 1-year waiting period to review coverage for pre-existing conditions

 

 

 

   2. International health insurance for students from Cigna Global

As one of the world’s largest health insurers, Cigna Global has plans for different types of travelers, such as expatriates and international students.

They have three main plans: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. These plans have coverage not only in Singapore, but all over the world!

If you plan to visit other countries during your stay in Singapore, you can choose whether you want to be covered there as well (this might make your policy a little more expensive, so in that case it might be better to just take out a short term travel insurance).

To make it easier, this is a table that compares the available plan options:

 

Overall, Cigna’s plans are very flexible and allow you to add coverage (including dental and eye care or international evacuation and crisis assistance) as needed. 

The company also offers several payment options such as annual, monthly, and quarterly.

 

What I like about international health insurance for Cigna Global:

• They respond to complaints quickly (according to the company, 95% of refund requests are received within 10 days)
• It has a list of over 3,000 hospitals available, as well as information guides, in its online help center
• They offer many care options if you need medical care as they partner with over 1.65 million hospitals, doctors, clinics and specialists around the world.
• They are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for any need.

 

What I don’t like about international student health insurance from Cigna Global:

• Their most basic plan doesn’t cover prenatal and postnatal care 
• They don’t cover outpatient consultations with specialists and doctors

 

 

 

   3. Now Health International

Now Health International stands as a leader in the global insurance market, committed to meeting the expectations of its clients through affordable and efficient insurance plans.

One of the major strengths of this company is its advanced customer service, which offers fast and practical information to assist customers.

All Now Health plans are carefully designed to address and resolve the challenges encountered by individuals living in a foreign country, such as international students and exchange students worldwide.

Furthermore, these plans can be customized to perfectly suit your individual needs, ensuring an ideal fit for you.

 

 

What I like about Now Health International Student Plans:

• Clear information and 24/7 customer service
• Coverage in over 190 countries and territories
• Various international insurance options and customizable plans
• Some plans offer coverage for maternity routines

 

What I don’t like about Now Health International Student Plans:

• In some procedures, Now Health works with a reimbursement system
• For plans with routine maternity coverage, you must wait a 12-month waiting period to access this benefit

   4. Foyer Global Health

Foyer Global Health has several plans! From Basic to Premium, with short or long term stays, individual or family… Whatever you need in Singapore, there is a program that meets your requirements!

The company has three main categories for its plans. See what they are and which plan fits each one:

 

 

ESSENTIAL

• Covers surgery, anesthetics and consultations
• Medical devices such as cardiac pacemakers and rescue measure if needed
• Congenital diseases (up to a maximum of €100,000 per lifetime)
• No coverage for maternity and childbirth

 

SPECIAL

• It also covers surgeries and anesthetics, as well as consultations
• Aid and therapeutic devices (such as artificial limbs and prostheses) of up to €2,000
• Congenital diseases up to a maximum of €150,000 per lifetime
• Maternity and childbirth care (up to €5,000 with a 10-month wait)

 

EXCLUSIVE

• Like the other plans, it also covers surgery, anesthetics and consultations.
• Therapeutic devices
• Congenital diseases up to a maximum of €200,000 per lifetime
• Maternity care, childbirth care, and in-hospital midwife or nursing services (up to €20,000 with a 10-month wait)

 

What I like about health insurance plans for international students from Foyer Global Health:

• All plans cover primary dental appointments, surgeries and treatments
• 24/7 customer service via telephone and online platforms such as email with experienced consultants, doctors, and specialists
• Coverage in case of need for evacuation or repatriation
• Have medical support and pre-travel advice (such as information on vaccinations and preparing a first-aid kit)

 

What I don’t like about health insurance plans for international students from Foyer Global Health:

• Their most basic plan doesn’t cover prenatal and postnatal care

 

 

 

   5. StudentSecure insurance from HCCMIS

HCCMIS is an insurance company that provides insurance for full-time students and scholarship holders who study outside their home country. Also, they offer travel insurance plans as well.

The four levels of student insurance coverage they offer will work great for your needs in Singapore! These levels are:

 

 

StudentSecure Elite

• This has the lowest deductibles and the highest maximum coverage compared HCCMIS’s other plans 
• There is a 6-month wait before a pre-existing condition can be covered
• Provides coverage for club/intercollegiate sports 
• Offers personal liability coverage

 

StudentSecure Select

• 6-month waiting period before a pre-existing condition can be covered 
• Optional Crisis Response Benefit for rescue, natural disaster evacuation and protection of your personal belongings 

 

StudentSecure Budget

• Coverage for pre-existing conditions begins 12 months after plan purchase
• Average benefits and higher deductibles (lower monthly cost than many other options) 

 

StudentSecure Smart

• Lower cost (but lower overall benefits and coverage)
• Has the highest deductible of all plans
• No coverage for club sports
• Only covers a pre-existing condition in its acute onset

 

Below is a comparison of the four HCCStudentSecure plans discussed above (click to see the full graphic):

 

What I like about HCCMIS StudentSecure plans:

• They include emergency dental coverage of up to $250 maximum per tooth and $500 maximum for the certification period
• You can save money if you pay the full amount of your plan in advance 
• They have some of the cheapest plans on this list

 

What I don’t like about HCCMIS StudentSecure plans:

• No coverage for pre-existing conditions in the Smart plan 
• There is a 6-month waiting period to cover pre-existing conditions (even on the Elite plan)
• No vaccination coverage unless you choose the Elite plan
• No coverage for maternity care or nursery for newborns on the Smart plan
• Their cheaper plan have pretty high deductibles 

 

 

 

3 international health insurance companies that can also be used by international students in Singapore

The two companies listed below do not offer precisely tailored health insurance just for exchange students, but they do offer international health insurance which will likely also be accepted by your educational institution as proof of coverage.

So here’s my advice for you: get a quote from them and compare it to quotes and simulations obtained from the companies above. If you find that one of them offers better coverage at a more affordable price than the other options, check with your Singapore school or university to see if they accept this type of policy.

 

   – Diplomat Long Term and Diplomat International from Global Underwriters

Global Underwriters offers a wide range of international health insurance plans for different types of people and traveler needs, including exchange and international students in their new country.

When it comes to GU plans, I recommend Diplomat Long Term and Diplomat International for exchange students in Singapore.

 

 

 

What I like about international student health insurance from Global Underwriters: 

• Programs provide coverage for medical evacuations, emergency dentistry, and repatriation of human remains.
• Diplomat Long Term and Diplomat International have coverage of up to $1,000,000
• They have extra coverage and assistance in case of lost luggage and travel interruptions
• Customer service 24 hours a day, seven days a week

 

What I don’t like about international student health insurance from Global Underwriters: 

• The Diplomat International plan does not cover Covid-19 infection
• The Diplomat Long Term plan does not cater for students residing in Australia and Iran, as well as New York, Maryland, South Dakota, but that won’t be a problem for you if you go to Singapore!)
• The plans are a little more expensive than the others mentioned here

 

 

 

– GeoBlue

GeoBlue is yet another good option if you are looking for a health insurance policy to cover you while in Portugal.

 

 

 

What I like about GeoBlue’s international health insurance plans:

• Their policies are highly adaptable and flexible based on your particular medical needs 
• They have 24/7 customer service
• Certain plans cover extra medical costs like evacuation, preventive medical care, and maternity care.
• There is an option to add ophthalmology and dentistry coverage
• Their Xplorer plan covers extreme sports but does not have a maximum coverage limit for medical expenses, does not charge deductibles for standard services, and has no cancellation fees

 

What I don’t like about GeoBlue’s international health insurance plans:

• Residents of New York and Washington aren’t able to be covered by GeoBlue plans (although this may not be an issue if you move your official residence to Portugal!)
• You need to contact a broker and speak with them personally to get a quote (which complicates the process)

 

 

 

– Aetna (acquired by AllianzCare)

Aetna is a company with a great reputation in the field of health insurance. Aetna’s biggest advantage is the flexibility of their many plans as you can customize based on exactly what you need. They are also known for their excellent customer service.

 

 

What I like about Aetna’s international health insurance plans:

• They have over 50 years of experience in the health insurance industry
• They offer flexible plans with many ways to customize 
• Their customer service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Their plans cover emergency evacuations, cancer treatments, repatriation, and hospitalization
• They’ve won awards like as “Health Insurer of the Year” and “Best International Private Health Insurance Provider”
• They have an online platform that encourages healthier habits with a points and rewards system

 

What I don’t like about Aetna’s international health insurance plans:

• Their website is a little unclear about the exact coverage of some of their policies 
• They don’t offer any type of travel insurance plan

 

Table comparison of the 7 best health insurance plans for international/exchange students in Portugal

 

 

	IMG	Cigna Global	Foyer Global Health	HCCMIS	Global Underwriters
Medical Maximum	Unlimited (for the Platinum plan)	$5,000,000	There are no limits independent of the plan	US$1,000,000 per year	$1,000,000
Mental Health Benefit	Unspecified	Unlimited for up to 90 days	Included in all plans with a 10-month waiting period	Outpatient: $50 per day max up to $500 in total	Yes
Inpatient Prescription Drugs	80% coverage out-of-network, 100% in the USA and internationally	Unspecified	Coverage available	Name-brand drugs: 50% coinsurance  Generic drugs: 100% coinsurance Special drugs: no coverage	Yes
Outpatient Prescription Drugs	50% of actual costs, 90 days maximum per dispensation	Unspecified	Unspecified	coinsurance  Generic drugs: 100% coinsurance Special drugs: no coverage	Yes
Mental Health Benefit	Inpatient and Outpatient: $5,000 lifetime maximum to paid in full depending on the plan	Inpatient and Outpatient: $50,000 lifetime maximum	None	Inpatient and Outpatient: limit not specified	Inpatient, outpatient, and therapy: limit not specific
Outpatient Prescription Drugs	None, unless you buy the International Outpatient Option	Up to $8,000,000	Full reimbursement	Yes	Yes
Repatriation of Remains	$25,000 maximum or $5,000 for cremation	Optional	Optional	$50,000 maximum or $5,000 for cremation	$13,500 maximum
Emergency Evacuation	$50,000	Optional	Optional	$10,000	Yes
Hospital room coverage	Offered up to the average semi-private room rate	Private room	Private Room	Usual	Usual
Terrorism	$50,000	Unspecified	Unspecified	$100,000	N/A
Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD & D)	Principal sum of $25,000 that is not subject to deduction	$25,000 for main policy holder, $10,000 for spouse on the plan, $5,000 for child on the plan Total limit of $250,000	Optional	$25,000 for main policy holder, $10,000 for spouse on the plan, $5,000 for child on the plan Total limit of $250,000	There is coverage
Emergency Dental	$500 per injury for the coverage period	Optional	Optional	$2,500	Yes
Maternity Care	Only covered in Platinum plan	$14,000/€11,000/£9,000 in the Platinum plan	Only available in the Special and Exclusive plans	Within the US: up to 80% coverage with a $25,000 limit within the PPO network/Outside PPO: up to 50% coverage with a $25,000 limit  Outside the United States:  Up to 80% coverage with a $25,000 limit. Benefits reduced by 25% if pregnancy is not reported within the first 90 days.	Not specified
Pre-existing condition exclusion period	Maximum limit of $1,500 with a 12-month waiting period	$14,000/€11,000/£9,000 in the Platinum plan	Coverage available	Limited of $250,000 per plan	Unspecified
Intensive Care Unit (ICU)	100% coverage after the deductible has been met	Full coverage with the Platinum plan	Coverage available	Up to $50,000	Not specified
Vaccines	Unspecified	Optional	Only in the Special and Exclusive plans	$200	Yes, but must be paid as a separate plan
Routine care for newborns	Unspecified	Optional	Only in the Special and Exclusive plans	Up to $750	Yes, but must be paid as a separate plan
Pre-existing annual maximum once covered	Unlimited depending on the plan	Up to $8,000,000	Full reimbursement	Unlimited depending on the plan	Depends on the plan
Pre-existing lifetime maximum once covered	Unlimited depending on the plan	Up to $8,000,000	Full reimbursement	Unlimited depending on the plan	Depends on the plan

Worldwide Medical Insurance / Comparison Chart*

Part of the table courtesy of Tokio Marine HCC

*Note: this table is just for informational purposes and subject to change. It was accurate as of the time we wrote it here, but please check each company’s individual website for updated info.

 

Universities for those who want to study in Singapore

Singapore has a high standard of education and many of its universities are among the best in the world! To help you, here is a list:

 

1. National University of Singapore – The National University of Singapore represents the best of Asia, offering the high quality education sought after by many students across the world. It is part of the top 20 elusive universities worldwide, ranking 11th in the QS Top Universities World University Ranking.

2. Nanyang Technological University – The quality of education and training at Nanyang Technological University is impeccable. As such, it found its niche among the world’s elite, placing in the top 20 to 40 of the world’s university rankings.

3. Singapore University of Technology and Design – It is also one of the most recognized names in education worldwide and receives a high number of student applications annually.

4. Singapore Management University – The Singapore Management University, or SMU, is an autonomous academic institution. The university offers degree programs in business and computer fields and has been one of the leading providers of education in Asia.

5. INSEAD Asia Campus – INSEAD, which stands for Institut Européen d’ Administration des Affaires, is a private business school originally located in France. In 1999, the institution built a campus in Singapore so that students from Asia can take the graduate business programs offered by the main campus without having to move to Europe.

6. Singapore University of Social Sciences – Universities specializing in social sciences are a rarity, which makes this university an oasis. Almost all of its undergraduate and graduate programs are concentrated in humanities, human development, business, behavioral sciences, law, Chinese studies and other similar courses.

7. Singapore Institute of Technology – The Singapore Institute of Technology is the place for students who want a fast track to employment. This university specializing in applied learning shapes students to become professionals and play significant roles in society’s innovation and economic progress.

8. Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts – It is a specialized university that offers bachelor’s degrees in Fine Arts, Design and Music, for example. A variety of student events are also held which include boat trips, restaurant visits, arts festivals and much more.

9. LASALLE College of the Arts – LASALLE College of the Arts is one of the leading art and design schools in Asia. It aims to educate the next generation of artists, designers and leaders in the creative industries.

10. James Cook University Singapore – The university offers courses at various levels for local and international students. These programs cover a variety of disciplines such as Accounting, Aquaculture, Commerce, Environmental Science and Game Design.

 

What types of student visas can I apply for in Singapore?

Singapore has only one visa for international students: the student visa. But there are variants of the visa:

   1. Student visa based on program duration

Depending on the length of the program you plan to attend, you can apply for a short-term or long-term student visa. The short-term pass is ideal for students planning to attend certificate courses for up to 3 months. If you want to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s program, you will need to obtain a long-term visa.

 

   2. Student Visa based on the type of program you wish to attend

Your student visa will normally include details of the course you will be taking. Singapore offers a wide variety of courses, you just have to choose!

 

To meet Singapore study visa requirements, you must submit the following documents:

• Your current and legible passport, valid for a minimum of three months
• All completed student visa application forms – Form 16 (the main student visa application) and Form V36 (for additional information about yourself)
• The original receipt showing that you have paid the visa application fee
• Your bank statements showing that you can finance your education in Singapore (both tuition and living expenses), while you
• Transcripts of your degrees and certificates received in your student life
• Test scores required by your college, which can be GMAT, TOEFL, GRE, PTE, etc.
• Document showing how you intend to cover all costs associated with living in Singapore.

 

In sum…

As a final reminder, here are the 5 best and cheapest health insurance policies for international students in Singapore: 

1. Student Health Advantage from IMG 
2. International student health insurance from Cigna Global 
3. Now Health International
4. Foyer Global Health 
5. StudentSecure from HCCMIS 
6. Diplomat Long Term or Diplomat International from Global Underwriters 

 

In conclusion… 

In short… When preparing to study in Singapore, make sure you don’t forget to take out health insurance, as it is extremely essential.

After all, it will be impossible to enroll to study in the country without it… Besides, it’s complicated to keep paying all the medical expenses out of your own pocket!

If you still have questions about student health insurance options in Singapore (or moving abroad or insurance in general), leave a comment in the section and I’ll get back to you ASAP!

 

Planning your next trip?

Then don’t forget travel insurance! You don’t want to get stuck paying a ton of money and ruining your trip if you get sick or have an accident without travel insurance. Our page with The 3 Best and Cheapest Travel Insurance on the Market can help you choose the right plan and will give you some discount coupons for the biggest insurance companies!

 

 Already reserved your hotel or hostel? If not, our article with The 6 Best and Cheapest Websites to Find & Reserve Accommodation can help you out. You’ll also find some promotions and discount codes.

 

 Still haven’t booked your plane ticket and want to save big? Take a look at our page with 16 Tips to Save on Flights where you’ll also find the 4 best websites to buy your plane tickets. 

 

And finally, will you need to rent a car during your trip? Then surely our page with The 5 Best and Cheapest Websites to Compare and Rent Cars Around the World will help you choose the best rental car and find a good deal.