Public vs private healthcare in Singapore: polyclinics, CHAS, MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans

Singapore's public healthcare includes polyclinics for subsidised primary care and public (restructured) hospitals, where Citizens and Permanent Residents receive government subsidies, especially in lower-class wards. Private GPs and private hospitals offer more choice of doctor and shorter waits at higher cost, and eligible Citizens can get subsidies at participating private GP and dental clinics through CHAS and Healthier SG. MediShield Life is the basic national health insurance for all Citizens and PRs, and Integrated Shield Plans from private insurers add coverage for higher-class wards or private hospitals.

Last updated 13 November 2026 · 🏥 Healthcare rankings →

Public and private care

Polyclinics: government primary care centres for common illnesses, chronic disease care, vaccinations and screening, run by the public healthcare clusters. Subsidised rates apply to Citizens and PRs.
Public hospitals: restructured hospitals and national specialty centres. Subsidies depend on ward class and, for specialist outpatient care, being referred from a polyclinic or CHAS GP as a subsidised patient.
Private GPs and specialists: private clinics, many of them CHAS-participating. See our GP and family clinics.
Private hospitals: choice of specialist and private rooms, at private rates. See ranked hospitals.

Foreigners generally do not receive government subsidies and pay non-resident rates.

CHAS and Healthier SG

The Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) gives eligible Singapore Citizens subsidies for medical and dental care at participating private GP and dental clinics; the level depends on the card tier, which is based on household income. Healthier SG invites residents to enrol with one family doctor for preventive care and health plans, with nationally recommended screenings and vaccinations subsidised. Check eligibility and participating clinics on the CHAS website and HealthHub.

How hospital bills are paid

Government subsidies reduce the bill first for eligible patients in public institutions.
MediShield Life: compulsory basic insurance for all Citizens and PRs, for life, covering large hospital bills and selected costly outpatient treatments such as dialysis and chemotherapy, sized for subsidised wards. Deductibles and co-insurance apply.
Integrated Shield Plans (IPs): optional plans from private insurers that combine MediShield Life with additional private coverage for A or B1 wards in public hospitals, or private hospitals. Premiums can be partly paid from MediSave; optional riders cover more of the out-of-pocket share, paid in cash.
MediSave: each person's CPF healthcare savings account, usable within set limits for hospital bills, some outpatient treatments and insurance premiums.
MediFund: a safety net for Citizens who still cannot afford their subsidised bills.

MOH publishes current premiums, claim limits and withdrawal limits; insurers publish IP benefit tables.

Emergencies

In an emergency call 995 for an SCDF ambulance, which takes patients to the nearest suitable public hospital emergency department. For non-emergency ambulance transport, use a private ambulance service. Public hospitals triage A&E patients by severity, so non-urgent cases may wait longer; a GP or polyclinic is usually the better first stop for minor illnesses.

FAQ

What is the difference between a polyclinic and a GP in Singapore?

Polyclinics are government primary care centres with subsidised rates for Citizens and PRs; GPs are private clinics. Many private GPs participate in CHAS and Healthier SG, which bring subsidies to eligible Citizens.

Is MediShield Life enough?

MediShield Life is designed to cover large bills in subsidised (B2 or C class) wards in public hospitals. People wanting higher-class wards or private hospitals often add an Integrated Shield Plan. This is a personal decision; MOH and insurers publish the details.

Can foreigners use polyclinics in Singapore?

Yes, but foreigners generally pay non-subsidised rates at polyclinics and public hospitals.

What is CHAS?

The Community Health Assist Scheme provides subsidies for eligible Singapore Citizens at participating private GP and dental clinics, with the subsidy level based on household income tier.

What number do I call for an ambulance in Singapore?

Call 995 for emergencies. The SCDF emergency ambulance takes patients to the nearest suitable public hospital.

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Sources

Editorial guide by Best Singapore. Not legal, financial or medical advice; check the sources for current rules and figures.