Start Here: Is It an Emergency?
Classify your situation first — this determines your entire care pathway
Emergency
Sudden severe illness (heart attack, stroke), serious trauma (fractures, heavy bleeding), or life-threatening pediatric emergencies requiring immediate attention
→ Activate emergency processNon-Emergency
Colds, fever, mild headaches, minor allergies, routine chronic-condition follow-ups — situations that do not require immediate care
→ Primary care first, then escalateA) Emergency: Step-by-Step
Call an ambulance first
Dial 995 for the government ambulance (free, priority transport to public A&E), or 1777 for non-emergency medical transport (paid).
Go directly to A&E if self-transporting
Prioritise public hospital emergency departments — Singapore General Hospital (SGH) or National University Hospital (NUH).
Paediatric emergencies — know before you go
Only a small number of hospitals have dedicated paediatric A&E. Choose NUH or KK Women's & Children's Hospital to avoid wasted trips.
Private hospital A&E
If opting for private (e.g., Gleneagles, Raffles), call the hospital's emergency hotline in advance. Paid ambulances will prioritise their affiliated facilities.
B) Non-Emergency: Start with Primary Care
| Feature | Polyclinic (Public) | GP Clinic (Private) |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Recommended SG citizens & PR | Recommended Expats & busy moms |
| Cost | Subsidised for citizens/PR — check-up ~$5–10, Medisave applicable | Fully self-paid; no subsidy |
| Wait time | Must book via HealthHub App; walk-ins wait 2–3 hours | Same-day booking, shorter waits |
| For foreigners | No subsidy — cost similar to GP | More flexible and convenient |
Step 2: Need further care? Get a Referral Letter.
Request a Referral Letter from primary care
If the clinic cannot manage the condition (e.g., worsening chronic disease, complex symptoms), a referral letter is needed for hospital specialist clinics.
Present the letter at a hospital specialist clinic
Public or private. If claiming insurance, always choose a Panel Specialist listed by your insurer to maximise reimbursement.
Inpatient & Surgery: Public vs Private
Each system has its strengths — choose based on needs and coverage
| Dimension | Public Hospitals | Private Hospitals |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Subsidised for SG residents; Medisave & MediShield applicable | Higher cost; commercial insurance or self-pay |
| Wait Times | Non-urgent surgeries may involve weeks–months of wait | Generally shorter; more scheduling flexibility |
| Medical Quality | Internationally accredited high-calibre teams | Internationally accredited personalised care |
| Ward Options | A / B1 / B2 / C tiered wards — clear cost gradient | Predominantly private rooms; higher comfort |
| For Foreigners | Accessible; no subsidies — cost approaches private rates | Recommended — streamlined, full service |
| Key Hospitals | SGH, National University Hospital (NUH), Tan Tock Seng (TTSH) | Gleneagles, Raffles Hospital, Parkway Group |
Standard Care Pathway — Quick Summary
Three steps, clearly laid out
Initial visit
Minor or non-urgent → visit a nearby GP clinic (often best for foreigners) or a Polyclinic (cost-effective for locals with subsidies). Most minor issues, basic blood tests, and routine chronic care can be managed here. Doctors issue prescriptions and Medical Certificates (MC).
Escalation
If the clinic cannot manage the condition → request a Referral Letter → proceed to a hospital specialist clinic. This step is critical for insurance reimbursement.
Emergency
Sudden severe condition → call 995 immediately, or go directly to the nearest public hospital A&E. For children, prioritise NUH or KK Women's & Children's Hospital.
Must-Know Reminders
Four key points — read before your next appointment
- Emergency numbers: Dial 995 for a free government ambulance; dial 1777 for paid non-emergency medical transport.
- Referral Letter: If seeing a specialist and claiming insurance, always obtain a referral letter from primary care first. Missing it may result in rejected claims.
- For foreigners: Polyclinics do not offer government subsidies to non-residents. GP clinics are generally more practical and flexible for expats.
- Insurance networks: Before your visit, confirm whether the clinic or specialist is on your insurer's Panel to maximise your reimbursement rate.
This article was initially drafted with AI assistance, refined by our editorial team, and finalised following professional review by Distinct Healthcare physicians.
This is original content by Distinct Healthcare, provided for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. For personalised guidance, please consult a qualified physician.
Contact: health_content@distincthealth.com