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. StudentSecure Insurance from WorldTrips
WorldTrips is another great insurance company for students. Besides their great travel insurance options, they also have plenty of great international health insurance options for overseas students.
Below, you’ll find more details about the 4 levels of coverage for student health insurance that HCCMIS has on offer.
HCCMIS Plan #1: StudentSecure Elite
- The lowest deductibles and the highest coverage on offer
- 6-month waiting period for pre-existing conditions to be covered
- Includes coverage for club or intercollegiate sports
- Includes personal responsibility coverage
HCCMIS Plan #2: StudentSecure Select
- Lower maximum coverage (and lower monthly cost, too)
- 6-month waiting period for pre-existing conditions to be covered
- Option to add on Crisis Response Rider for rescue coverage
HCCMIS Plan #3: StudentSecure Budget
- 12-month waiting period for pre-existing conditions to be covered
- Medium coverage with a higher deductible
HCCMIS Plan #4: StudentSecure Smart
- The cheapest plan available (with the lowest benefits as well)
- Highest deductibles of all the plans
- Only covers pre-existing conditions at their acute onset
- Does not cover club sports
Take a look at the comparison below of HCC’s 4 StudentSecure plans (click to see the chart in more detail):
Pros of StudentSecure insurance from WorldTrips:
- They have some of the cheapest plans on this entire list
- You have 4 plans to choose from (and they are all made especially for students)
- They offer a discount if you pay the full plan amount upfront
- Their plans include coverage for dental emergencies in case of accidents (up to $250 USD per tooth or $500 USD in total)
Cons of StudentSecure insurance from WorldTrips:
- The Smart plan doesn’t have any pre-existing condition coverage
- In other plans, there is a 6-month waiting period for pre-existing conditions
- With the exception of the Elite plan, their plans don’t cover vaccines
- The Smart plan doesn’t have maternity or nursery coverage
- The low-cost plans have very high deductibles
Visitor Coverage, established in 2006 in the U.S., aims to simplify the travel insurance selection process by providing personalized and budget-friendly options for tourists, students, expats, and immigrants.
While it doesn’t offer its own insurance policies, the company serves as a connector, linking customers with trusted insurance providers to ensure peace of mind during emergencies. With a user-friendly platform, travelers can easily compare and purchase the insurance that fits their needs by entering some basic trip details.
For instance, international students can input information such as destination, age, and nationality. Based on this input, the platform showcases the best insurance options, highlighting costs, coverage, cancellation possibilities, extensions, and other perks. It also features ratings and comprehensive information on each insurance company and its offerings.
What I like about Visitor Coverage student insurance:
- It’s a good way to compare the most reliable travel insurance on the market
- It has detailed information from several insurance companies
- It’s an easy-to-use platform
- It shows options that suit each traveler’s profile and with varying prices
- Support for insured students 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- More than 18 years of experience in the market and more than 1 million customers around the world
What I don’t like about Visitor Coverage student insurance:
- It doesn’t have Visitor Coverage’s own insurance
- The exchange must be at least 30 days and at most 1 year
- It doesn’t cover the following countries: Belarus, Cuba, Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Mayotte, North Korea, Russia, Syria and Ukraine
6. 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
7. 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
2 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.
– 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
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| 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:
- Student Health Advantage from IMG
- International student health insurance from Cigna Global
- Now Health International
- Foyer Global Health
- StudentSecure from HCCMIS
- 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!