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Why Singapore?
The small state of Singapore is is well-known for its very stringent laws and regulations particularly in the areas involving cleanliness. These regulations are carried over to Singapore's ultra-high quality levels in healthcare and world-class facilities, making it an ideal destination for medical travelers looking for modern infrastructure, a clean and structured environment, and English-speaking medical professionals.
Singapore's Healthcare System
In 2014, the Bloomberg ranked Singapore as the most efficient health system in the world. Hospitals and medical centers in Singapore are mostly government or public facilities, while a few are privately owned like the Raffles and Parkway hospitals. All Singaporean hospitals offer 'top-of-the-line' healthcare services and facilities. They are serviced by English-speaking and internationally trained medical practitioners and staff.
International Hospital Accreditations
Most hospitals and specialty centers in Singapore cater to medical tourists, and practically all of them offer ultra-high quality healthcare. Most major hospitals in Singapore have international accreditation from the Joint Commission International (JCI), ISO or OHSAS. In 2014, Singapore had 21 JCI-accredited hospitals and medical centers.
Local Hospital Accreditations
Singaporean health facilities receive local accreditation from the Singapore Health Promotion Board, the Singapore Laboratory Accreditation System (SINGLAS), the Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC) and the Singaporean Ministry of Health.
The Health Sciences Authority of Singapore and the Singapore Accreditation Council control and regulate the certification of medical devices and other health products.
Physicians Accreditations
Medical practitioners' standards and practices are regulated by the Singapore Medical Council, Singapore Nursing Board, Singapore Dental Board, Pharmacy Board and the Laboratory Board.
Common Treatments done in Singapore by Medical Tourists
Singaporean hospitals and healthcare facilities offer a wide array of procedures and services for medical travelers, which include but are not limited to the following:
- Orthopedic Surgery (hip and knee replacements, etc)
- Cardiac Surgeries (heart bypass, valve replacements, etc)
- Cancer and Oncology
- Neurology and Neurosurgery
- Cosmetic Surgery
- Dental Services (surgeries, dental implants, etc)
- Bariatric Surgeries
Cost of Medical Treatment in Singapore
The following are cost comparisons between Medical procedures in Singapore and equivalent procedures in the United States: [sources 1, 2, 3]
| Cardiac Surgery | |||
| Procedure | US Hospitals | Singapore | Average Savings |
| Heart Bypass | $55,000 - $130,000 | $13,000 - $18,500 | 70-80% |
| Heart Valve Replacement | $130,000 - $160,000 | $12,000 - 13,000 | 90-92% |
| Coronary Angioplasty | $42,000 - $57,000 | $11,500 - $13,000 | 70-77% |
| Coronary Angiography | $5,500 - $6,000 | $1,300 - $1,500 | 70-75% |
| Orthopedic Surgery | |||
| Procedure | US Hospitals | Singapore | Average Savings |
| Hip Replacement | $24,000 - $43,000 | $12,000 - $16,000 | 50-65% |
| Hip Resurfacing | $45,000 - $50,000 | $13,000 - $15,000 | 70-75% |
| Knee Replacement | $38,000 - $42,000 | $12,000 - $13,500 | 65-70% |
| Spinal Fusion | $60,000 - $63,000 | $8,000 - $10,000 | 80-85% |
| Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery | |||
| Procedure | US Hospitals | Singapore | Average Savings |
| Face Lift (Rhytidectomy) | $19,000 - $21,000 | $6,500 - $7,500 | 60-65% |
| Breast Augmentation/Reduction (Mammoplasty) | $9,000 - $11,000 | $7,000 - $9,000 | 18-20% |
| Liposuction (Lipoplasty) | $14,000 - $16,000 | $4,500 - $5,500 | 60-65% |
| Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty) | $6,500 - $7,500 | $3,500 - $4,500 | 40-46% |
| Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) | $8,000 - $9,000 | $6,000 - $6,500 | 25-40% |
| Eyelid Surgery | $6,500 - $7,500 | $3,500 - $4,000 | 45-50% |
| Eye / Ophthalmology | |||
| Procedure | US Hospitals | Singapore | Average Savings |
| LASIK Eye Surgery | $2,000 - $2,500 | $1,500 - $2,000 | 20-25% |
| General and Cosmetic Dentistry | |||
| Procedure | US Hospitals | Singapore | Average Savings |
| Root Canal | $800 - $1200 | $350 - $900 | 25-60% |
| Other procedures | |||
| Procedure | US Hospitals | Singapore | Average Savings |
| Stem Cell Transplant | $200,000 - $250,000 | $72,000 - $90,000 | 60-65% |
| Hysterectomy | $19,000 - $21,000 | $5,500 - $6,500 | 70-75% |
Malpractice and Liability Laws in Singapore
Doctors in Singapore are required to have suitable medical malpractice insurance, but these are not as expensive as compared to the US. The costs are recovered through payments for medical procedures and treatments as shouldered by patients.
Pros
- Quality healthcare system
The WHO ranked the quality of healthcare in Singapore as 6th in the world. - Modern and developed country
Singapore is a highly urbanized, orderly and spotless country so medical tourists can avoid the chaotic environment which is typical to some Asian countries. - JCI accreditations
There are several JCI-certified hospitals and healthcare facilities in Singapore. - English is widely spoken
English is one of Singapore's official languages and is spoken by all doctors and medical staff.
