Admission to Singapore hospitals is either through the emergency department for medical emergencies or through referrals and appointments. All Singapore hospitals have accident and emergency units that will completely attend to patients before addressing the administrative details of the admissions process. In the case of an emergency, you need not worry about gathering paperwork or documentation before visiting any hospital’s A&E.
All hospitals in Singapore have an accident and emergency department. If you need an ambulance you can either call 995 for the Civil Defence Force emergency ambulance or you can call the emergency line of your nearest private hospital. In the case of the former, emergency pick ups are charged at $60 – $80 depending upon the time of day you require the service. It is worth noting the numbers of your private hospital A&E in the event you urgently need help:
- Mt Elizabeth Hospital Tel. 6731 2218
- Gleneagles Hospital Tel. 6470 5688
- Mt Alvernia Hospital Tel. 6347 6210
- Raffles Hospital Tel. 6311 1555
- East Shore Hospital Tel. 6340 8666
For scheduled procedures or non-emergency services, hospital admission is by appointment with a reference letter from a local registered physician.
All hospitals need a guarantee of payment and your identification (passport) before you will be admitted. Bring a deposit or insurance form. In some cases, a letter of guarantee from your insurer will be accepted. Check with your insurance company and the hospital.
In general, each hospital will have a pre-admissions testing centre that will help in the patient’s registration and process each application. They will also advise on the processes and schedule for compulsory and routine testing such as blood tests and X-rays.
The International Medical Service (IMS) at Singapore General Hospital advises international patients on the process for public hospital admissions. Singapore General Hospital, Block 6, Level 1, Outram Road, Tel: +65 6326 5656
If you are scheduled for surgery or a procedure at a private hospital, you may have a selection of accommodation including single and double rooms to luxury suites that include extras. Private hospitals can usually provide a financial counseling service and an estimate of your hospital bill based on averages past admissions for similar procedures. Your hospital and doctor charge separately.
You can expect a high level of English to be spoken at all hospitals and clinics.
