Frequently Asked Questions |
- How do I schedule an appointment with a healthcare establishment in Singapore?
- Can I visit a Singapore healthcare establishment without a medical appointment?
- What information do I need to provide when making a medical appointment?
- What medical records or documents must I have with me?
- Am I able to bring my medication with me to Singapore?
- If I do not have a referral from my local doctor, can I set up an appointment with a doctor in Singapore?
- My family is accompanying me for my medical treatment. Where can they stay?
- I do not speak English, how can I get help with communication?
- If I need a blood transfusion in Singapore, how can I be sure that the blood I will be receiving is safe?
- Will the time required for processing my visa be reduced if I need urgent medical attention in Singapore?
- If I need urgent medical attention in an emergency, do I have to apply for a visa?
- Do I have to apply for a visa for each visit, especially when I need to be in Singapore frequently for consultation and follow-up treatment?
- I'm a foreigner and would like to give birth in Singapore. Is this possible?
Q1. How do I schedule an appointment with a healthcare establishment in Singapore?
A. You may contact your selected healthcare establishment directly, either through telephone, fax, email or a letter. Contact details of each healthcare establishment are available on the respective webpages of this site. Most hospitals in Singapore have International Patient Service Centres. They cater especially to international patients, paying special attention to their personal, cultural and travel-related needs. The professional staff at these centres will help you arrange consultations, second opinions or treatments, and coordinate appointments in a time-efficient manner. Cost estimates, interpretation services and assistance with travel arrangements are also offered.
Q2. Can I visit a Singapore healthcare establishment without a medical appointment?
A. In order to avoid unnecessary inconveniences and delays, we suggest that scheduled appointments be made prior to your arrival.
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Q3. What information do I need to provide when making a medical appointment?
A. Your name, as it appears on your passport, along with current address, date of birth, a brief explanation of your medical problem, and the preferred date of the appointment.
Q4. What medical records or documents must I have with me?
A. Please be advised to have with you all relevant information on your medical condition, including x-rays, medical history/records and your current medication. As names of some medication may differ in different countries, it would be useful to bring along supporting documentation on the details of your prescription drugs. If you have been referred to Singapore by your local doctor, please ensure that you have his / her contact details with you as well.
Q5. Am I able to bring my medication with me to Singapore?
A. The containers should be clearly marked with the generic name of the medication and that it is for personal consumption due to your medical condition. You may also want to bring along the prescription for the medication to show that you legally use it.
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Q6. If I do not have a referral from my local doctor, can I set up an appointment with a doctor in Singapore?
A. Yes, you may contact any of the healthcare establishments in Singapore directly and make appointments accordingly. It is important that you bring along information about your previous medical treatment and your medical records.
Q7. My family is accompanying me for my medical treatment. Where can they stay?
A. When you make an appointment with the healthcare establishment, let them know that your family will be travelling with you, and they will make the necessary accommodation arrangements. It would be helpful if you can give the healthcare establishment an indication of your budget as well.
Q8. I do not speak English, how can I get help with communication?
A. Singapore is a multicultural and multiracial country. Many Singaporeans are conversant in Mandarin, Chinese dialects, Malay or Tamil. Interpretation services are available at healthcare establishments to ensure that international patients are able to communicate effectively with our medical professionals. Should you require interpretation services, please contact the healthcare establishment directly.
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Q9. If I need a blood transfusion in Singapore, how can I be sure that the blood I will be receiving is safe?
A. Health Sciences Authority's Centre for Transfusion Medicine ensures safe regulated blood practices; from donation, to testing, processing, distribution and transfusion. Since 1992, the Centre has been designated as a World Health Organisation (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Transfusion Medicine. It has also been identified by WHO as a regional Quality Management Training Centre, providing comprehensive training in blood transfusion services to those in the Western Pacific region. The blood which patients receive here meet stringent safety standards.
Q10. Will the time required for processing my visa be reduced if I need urgent medical attention in Singapore?
A. If your condition warrants urgent medical treatment and attention, the hospital or the International Patient Service Centre is able to liaise with the immigration authorities (Immigration & Checkpoints Authority) on your behalf to facilitate and expedite the visa process.
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Q11. If I need urgent medical attention in an emergency, do I have to apply for a visa?
A. If your condition is critical and requires immediate medical attention, clearance at the checkpoints will be made even if you have not applied for a visa prior to arrival. You will be issued a special pass to allow you passage when you arrive at the checkpoint. However, post-arrival visa formalities will still have to be sorted out after your entry into Singapore.
Q12. Do I have to apply for a visa for each visit, especially when I need to be in Singapore frequently for consultation and follow-up treatment?
A. The healthcare establishment concerned will be able to assist you with your application for Multiple Journey Visas (MJV). Applications for MJV have to be supported by letters from the healthcare establishment explaining the frequency of treatment you require.
Q13. I'm a foreigner and would like to give birth in Singapore. Is this possible?
A. Yes, please make an application through a sponsor in Singapore before your arrival. Your local sponsor will submit the application and once approved, a security deposit of between S$1,000 to S$5,000 would need to be furnished. You may like to refer to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority website on Social Visit Pass Application for more information on the application procedure.
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