The cost of comprehensive health screenings in Singapore in 2022

We all know that prevention is better than cure, but how often we walk the talk and go for a health screening regularly is a completely different story. Whether it’s owing to the cost, the fear of blood and needles, or the inability to face undesirable outcomes, the fact is that not a lot of Singaporeans undertake health checkups regularly. Many do not even know what is included in a medical checkup, how much a comprehensive medical screening in Singapore costs, or how often they should get checked.

Fortunately, this Pacific Prime Singapore article will answer those questions and more.

Contents

What exactly is a health screening?

Health or medical screenings are tests that look for diseases before you have symptoms. There are primarily two types of health screenings, namely specific and general.

Specific testing

As you can guess from the name, if you suspect or are at risk of a certain illness, that’s the form of testing you should go for. Most clinics and hospitals in Singapore maintain a full list of screening procedures for various ailments that you can pick and choose from.

General testing

Also known as a comprehensive health screening, general testing is a form of health screening you should undertake if you are just looking for a general look-over. It comprises a physical check-up and several medical tests to screen for common conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

If you are not looking for anything specific, a basic check-up should include four basic components:

Medical health assessment: A chat with your doctor to assess your medical history and lifestyle, and identify any potential risks you might have.
Physical examination: The doctor should take your height and weight, measure your BMI, and check your vision.
Blood glucose test: A blood sample is taken after fasting, to test for diabetes.
Cholesterol (lipid) test: A test for high cholesterol and heart-related diseases, taken after fasting.

Depending on your needs, you may also ask for add-ons such as blood pressure tests, urine analysis, full blood count, and electrocardiogram (ECG).

How much does a comprehensive health screening cost in Singapore?

It’s important to note that your Medisave can only be used for a limited range of specific screenings, such as mammograms and colonoscopies. General health screenings are, therefore, not covered. Polyclinics also don’t offer comprehensive health screening services, either, since they only perform screenings for certain specific diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.

So if you are looking for a general health screening, you can only opt for a private or public hospital, or a private clinic. When searching for blood test prices or full body checkup prices in Singapore, be sure to take your time comparing your options. Private hospitals tend to offer health checkup packages in Singapore with a more exhaustive list of screening procedures, but of course, these services come with a heftier price tag.

Below is a summary of the costs of the most basic packages available at major public and private hospitals, as well as private clinics (as of the time of writing this article). It’s important to bear in mind that the precise details of each package vary, so it’s best to see what each package includes for fair price comparison.

Price list of public hospitals

Price list of private hospitals

Price list of private clinics

How often should you get checked?

The answer depends entirely on your age, health status, and family history. But the general rule is that you may not need to go for a comprehensive health screening every year if you are a healthy individual. Certain types of screenings like mammograms and x-rays can actually be harmful, and should not be overdone.

But after you have reached a certain age, which varies between different individuals, you may consider having annual check-ups. It’s always advisable to consult your doctor on what and when you should get health screenings.

Health screening options for expats in Singapore

While Singaporean nationals can use their Medisave to cover the costs of some screenings, expatriates living in the city may have to pay out of pocket for the medical expenses, which could stack up significantly, especially in private institutions. Given this, expats in Singapore, particularly frequent travelers, are strongly urged to secure an international health insurance plan.

International health insurance allows you to access quality healthcare at your preferred medical facility across virtually all countries in the world, though some plans may exclude the United States. You will have peace of mind knowing that you can enjoy top-notch care if you encounter any mishap overseas.

This kind of international healthcare comes with a higher price tag and can be a substantial investment, which is why you should compare different policies carefully before making any purchasing decision.

Wondering how much comprehensive health insurance costs? Pacific Prime Singapore can help. We are an established health insurance broker and employee benefits specialist with over 20 years of experience and multiple offices across the world. Our team of experts is on hand to match you with the best plan that fits your needs and budget.