These two Asian megacities attract more and more expatriates every year. Is one better than the other? It all depends on your priorities and your personal situation. In either case, having solid health insurance coverage before you leave is essential. At Mondassur, our health insurance plans for expatriates are tailored to your needs, whether you’re traveling alone, as a couple, or with your family.
- Hong Kong is particularly appealing to expatriates seeking career advancement, thanks to its status as a major global financial center.
- Singapore is becoming increasingly attractive to families because of its quality of life, green spaces, and bilingual education system.
- Public healthcare remains primarily reserved for residents of both cities; expatriates and travelers face high medical costs in both Hong Kong and Singapore, especially in the private sector.
- Waiting times to see a specialist are generally shorter in Singapore than in Hong Kong.
- In both cities, medical costs remain high, so health insurance tailored to your needs is essential.
Hong Kong: An Ideal Global City for Your Career
Hong Kong, whose name means “Fragrant Harbor,” has a population of more than 7 million. As the world’s third-largest financial center, it attracts expatriates who are primarily seeking to advance their careers. Foreign companies based there account for more than one-third of the city’s GDP.
Beyond its economic importance, Hong Kong remains a city rich in history, shaped by its Chinese and British heritages. It offers an impressive culinary diversity, ranging from local specialties such as dim sum and cha chaan teng to world-class international cuisine. Residents also enjoy attractions such as Victoria Peak, the Temple Street Night Market, and the Po Lin Buddhist Monastery, all in a city with a vibrant nightlife.
Singapore: The City-State That Appeals to Families
Singapore is a city-state consisting of one main island and 64 smaller islands, with a population of approximately 6 million. Non-citizen residents (permanent residents and foreigners) now account for nearly one-third of the total population, making it a particularly cosmopolitan city.
A lush, well-organized city, Singapore charms visitors with its clean air and numerous natural spaces: designated botanical gardens, Merlion Park, Gardens by the Bay, MacRitchie Forest, and the trails of the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. Its world-class education system, which promotes bilingualism in English and Mandarin, also reassures families considering moving there with their children.
How do the healthcare systems in Singapore and Hong Kong work?
Singapore and Hong Kong both have modern and efficient healthcare systems, but there are some differences that matter to an expatriate:
- Accessibility and Costs : In both Hong Kong and Singapore, public healthcare is primarily reserved for local residents. Expats and travelers face high medical costs in both cities, particularly in the private sector, which makes a Health Insurance in Hong Kong especially useful upon arrival.
- Health Insurance : Medical costs remain high in Singapore as well, for both routine care and hospitalization. A Health Insurance in Singapore It therefore remains an essential investment. It covers routine care, hospitalization, liability insurance, medical care abroad, and repatriation.
- Waiting Times : Wait times for medical care, particularly specialized care, are generally shorter in Singapore than in Hong Kong.
- Quality of Care : Both cities offer high-quality healthcare, with qualified specialists and modern equipment. However, Singapore remains a step ahead in medical technology and innovation.
What are the average costs of medical care in Singapore and Hong Kong?
Prices vary depending on the type of treatment, the facility, and the practitioner, but medical costs are generally higher in Hong Kong:
General Practitioner Appointment
- Hong Kong: 400–600 HKD (approximately 50–77 €)
- Singapore: 50–80 SGD (approximately 36–58 €)
Specialist Consultation
- Hong Kong: 1,000–2,000 HKD (approximately 129–258 €)
- Singapore: 120–250 SGD (approximately 87–182 €)
Vaginal delivery
- Hong Kong: 70,000–180,000 HKD (approximately 9,000–23,000 €)
- Singapore: 8,000–20,000 SGD (approximately 5,600–14,000 €)
Laser eye surgery (both eyes)
- Hong Kong: 24,000–40,000 HKD (approximately 3,100–5,200 €)
- Singapore: 4,000–8,000 SGD (approximately 2,900–5,800 €)
These amounts are for reference only and may vary depending on the provider you choose. The key takeaway: medical costs are high in both cities, and particularly in Hong Kong. Adequate health insurance is therefore not an optional extra for anyone moving to Singapore or Hong Kong.
Which health insurance plan should you choose for your stay abroad?
Whether you’re moving to Hong Kong to advance your career or settling down with your family in Singapore, your health insurance coverage should match your actual needs: routine care, hospitalization, maternity care, or even repatriation. Before making a decision, be sure to check the Visa Requirements for Singapore, which often require proof of health insurance. To get a better sense of daily life there, our Firsthand Account of Singapore’s Healthcare System provides concrete insight into the prices charged and how to choose a doctor.
At Mondassur, we offer health insurance solutions for expatriates tailored to these two destinations, with coverage options that can be customized to fit your profile and budget.
