Singapore Health system, so confused! HELP!

[User8743]

DH has been offered a three year contract in Singapore. Kids are in uni, so it would be only me following him. My only issue is that I have a genetic disorder which needs specialist neurologist and oncologist every year and MRIs prior to the yearly check up, with the added risk that at any time, I might need surgery.

I am a bit lost between public system, Medisave, Medishield and private health. More than happy to buy private health insurance, but I don't really understand what they cover.

A few years ago, we had to decline an Australian job offer, because private health there doesn't cover for specialist visit, MRI or other exams. This was on a temporary visa, we would have never been granted a permanent one because of my disease.

Are specialist visits covered by private health insurance in Singapore (in the same way they are here in UK)? Same with MRIs or Ultra sounds when requested by specialist?

My understanding is that the employer gives a contribution to health, not sure if to the public or private system.

Thank you if you can help me understand a bit. Googling at night doesn't seem to bring clarity!

I don't know a lot about the medical system in Singapore but Medisave and Medishield are for citizens and permanent residents so won't apply to you.
You will need private health insurance and the cover will have limits depending on how much money you spend on it. All specialist visits and treatments have a limit on them and if you go over you have to pay yourself.
You have to pay for both public and private healthcare. Public isn't that much cheaper than private if you are not a citizen or permanent resident.
Generally the health insurance can be used in both the public and private hospitals but you will be given a list of doctors and hospitals where it can be used. If you have private health insurance they are generally more keen to keep you in the private system.
You would need to look in to what health insurance the employer is giving you. It can normally be used in both the public and private systems but you need to make sure it is very good coverage

Thank you!