Singapore is a secure and highly educational nation within the world. It has universities that attract thousands of international students annually and the attraction is obvious. The schooling system is strict. The campuses are modern. The way of life is efficient and comfortable.
However, there is one important fact that surprises the minds of plenty of students: international students cannot get public healthcare subsidies in Singapore.
It implies that all foreign students have to be covered by a personal health insurance either by a university program or a full-fledged individual policy. Other students would find it more comfortable with a campus group plan whereas, others would use individual international insurers due to wider range of coverage, mobility and raising limits.
In any case, insurance is a compulsory requirement and the selection of an appropriate plan can be of immense help in times of medical emergencies or when there is an unexpected need to visit a hospital.
Singapore has good medical services. But when a good insurance policy is not in place, the cost is easily out of hand. An easy specialist visit is not much of a problem but inpatient care, sophisticated scans or emergency treatment can translate into high costs.
This is the reason why careful insurance planning is necessary to the students residing in the country.
Within this guide, you will get a breakdown of the best health insurance options of overseas international students in Singapore, practical tips of finding the best plan, and a table of comparison to enable you to compare coverage at a glance.
Why International Students Need Private Health Insurance in Singapore
The healthcare system of Singapore has a high reputation of being precise, efficient, and quality.
However, it also happens to be one of the most costly in Asia- and even the world.
The local residents and permanent citizens are subjected to subsidised charges under national plans like MediSave and MediShield Life. Nevertheless, international students are not the beneficiaries of any of these subsidies, no matter their education program or country of origin.
This not only makes private insurance significant, it is also a financial protection.
What international students may encounter medically:
- Hospitalisation due to sudden illness
- Accidents or injuries, especially in labs or during sports activities
- Outpatient visits for common health issues
- Mental-health consultations
- Pre-existing condition management
- Prescription medication needs
- Travel-related disruptions or emergencies
Singapore hospital charges a thousand dollars depending on room class and treatment. Accessible but also very expensive emergency care is the last option.
Insurance helps to make sure that medical requirements would not be an expensive cost.
Universities are quite aware of this fact. Indeed, the vast majority of the institutions, such as NUS, NTU, SMU, SUTD, SIT, demand that the international students have submitted valid private health insurance to finish the enrollment.
There are universities that automatically enroll students to group plans. Other ones permit the outside policies provided that they satisfy certain requirements of medical emergencies and hospital coverage.
Top 10 Health Insurance Providers for Overseas International Students in Singapore
Below is a curated list of the most reliable, student-friendly insurers in the Singapore market. These plans are widely accepted, offer strong benefits, and are designed to support international students’ needs.
1. AXA International Exclusive Plan
AXA is one of the leading international insurers for students.
Its International Exclusive Plan is designed with generous coverage limits and global access.
Key strengths:
- Annual coverage up to S$4.5 million
- Strong mental-health benefits
- Comprehensive inpatient and outpatient protection
- Emergency medical coverage, including evacuation
- Accepted by major educational institutions
Students who want robust protection, especially those handling demanding academic loads or high-stress environments, often choose AXA for its consistency and reputation.
2. Cigna Global (Silver, Gold, Platinum)
Cigna Global is widely recognised among expats and overseas scholars.
Its plans are flexible and offer strong global reach.
Why students choose Cigna:
- Coverage limits starting from S$1 million and above
- Customisable deductibles and coverage levels
- 24/7 multilingual telehealth support
- Strong outpatient and mental-health coverage
- Excellent for students who travel often
The Cigna Silver tier works for budget-conscious students, while Gold and Platinum plans cater to those wanting enhanced international protection.
3. Allianz Care
Allianz Care offers structured international plans with a focus on ease and convenience.
Standout benefits:
- Telemedicine access
- Emergency evacuation
- Strong inpatient/outpatient provisions
- Smooth claim processes
- Customisable options
Allianz is a dependable choice for students who want simple, intuitive global coverage without compromising on quality.
4. MSIG Prestige Healthcare Elite
MSIG is well-established in Singapore and is known for balancing affordability with strong coverage.
What MSIG offers:
- Annual coverage up to S$900,000
- Options ranging from basic to high-tier
- Regional travel add-ons
- Maternity upgrades
MSIG works particularly well for students who want solid hospital coverage with the flexibility to add travel protection for ASEAN or Asia-Pacific trips.
5. Liberty Insurance – MyHealth International
Liberty Insurance’s “MyHealth International” line provides excellent value across tiers.
Features you can expect:
- Multiple tiers (Essential, Regular, Elite)
- Annual limits ranging from S$2 million to S$6 million
- Strong maternity benefits
- Efficient claims management
- Robust outpatient coverage
Students seeking high-level benefits with Singapore-based customer support find Liberty to be a reliable option.
6. AIA HealthShield Gold Max (Foreigners)
AIA’s HealthShield Gold Max is one of Singapore’s best-known medical insurance plans.
It is available to foreigners, including students in specific categories.
Why AIA stands out:
- Annual limit of S$2 million
- Excellent inpatient coverage
- Day surgery and specialist coverage
- Strong outpatient support
Students attending universities with demanding academic programs, or those who want fast access to quality private hospitals, often choose this plan.
7. FWD International Health Insurance
FWD is modern, digital-first, and known for flexible plan design.
Key highlights:
- Annual limits from S$100,000 to S$3 million
- Reloadable benefit option
- Global portability
- Dental, maternity, and travel add-ons
- Fast online claims processes
FWD fits students who prefer straightforward, customizable plans with digital convenience.
8. Great Eastern Supreme
Great Eastern is one of Singapore’s longest-standing insurers.
Benefits offered:
- Coverage up to S$1.5 million
- Strong hospitalization and outpatient benefits
- Direct billing with many Singapore hospitals
- Peace of mind for long-term degree students
Great Eastern is a favourite among local families and foreign students seeking familiar, established service.
9. IncomeShield (by Income Insurance)
IncomeShield provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient coverage with access to an extensive clinic network.
Coverage features:
- Over 300 panel clinics
- Inpatient and outpatient treatments
- Pre- and post-hospitalization coverage
- Annual maximum up to S$150,000
IncomeShield suits students who want local reliability and affordable, structured protection.
10. IMG International Student Insurance
IMG is widely recognised among universities worldwide.
Why IMG is popular:
- Three plan levels (Student Health Advantage, Patriot Exchange, Student Essential)
- Strong telehealth and mental-health benefits
- Affordable and easy to enroll
- Includes travel and emergency evacuation options
Students staying for short or mid-term programs appreciate IMG’s flexibility and broad protection.
Notable Additional and University-Recommended Plans
These plans are often recommended by Singapore universities or paired with travel/academic activities.
April International
April International offers global plans suitable for students who need:
- Direct billing
- International hospital access
- High coverage limits
- Expat-oriented service
April is ideal for students who want seamless access across Singapore and abroad.
Chubb Student Travel Insurance (SMU Group Policy)
Singapore Management University and other institutions use Chubb for official student travel.
Benefits include:
- Coverage for study trips
- Medical emergencies
- Loss or damage to belongings
- Personal accident benefits
- Travel disruption coverage
Students involved in academic exchange or fieldwork programs find this plan especially valuable.
GoldStudent (Mondassur)
GoldStudent is tailored to international learners seeking affordable and reliable protection.
Key features:
- Global coverage
- Multilingual support
- Reasonable premiums
- Suitable for short- and long-term study
This provider balances practicality with accessibility for younger students or exchange participants.
Comparison Table
| Provider & Plan | Plan Type | Key Features | Annual Max Coverage |
| AXA International Exclusive | International | In/outpatient, mental health | S$4,500,000 |
| Cigna Global Silver/Gold/Platinum | International | Flexible global plan | S$1 million+ |
| Allianz Care | International | Telemedicine, evacuation | High |
| MSIG Prestige Healthcare Elite | International | Travel/maternity add-ons | S$900,000 |
| Liberty MyHealth International | Local/International | Tiered benefits, maternity | S$2–S$6 million |
| AIA HealthShield Gold Max | Local/International | Day surgery, inpatient | S$2 million |
| FWD International | International | Flexible limits, add-ons | S$100k–S$3 million |
| Great Eastern Supreme | Local/International | Direct billing | S$1.5 million |
| IncomeShield | Local/International | Pre/post-hospitalisation | S$150,000 |
| IMG International Student | International | Telehealth, mental health | Up to US$500,000 |
How to Choose the Right Insurance Plan as a Student in Singapore
Choosing a health insurance plan is not simply about finding the cheapest option. It requires matching your coverage to your academic lifestyle, medical needs, and expected healthcare usage.
Here is a reliable decision framework:
1. Check your university’s requirements
Some universities mandate annual plans. Others allow waivers only if your private policy meets strict criteria.
2. Examine inpatient vs. outpatient balance
Singapore has high-quality hospitals. Emergency or inpatient care can become costly fast.
Look for plans with strong hospitalisation coverage and reasonable outpatient benefits.
3. Prioritize mental-health support
Academic pressure, transitions, and cultural adjustment affect many students.
Plans like AXA, Cigna, Allianz, and IMG provide meaningful mental-health access.
4. Verify direct billing availability
Direct billing avoids paying upfront for large medical bills.
Great Eastern, Liberty, April, and some AXA plans offer this.
5. If you travel frequently, choose global coverage
Students who return home often or travel around Asia need international portability.
Cigna, Allianz, AXA, IMG, and SafetyWing excel here.
6. Check deductible amounts and co-payments
Low premiums sometimes hide high deductibles. Balance cost with coverage.
7. Review exclusions carefully
Common exclusions include:
- Dental
- Vision
- Sports injuries
- Pre-existing conditions
- Pregnancy (unless covered)
Make sure you understand what is not covered.
8. Confirm claims processes
Digital-first insurers like FWD, Cigna, IMG, and Allianz offer efficient app-based claims.
Pro Tips:
Singapore is a global study destination and the healthcare costs must be well planned.
The international students need to buy their own health insurance either in a university scheme or with a reliable insuring company of either global or Singapore coverage. Having the appropriate plan will make you more stable, financially insured, and calm in the process of studying.
The above providers, AXA, Cigna, Allianz, MSIG, Liberty, AIA, FWD, Great Eastern, IncomeShield, IMG, April international, Chubb, and Mondassur, are flexible, reliable, and student-centered providers.
It is a matter of ensuring that you are covered regardless of what your studies bring with you by picking the appropriate one.
