Key Differences Between Public and Private Hospitals in Singapore

A key difference between public and private healthcare in Singapore lies in how each is managed and financed.

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1) Wait Times
In Singapore, wait times in public hospitals tend to be longer, similar to other countries with both public and private healthcare systems.

As of March 2023, the Ministry of Health reported that while Alexandra Hospital maintained wait times under two hours, other public hospitals required between one and seven hours for admittance, with Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) exceeding 25 hours on average. In private hospitals, however, patients are generally admitted within an hour after seeing an emergency doctor.

2) Appointments
Private hospitals allow for scheduled appointments, reducing wait times for non-emergency care. Patients can arrive at their designated time to see their doctor promptly. Conversely, public hospitals operate on a first-come, first-served basis, making wait times unpredictable and often longer.

3) Comfort
Public hospital rooms in Singapore are typically shared, with single rooms available mainly in A-class wards, but local patients often opt for B2 or lower wards for higher subsidies.

Private hospitals, without subsidy options, offer more luxurious accommodations. For example, Gleneagles features suites with a private living area and an in-room Nespresso machine for added comfort.

4) Doctors
Public hospitals in Singapore are staffed by highly trained doctors, many of whom receive their education locally.

In private hospitals, doctors are often more experienced and drawn by the financial benefits and an appointment-based system, which reduces workload and allows them to spend more time with each patient. This typically results in higher patient satisfaction and a feeling that all concerns have been fully addressed.

Which type of hospital plan should I opt for then?

If you wish to opt for a private hospital or the higher class wards in public hospitals, it is recommended to purchase private Shield plans that provide additional coverage. This is to ensure that medical bills are kept affordable even if you visit a private hospital.

But if you prefer to stay in a private hospital, be mentally and financially prepared for the higher premiums you will be paying.

Having said that, you can also opt to downgrade to a lower coverage private Shield Plan for example, for hospitalisation in public hospitals (wards A and B) as the premium rises with your age.