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Expat, Digital Nomad and Traveler Health and Safety in Singapore: General and Medical Information.

Singapore, officially the Republic of Singapore, is a sovereign island country and city-state in maritime Southeast Asia. It lies about one degree of latitude (137 kilometres or 85 miles) north of the equator, off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, bordering the Strait of Malacca to the west, the Singapore Strait to the south, the South China Sea to the east, and the Straits of Johor to the north. It consists of the diamond-shaped Singapore Island and some 60 small islets; the main island occupies all but about 18 square miles of this combined area. The main island is separated from Peninsular Malaysia to the north by Johor Strait, a narrow channel crossed by a road and rail causeway that is more than half a mile long.

Singapore has the third highest population density in the world. With a multicultural population and recognizing the need to respect cultural identities of the major ethnic groups within the nation, Singapore has four official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil. English is the lingua franca and numerous public services are available only in English. Multiracialism is enshrined in the constitution and continues to shape national policies in education, housing, and politics.

Singapore was ranked the second most expensive city in the world by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) in its Worldwide Cost of Living 2021 survey. In its ranking published on 1 December 2021, Singapore was tied in second place with Paris, up from fourth position in the previous year.

History of Singapore

Singapore is a small island city-state located off the southern coast of Malaysia. The history of Singapore dates back to the 14th century, when it was a part of the Malay Kingdom of Johor. In the early 19th century, Singapore was acquired by the British East India Company, and it became a British colony in 1824.

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Singapore grew rapidly as a center of trade and commerce, and it became an important port for the British Empire. In 1942, Singapore was occupied by the Japanese during World War II, and it was heavily damaged by bombing and fighting.

After the war, Singapore was rebuilt and it continued to grow as a major trade and financial center. In 1959, Singapore became a self-governing state within the British Commonwealth, and it gained full independence in 1965. Since then, Singapore has become one of the most prosperous and successful countries in the world, with a highly developed economy and a high standard of living.

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Tourism in Singapore and importance of appropriate travel insurance

Singapore is a popular tourist destination, with a rich culture, vibrant nightlife, and a wide range of attractions and activities. Some of the top tourist sites in Singapore include the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel and the Gardens by the Bay, which is home to a collection of stunning gardens and plant species.

In addition to these attractions, Singapore also has a thriving food scene, with a wide range of delicious local and international cuisine. The city is also home to a vibrant nightlife, with a range of bars, clubs, and live music venues.

When traveling to Singapore, it's important to have comprehensive travel insurance to protect yourself and your belongings. Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and other unexpected events. It's a crucial part of any travel plan, and it can give you peace of mind while you're exploring the sights and sounds of Singapore.

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Business climate in Singapore

Singapore has a highly developed and open economy, and it is considered one of the best countries in the world for doing business. The country has a stable political environment, a skilled and educated workforce, and a strategic location in the heart of Southeast Asia.

Singapore's economy is built on trade and commerce, and it is one of the busiest ports in the world. The country is also a major financial center, with a thriving banking and investment sector. In addition, Singapore has a strong manufacturing sector, with a focus on electronics, pharmaceuticals, and precision engineering.

Overall, the business climate in Singapore is highly favorable, and the country is an attractive destination for investors and businesses looking to expand into Asia.

Expatriate life in Singapore

Singapore is a popular destination for expatriates, and the country has a vibrant and diverse expat community. Expatriates in Singapore enjoy a high standard of living, with modern amenities, world-class healthcare, and a range of cultural and recreational activities.

The cost of living in Singapore is generally high, but the country has a high average salary, and many expats find that their income goes further in Singapore than it would in other major cities. Housing and transportation are two of the biggest expenses for expatriates in Singapore, but the country has a well-developed public transport system, and there are a range of housing options available, from high-rise apartments to landed properties.

Overall, expatriate life in Singapore is enjoyable and rewarding, and the country offers a high standard of living and a range of opportunities for professional and personal growth.

Digital nomads in Singapore

Singapore is a good option for digital nomads, as the country has a modern and well-developed infrastructure, a high standard of living, and a range of opportunities for professional and personal growth. Singapore is also a major hub for technology and innovation, and it has a thriving startup ecosystem, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads looking to work in a dynamic and exciting environment.

The cost of living in Singapore is generally high, but the country has a high average salary, and many digital nomads find that their income goes further in Singapore than it would in other major cities. Singapore also has a range of co-working spaces and other facilities that cater to digital nomads, making it easy to find a place to work and connect with other like-minded professionals.

Overall, Singapore is a good option for digital nomads, and the country offers a high standard of living, a thriving business environment, and a range of opportunities for professional and personal growth.

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Safety for foreigners in Singapore

Singapore is generally considered a safe country for foreigners, and the country has a low crime rate and a stable political environment. The country is known for its strict laws and efficient police force, which help to maintain order and security.

According to statistics from the Singapore Police Force, the overall crime rate in Singapore has been declining in recent years, and the country has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. In 2019, the overall crime rate in Singapore was just 0.3 crimes per 1,000 residents, and the most common crimes were petty theft and vandalism.

Overall, Singapore is a safe country for foreigners, and the country's low crime rate and efficient police force help to ensure the safety and security of residents and visitors.

The healthcare system in Singapore

Healthcare in Singapore is under the purview of the Ministry of Health of the Government of Singapore. It mainly consists of a government-run publicly funded universal healthcare system as well as a significant private healthcare sector – this is valid in particular for digital nomads, foreign nationals and expatriates visiting or residing in Singapore. Financing of healthcare costs for local nationals is done through a mixture of direct government subsidies, compulsory comprehensive savings, a national healthcare insurance, and cost sharing while non Singaporeans, both short terms visitors and long term residents, need to purchase their own insurance coverage in the form of travel insurance or long term medical insurance.

As of 2019, Singaporeans have the world's longest life expectancy, 84.8 years at birth. Women can expect to live the longest with an average of 87.6 years with 75.8 years in good health. The averages for men, as is common in most if not all countries and regions, are lower, with a life expectancy at 81.9 years with 72.5 years in good health.

Standard of hospitals and medical care in Singapore

The Singaporean public health insurance system is based on programs run by the Central Provident Fund, primarily Medisave, a mandatory medical savings account scheme. All working citizens and permanent residents are obligated to set aside a portion of their income into Medisave accounts, which they can draw upon to pay their own medical bills and those of their immediate family. The Central Provident Fund also manages the MediShield and MediFund insurance schemes, which cover people with insufficient savings or those who have depleted their savings. In addition, the government provides subsidies for the medical expenses of citizens and permanent residents who receive treatment in public hospitals.

Singapore generally has an efficient and widespread system of healthcare. In 2000, Singapore was ranked 6th in the World Health Organization's ranking of the world's health systems. Bloomberg ranked Singapore's healthcare system the most efficient in the world in 2014. The Economist Intelligence Unit placed Singapore 2nd out of 166 countries for health-care outcomes. Bloomberg Global Health Index of 163 countries ranked Singapore the 4th healthiest country in the world and first in Asia.

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Common health issues in Singapore

Singapore has a modern and well-developed healthcare system, and the country has a high life expectancy and a low infant mortality rate. However, like many other countries, Singapore faces a range of health challenges, and some of the common health issues in the country include chronic diseases, mental health problems, and infectious diseases.

One of the most common health issues in Singapore is cancer. According to the Singapore Cancer Society, the incidence of cancer in Singapore has been increasing in recent years, and it is now the leading cause of death in the country. The most common types of cancer in Singapore are lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and breast cancer.

To address the growing problem of cancer in Singapore, the government has launched a range of initiatives and programs to promote cancer awareness and early detection, and to provide support and assistance to cancer patients and their families. These programs include public education campaigns, screening programs, and support groups for cancer patients and their families.

Overall, cancer is a common health issue in Singapore, and the government is working to address the problem and provide support and assistance to cancer patients and their families.

Common accidents and dangers in Singapore

Singapore is generally considered a safe country, and the country has a low crime rate and a stable political environment. However, like any other country, Singapore has its share of accidents and dangers, and it's important for residents and visitors to be aware of these risks and to take appropriate precautions.

Some of the common accidents and dangers in Singapore include traffic accidents, accidents in the home, and falls. According to statistics from the Singapore Ministry of Health, traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 15 and 39, and falls are the leading cause of death for people over the age of 75.

To reduce the risk of accidents and injuries in Singapore, the government has launched a range of initiatives and programs, including public education campaigns, safety regulations, and enforcement efforts. These programs are aimed at promoting safety and reducing the incidence of accidents and injuries in Singapore.

Overall, while Singapore is generally a safe country, accidents and injuries can still occur. It's important for residents and visitors to be aware of the risks and to take appropriate precautions to stay safe and avoid accidents.

International private medical insurance in Singapore

Many International Private Medical Insurance companies offers coverage for digital nomads, expatriates and professionals residing in Singapore. While the healthcare system is one of the best in the world private medical costs are generally very high. Many insurers offer regions of coverage specifically excluding Singapore along with Hong Kong, China, USA and possibly a few other countries as the cost of medical treatment is generally among the highest in the world in these locations. A few providers may also offer differentiated hospital networks in Singapore, such as Now Health International. A differentiated hospital network means you can select if you want your policy to cover all hospitals, most or only a few and the medical centers/hospitals are categorized according to the treatment costs so the network you select will impact the premium you pay.

Medical inflation in Singapore runs at a relatively low pace with around 7 % for 2021 but it should be noted that this comes on top of already relatively high costs. Allianz Care have an extensive direct billing network in Singapore which includes hospitals, clinics, in-patient facilities, out-patient treatments, visits to both general practitioners and specialists as well as dentists. It is always important to have good medical insurance coverage to protect your financials and even more so in Singapore as a severe event may cost you significant amounts especially if you need prolonged treatment under longer periods of time. If you are unsure how to find affordable but comprehensive coverage for your time in Singapore, please reach out to us and we will help you find a suitable solution. As an example, for a 48 year old male resident in Singapore, the Globality Essential plan (covers hospitalizations and full cancer) with nil deductible and area worldwide excluding USA comes at only USD 189 per month.

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Group insurance for international companies and organizations in Singapore

Group insurance for international companies and organizations in Singapore can provide comprehensive coverage for employees at an affordable price. Group insurance plans typically offer a range of benefits, including medical coverage, dental and vision care, and life and disability insurance.

Group insurance plans in Singapore are typically offered by insurance companies, and they can be customized to meet the specific needs of each organization. The cost of group insurance in Singapore varies, depending on the size of the organization and the benefits included in the plan.

One of the main advantages of group insurance in Singapore is that it is typically more affordable than individual insurance plans. Group insurance plans allow companies and organizations to pool their resources and negotiate better rates with insurance providers, which can result in lower premiums for employees.

Overall, group insurance for international companies and organizations in Singapore can provide comprehensive and affordable coverage for employees, and it can help organizations to attract and retain top talent.

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International schools in Singapore and health insurance for the teachers

Many international schools in Singapore offer health insurance plans for teachers, which typically include coverage for medical expenses, dental and vision care, and life and disability insurance. Some plans also include additional benefits, such as coverage for cancer care and access to employee assistance programs (EAPs).

EAPs are support programs that provide employees with access to mental health counseling and other support services. These programs can be especially beneficial for teachers, who often face a range of challenges and stresses in their work. By providing access to EAPs, international schools in Singapore can help teachers to cope with these challenges and to maintain their mental health and well-being.

Overall, international schools in Singapore often offer health insurance plans for teachers that include coverage for cancer care and access to EAPs. These plans can help schools to attract and retain top teaching talent, and they can provide teachers with important benefits and support services.

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Foreign Embassies and medical insurance for its staff in Singapore.

Foreign embassies in Singapore often provide medical insurance for their staff, which allows them to access the country's top doctors, clinics, and hospitals. Singapore has a world-class healthcare system, with modern hospitals and highly trained medical professionals, and medical insurance can help embassy staff to get the care they need when they need it.

Many medical insurance plans for embassy staff in Singapore include coverage for a wide range of medical expenses, including doctor's visits, hospital stays, and medical procedures. Some plans also include additional benefits, such as coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation.

By providing medical insurance for their staff, foreign embassies in Singapore can ensure that their employees have access to the best medical care available. This can help to keep embassy staff healthy and productive, and it can also help to promote the overall health and well-being of the embassy community.

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