Annual Arrears from Medical Services Provided at Public Hospitals to Foreigners

39 Mr Don Wee asked the Minister for Health (a) what is the amount in arrears for medical services that are owed to public hospitals by foreigners in each of the last five years; and (b) whether the Government will consider requiring all travellers seeking entry into Singapore to be insured for at least $30,000 for medical bills in addition to the $30,000 insurance coverage for any COVID-19-related cost.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Between 2017 and 2021, arrears by foreigners constituted less than 0.1% of the total bills issued by Public Healthcare Institutions (PHIs). This includes foreigners residing and working in Singapore, as well as some short-term visitors.

Nevertheless, PHIs take various steps to mitigate the risk of arrears, such as offering downgrading options to assist patients with managing costs, sending reminder letters, as well as follow-up calls to patients to prompt for settlement of arrears. If the arrears situation deteriorates significantly, the Ministry of Health (MOH) is prepared to consider additional measures.