New Healthcare Plan for Migrant Workers in Singapore

Most employers of migrant workers in Singapore will pay less for healthcare from April 2027.

Employers have had to buy healthcare plans for workers since 2022.

Employers pay $108 to $138 per worker per year now, but will pay $97 to $113 from April 2027.

This payment is for health services like check-ups and medical treatment for the year.

The government says it's a good time to make changes to the healthcare plan.

About 94% of employers will pay less, with savings of $2 to $41 per worker per year.

About 3% of employers will pay $5 more per worker per year, and 3% will pay the same.

Clinics will be closer to where migrant workers live, within 2km.

The Minister of State for Manpower says the new plan ensures migrant workers get affordable healthcare.

It also keeps costs low for employers.

The new plan has a new payment system for online doctor visits and longer contracts to reduce costs.

The payment for online doctor visits will increase from $2 to $5 from April 2027.

The new plan also reduces costs by having clinics open at times when workers need them.

For example, online doctor visits will only be available for 17 hours a day, not 24 hours.

Clinics will also be closed on Sunday evenings because workers rarely need medical help then.

The healthcare plan was created during the COVID-19 pandemic when workers needed medical help at all times.

The payment for online doctor visits was low to encourage workers to use it, but now it's more established.

The new plan will have four main areas for healthcare, each with one main operator.

The north area will be run by SATA CommHealth, with two main clinics and four smaller clinics.

The west area will be run by Fullerton Health, with one main clinic and three smaller clinics.

Fullerton Health is building a new clinic for migrant workers in the west area.

The south area will be run by St Andrew's Mission Hospital, with one main clinic and two smaller clinics.

The east area will be run by Healthway Medical Group, with one main clinic and eight smaller clinics.

The government says the new plan will be cheaper because the main areas are larger.

The main operators will be able to work more efficiently and reduce costs.

Doctors will be able to spread out their work over a longer period, reducing waiting times.

Workers will be able to book and change appointments at their clinics in advance.

A new website will be created to make it easier for employers to enroll their workers in the healthcare plan.

The government chose the main operators through a competitive bidding process.

St Andrew's Mission Hospital is continuing to work with the government to provide healthcare to migrant workers.

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