Singapore health guide

Vaccinations

You may need vaccinations or other preventive medicines before you leave for Singapore, particularly if you are also visiting other countries in the region. Your doctor will advise you on which vaccinations you need. He or she will ask you about your general health, what vaccinations you’ve had in the past, which countries and regions you’ll be visiting, and what activities you have planned. See your doctor at least 4-6 weeks before you travel to ensure that there is time for your vaccinations to take effect.

Required vaccinations
No vaccinations are required for travel to Singapore. However, if in the last six days you have been in, or passed through, a country where yellow fever is present, you will need a valid International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever. This certificate is proof that you have been vaccinated against yellow fever. It is valid 10 days from the date you were vaccinated and remains valid for 10 years.

Recommended vaccinations
It is important to check that any boosters or routine vaccinations are up to date before you travel. This may include diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, (DTP), measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), polio.

Communicable diseases

Outbreaks of dengue fever and chikungunya have been reported in Singapore. Both are viral illnesses transmitted by mosquito bites. Unfortunately, there are no vaccines or medicines to prevent dengue fever or chikungunya. Try to take measures to prevent mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent on exposed skin, wearing long sleeves and trousers, and ensuring there are secure screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.

Malaria is not found in Singapore, so you don’t need to take any preventative medicines. However, talk to your doctor about malaria prevention if you’re planning to travel to other countries in the region.

Further information

Fit for Travel website: http://www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk/destinations/asia-(east)/singapore.aspx

Please note, vaccination recommendations are based on the information available at the time of publication. For up to date advice on disease outbreaks in Singapore, visit the Centre for Disease Control website and view the latest travel notices.

Medical records

Take copies of your medical records with you to Singapore. You can ask for either print or electronic copies from your doctor before you go. Having your records with you will ensure that if you need to see a doctor, he or she will have access to your medical history, including details of any medical conditions, tests, treatments and vaccinations.

Prescription medicines

If your prescription medicines don’t contain any controlled substances, you can take up to three months’ supply without seeking prior approval from the authorities.

If you plan to take prescription medicines containing controlled substances ( eg, codeine, diazepam, morphine) with you to Singapore, you will need to apply for authorisation from the Health Products Regulation Group (part of the Health Sciences Authority (HSA)) before you travel.

You will also need to take supporting documents to prove that the medicines are for your personal use, for example a letter from a doctor and/or a copy of the prescription.

Further details are available on the HSA website.

Private medical insurance

Healthcare costs in Singapore are relatively high compared to other countries around the world. Private medical insurance (PMI) is not mandatory for expatriates, but it is recommended. Many employers provide PMI for their employees while they’re abroad.

Emergency care

Dial 995 if you have a life-threatening emergency. This is the telephone number for the government emergency ambulance service which will take you to the nearest public hospital.

You don’t need to have an appointment to get treatment at an accident and emergency (A&E) department . You can either walk in or arrive by ambulance. When you first arrive, you will be assessed. If you have a serious medical problem, you will be seen straightaway, otherwise you may have to wait. It’s not uncommon for waiting times in public A&E departments to exceed two hours.

Therefore, if you have a minor medical problem, you may choose to go to an A&E department in a private hospital.

Bupa International’s medical centre staff can help Bupa International members find a suitable emergency hospital or clinic.