Schools
If you are a long-term visitor to Singapore from the United States, you may be interested in the education and school options for yourself or your dependents.
Private Education Institutions (PEIs) are private schools that offer a range of courses, such as diploma, degree, or postgraduate programmes, in various fields and disciplines. Some of the PEIs are accredited by local or foreign authorities, such as the Committee for Private Education (CPE) or the EduTrust Certification Scheme. If you want to enroll in a full-time course at a PEI, you will need to apply for a Student’s Pass from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
International Schools are schools that cater to the expatriate community and offer curricula that are based on international standards or foreign education systems. Some of the international schools are affiliated with or accredited by organisations such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or the Council of International Schools (CIS). If you want to enroll yourself or your dependents in an international school, you will need to apply for a Dependant’s Pass or a Long-Term Visit Pass from the ICA, depending on your relationship and eligibility. You will also need to meet the admission requirements and fees of the international school that you have chosen.
Healthcare
Singapore is widely known to provide exceptional healthcare quality that is affordable at the same time. There are different healthcare options available for foreign visitors, depending on their needs and preferences.
Private Healthcare If you prefer to have more choices and flexibility in terms of doctors, facilities, and services, you may opt for private healthcare in Singapore. Private healthcare providers include private hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and pharmacies. They offer a wide range of medical specialities and treatments, such as cardiology, oncology, orthopaedics, dentistry, cosmetic surgery, and more. However, private healthcare can be quite expensive compared to public healthcare, and you may need to pay upfront or use your insurance coverage.
Public Healthcare If you are looking for subsidised and affordable healthcare services, you may opt for public healthcare in Singapore. Public healthcare providers include public hospitals, polyclinics, community health centres, and specialist outpatient clinics. They offer basic and essential medical services, such as general practice, emergency care, surgery, maternity care, and chronic disease management.
Doctors General and Family Practices can be found almost everywhere in every community, there are no health deserts in Singapore and for non urgent no emergency issuers, they are very affordable. They are “walk-ins’ ‘ without an appointment, accept cash or card and have a pharmacy.
Telemedicine If you have minor complaints or need a quick consultation, you may opt for telemedicine in Singapore. Telemedicine is the delivery of healthcare services through online platforms or mobile applications. You can access telemedicine services from anywhere and anytime, as long as you have an internet connection and a device. You can chat with a doctor, get a diagnosis, receive a prescription, order medication delivery, or book an appointment through telemedicine.
Warning before travelling you should also have adequate travel insurance that covers your medical expenses in case of any critical illness or hospitalisation.