Singapore is a small island country in Southeast Asia known for its multicultural society, bustling city life, and excellent healthcare system. In case of emergencies, there are several ways to seek medical assistance. In this article, we will discuss the phone number to call for emergency medical assistance, where to go for emergency medical treatment, and the cost and insurance requirements for emergency treatment in Singapore.
Phone Number for Emergency Medical Assistance
The phone number to call for emergency medical assistance in Singapore is 995. This number connects you to the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), which provides emergency ambulance services, firefighting and rescue services, and hazardous materials response services.
In case of a mental health emergency, you can call the Institute of Mental Health’s (IMH) 24-hour helpline at 6389 2222. The helpline provides counselling and support services to individuals experiencing mental health crises, such as suicidal ideation, panic attacks, and severe anxiety.
Where to go for Emergency Medical Treatment
In Singapore, there are several hospitals and medical clinics that provide emergency medical treatment. The following are some of the major hospitals with emergency departments:
- Singapore General Hospital (SGH)
- National University Hospital (NUH)
- Changi General Hospital (CGH)
- Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH)
- Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH)
These hospitals are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and have highly trained medical professionals who can provide timely and effective emergency medical treatment.
Apart from hospitals, there are also several private medical clinics that provide emergency medical treatment, such as Raffles Medical Group, International Medical Clinic, and Medical Partners. These clinics may have shorter waiting times and provide a more personalised approach to emergency medical treatment.
In case of a mental health emergency, you can seek treatment at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) or the National University Hospital’s (NUH) Department of Psychological Medicine. These institutions have mental health professionals who can provide emergency psychiatric evaluations and treatment.
Cost and insurance requirements for emergency treatment
In Singapore, emergency medical treatment is not free, and there is a cost involved. The cost of emergency medical treatment depends on the severity of the condition, the type of treatment required, and the hospital or clinic where the treatment is provided.
For Singapore citizens and permanent residents, a portion of the medical expenses for emergency treatment is covered by the government through the MediShield Life scheme. The scheme provides basic health insurance coverage for all Singapore citizens and permanent residents, and covers the cost of emergency treatment at public hospitals.
However, MediShield Life does not cover the entire cost of emergency medical treatment, and patients may still need to pay a portion of the expenses out of pocket. Patients who have private health insurance policies may have a higher degree of coverage for emergency medical treatment, depending on the terms and conditions of their policies.
For foreign visitors to Singapore, emergency medical treatment can be quite expensive, and it is recommended to purchase travel insurance that provides coverage for medical emergencies. Most travel insurance policies cover emergency medical treatment, including hospitalisation and medical evacuation, and can provide peace of mind in case of emergencies.
In conclusion, Singapore has a well-developed healthcare system that provides timely and effective emergency medical treatment. In case of emergencies, it is important to call the emergency medical assistance number (995) and seek treatment at a hospital or clinic with an emergency department. While emergency treatment is not free in Singapore, patients can receive partial coverage through the MediShield Life scheme, and foreign visitors are advised to purchase travel insurance for emergency medical coverage.