With all the possible opening of travel with Green Lane arrangements, we may soon be seeing increased travel out of Singapore and back. However before you do so, you should have a clear understanding of the implications on fees you need to pay upon your return for mandatory stay-home-notices, COVID-19 testing and subsequent medical bills in the unfortunate situation if you contract COVID-19.
Here are 5 things you need to know about who pays for the cost of COVID-19 testing, quarantine, and treatment in Singapore for Singapore-bound travellers.
#1 Treatment for Singaporeans, Permanent Residents (PRs) And Long-Term Pass (LTP) Holders Will Continue To Be Paid By Government If You Do Not Travel
The Government has borne the cost of treatment for most COVID-19 patients thus far. The cost of inpatient treatment will continue to be borne by Government for Singaporeans, PRs and LTP holders who do not travel out of Singapore.
From 7 March 2020, foreigners who are short-term visit pass holders (STVP) who seek treatment for COVID-19 in Singapore will need to pay for their treatment.
LTP Holders include Work Pass holders, Student’s Pass holders, Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) holders and Dependant’s Pass holders, as well as those who have been granted In-Principle Approval (IPA) for a LTP.
#2 Those Who Disregard Travel Advisory Need To Pay For Their Own Testing, Stay At Stay-Home-Notice (SHN) Facilities And Treatment
As prior travel advisory was issued, those who have travelled out of Singapore from 27 Mar 2020 are disregarding the advisory and travelling at their own risk. These travellers (including Singaporeans and PRs) will have to pay for their own COVID-19 testing and stay at SHN facilities when they return. They will also have to cover the cost of their in-patient treatment if they contract COVID-19. This cost cannot be claimed from Medishield Life or Integrated Shield Plans.
Cost of COVID-19 test to be completed at the end of SHN stay: Up to $200.
Cost of 14 days stay at SHN facility: $2,000
Cost of in-patient COVID-19 treatment: Dependent on the supportive care received
The exception is for Green / Fast Lane arrangements and any future permitted travel.
Read Also: 5 Reasons Why Booking Your Post COVID-19 Vacation Today Is A Bad Idea
#3 Those Travelling Under Green / Fast Lane Arrangements Are Allowed To Tap Unto Government Subsidies And MediShield Life/ Integrated Shield Plans For COVID-19 Treatment
From 7 August 2020, all Singaporeans, PRs and LTP holders who travel overseas under permitted travel arrangements will be able to tap on regular healthcare financing arrangements for their inpatient COVID-19 treatment if they contract COVID-19.
Singaporeans and PRs will be eligible for Government subsidies and MediShield Life/ Integrated Shield Plans coverage and will have to pay the co-payment, if any. LTP holders may tap on their own arrangements, such as foreign worker insurance, where applicable.
#4 All Travellers Will Need To Pay For Their COVID-19 Testing Upon Returning To Singapore
From 17 June 2020, all travellers who enter or leave Singapore are required to take a COVID-19 test at the end of 14 days of SHN. This will be at their own cost. To accommodate Singaporeans and PRs who left Singapore before the travel advisory on 27 Mar 2020, free COVID-19 testing for Singaporeans and PRs is extended to 31 Aug 2020.
After 31 Aug 2020, all travellers who enter or leave Singapore will have to pay for their COVID-19 tests, including Singaporeans and PRs.
#5 All Travellers (Except Singaporeans and PRs) Will Need To Pay for Their Stay in Dedicated SHN Facilities
All travelers entering Singapore must serve a 14-day SHN. This will be served either at their own residences for those returning from permitted countries or at dedicated SHN facilities for those returning from other countries.
From 19 July 2020, all travellers who had remained in Australia (except Victoria state), Brunei Darussalam, Macao SAR, mainland China, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam in the last consecutive 14 days prior to their arrival and entry into Singapore, will no longer need to serve their SHN at SDF. They may serve their SHN in their own residence. However, those who travelled to all other locations must serve their SHN in dedicated SHN facilities.
All travellers, except Singaporeans and PRs, are required to pay for their stay at dedicated SHN facilities, where applicable.
Note: depending on circumstances, the list of permitted countries may change. Please check ICA for updates. For example, Hong Kong and the state of Victoria in Australia has been removed from the permitted list due to the resurgence of COVID-19.
Read Also: 6 Things You Need To Know About Staycations In Singapore If You Are Planning For One In Phase 2
Summary Of What Singapore-Bound Travellers Are Liable For
Read Also: Personal Finance Webinars In August 2020 You Can Attend Even While Singapore Is In Phase Two
Listen to our podcast, where we have in-depth discussions on finance topics that matter to you.
Advertiser Message
Switch, spend & score up to S$750 with DBS
Power up your payday with up to S$750! Credit your salary to DBS/POSB to get S$300. Apply & spend with DBS Live Fresh Card to earn up to S$450 more. Register by 30 June 2025. T&Cs apply.
