Singapore To Stop Covering Medical Costs Of Unvaccinated COVID-19 Patients

The Singaporean government has announced they will no longer be covering the medical costs of COVID-19 patients who are ‘unvaccinated by choice’. Previously, the government covers any Singaporean citizen, permanent resident or holder of a long-term worker pass who is sick with COVID-19. Now, COVID-19 medical costs will only be covered for those who are vaccinated or are ineligible for vaccination.

The Ministry of Health stated, “Currently, unvaccinated persons make up a sizeable majority of those who require intensive inpatient care, and disproportionately contribute to the strain on our healthcare resources.” However, as most medical services in Singapore are privatised, most Singaporeans will still have other healthcare financing arrangements available to them regardless of vaccination status.