CNA - Singapore patients using MediSave in JB double since pandemic

The number of Singapore patients using MediSave at Regency Specialist Hospital in Johor Bahru has doubled since the COVID-19 pandemic, CNA reports. About 90 per cent of them are women, and obstetrics and gynaecology services, including maternity care, are among the most common treatments. The hospital sees around 150 to 200 international patients a day, mostly from Indonesia and Singapore.

Regency CEO Serena Yong told CNA that while headline charges in Johor Bahru are broadly comparable to Singapore, the exchange rate changes what patients actually pay. She added that quality, safety and access to doctors matter as much as cost. A financial adviser interviewed in the piece cautions patients to compare total treatment cost, including travel, accommodation, time off work and insurance coverage, rather than the procedure price alone.

Since 2010, eligible Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents have been able to use MediSave for approved elective hospitalisation and day surgery at accredited overseas hospitals. Regency Specialist Hospital and Mahkota Medical Centre are the two participating hospitals. Patients first visit HMI in Singapore for a clinical assessment and financial counselling, and the same MediSave withdrawal limits as in Singapore apply.

→ Read the full article on CNA

Considering treatment in Malaysia? Learn how to use MediSave in Malaysia, or speak to our Singapore-based HMI Patient Service Centre.