Travel Advice and Precautions
Staying healthy in Singapore
It is recommended to visit a travel clinic about four to six weeks before leaving for Singapore to receive all the necessary vaccinations. Be sure to get vaccinations for any other countries in the region you may be traveling to as well.
Health care is readily available in Singapore; there are 23 well-equipped hospitals. These contain up-to-date technology and well trained doctors. In general, private hospitals cost more, so if cost is a factor it may be better to visit a public hospital. The drinking water in Singapore is clean and safe to drink. For those that prefer to drink bottled water, it is also readily available.
Before leaving for Singapore it is recommended to have the following vaccinations:
- All routine shots (measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, polio virus)
- Hepatitis A and B
- Typhoid
- Japanese Encephaltis
Outbreaks of other diseases may occur depending on environmental conditions and other factors. It is important to ask your local travel clinic if there are any other current risks before leaving. The only basic medical supplies one should bring are those they would normally bring with them while traveling. Due to Singapore’s advanced medical industry, nearly all medical supplies needed can be found within the country.
Many diseases are commonly spread through insect bites. The use of a strong insect repellent is an effective method of reducing risk. Another effective tactic is to avoid walking around barefoot. Other common sense tips for being in the tropics apply, pay attention to food and drink hygiene, be careful with hydration and overexposure to heat and the sun. The last point is especially important when you first arrive as your body does take time to adjust. The climate is one of high humidity, so it can take a bit to get used to.
It is recommended to check your insurance policy to make sure you are covered while traveling abroad. The importance of this is magnified by the fact that foreigners need to pay a 30% premium fee to the normal cost that Singaporeans would pay. If your insurance does not cover you, it is possible to purchase insurance for overseas protection.
Also in this section
- Health Infrastructure of Singapore: Specialists, dentists, etc
- Travel Advice and Precautions: Staying healthy in Singapore
- Public versus Private Healthcare: What are the differences?
- Emergencies: What to do and how much help to expect
