A hospital in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, has seen the number of Singaporean patients double since the COVID-19 pandemic. The surge is largely attributed to lower healthcare costs and the accessibility of Singapore’s Overseas MediSave scheme, which permits eligible citizens to use their medical savings for approved treatments abroad. Combined with convenient travel options across the Causeway and reduced wait times for private medical procedures, an increasing number of Singaporeans are choosing to seek healthcare services in neighboring Malaysia.
- Patient numbers from Singapore visiting a key hospital in Johor Bahru have doubled compared to pre-pandemic levels.
- Singapore’s Overseas MediSave scheme allows citizens to utilize national healthcare savings for specified overseas hospitalizations and elective procedures.
- Lower medical costs in Malaysia compared to Singapore remain a primary factor driving patients across the border.
- Shorter wait times for private medical care and close geographical proximity enhance Johor Bahru’s appeal as a healthcare destination.
Based in Singapore, CNA (Channel News Asia) covers global developments with an Asian perspective, with correspondents based in major cities across Asia, including Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Bangkok, Tokyo, Seoul and Beijing, as well as in New York, Washington D.C. and London.
Official website: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/
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We also need to pay for the Mandatory Medishield example The eldest premium was hiked to $2,826. So, for 4 eldest, it will be $11,304 per year [excluding marketing "subsidy"]?
For many elderly chronic patients, regular and costly outpatient consultations and tests are not entitled to claim under the MediShield Life scheme;
it is sad to see that despite faithfully paying their insurance premiums, these seniors find the policy practically unutilised for their day-to-day medical needs, still forcing them to rely heavily on MediSave or out-of-pocket cash.
Unfortunately, this persistent financial gap drives some Singaporeans to seek cheaper medical alternatives in other countries despite Govt said "Subsidies".
We also need to pay for the Mandatory Medishield example The eldest premium was hiked to $2,826. So, for 4 eldest, it will be $11,304 per year [excluding marketing "subsidy"]?
For many elderly chronic patients, regular and costly outpatient consultations and tests are not entitled to claim under the MediShield Life scheme;
it is sad to see that despite faithfully paying their insurance premiums, these seniors find the policy practically unutilised for their day-to-day medical needs, still forcing them to rely heavily on MediSave or out-of-pocket cash.
Unfortunately, this persistent financial gap drives some Singaporeans to seek cheaper medical alternatives in other countries despite Govt said "Subsidies".
Many Singaporeans didn't know, A simple white-color tooth filling cost over $200 in Singhealth Polyclinic [before the "marketing" subsidy] . After that it's $86, nearly similar to an outside private clinic.
In Malaysia, the same filling can be done at least 3 times cheaper in their private clinic.