Settle into SG with Osler Health

January 13, 2026

Moving to a new country can feel overwhelming. If you’ve just arrived in Singapore, it’s important to understand how the local healthcare system works and to find a family doctor. We spoke with the medical team at Osler Health International to get their key insights.

1 Healthcare in Singapore

The first thing you need to know is that healthcare in Singapore is of excellent quality, frequently ranking among the best in the world. The system is strictly regulated by the Singapore Medical Council, so you’re in good hands.

2 Choosing a doctor’s clinic

Medical clinics in Singapore have strict regulations when it comes to advertising, so a good place to start is by checking Google Reviews to see what others have experienced at a clinic. Also, there’s no better recommendation than word of mouth, so ask around.

3 Emergency numbers

Dial 995 for an ambulance and 999 for the police. It may be faster to get in a taxi or car and go directly to the hospital rather than wait for emergency services. Take a moment to identify your nearest hospital.

4 Vaccinations in SG

There are various vaccinations required by schools in Singapore. Also, with so many great destinations nearby, it’s likely that you’ll want to travel in the region, so check that you’re fully vaccinated. Recommended vaccines may include:

Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough)
Hepatitis A & B
Measles, mumps & rubella
Typhoid
Tuberculosis
HPV
Covid-19
Meningitis
Seasonal influenza
Rabies

5 Dengue

We usually see a rise in dengue cases during the warmer months – typically from April to August. The best protection is to be mindful and avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes.The usual symptoms are:

Fever (often an abrupt high-grade fever)
Headache
Body aches
Joint pain
Facial flushing
Skin redness or rash

6 Skin protection

The temperatures and UV Index are becoming increasingly high in Singapore. On average, the UV Index ranges from 6 – 9 (sometimes reaching an ‘extreme’ level of 15). Skin cancer risks are determined by your skin type (the fairer you are, the higher the risk), family history, the number of moles you have (unfortunately, the higher the number, the greater the risk), and the degree of sun exposure throughout your life. Protect your children by dressing them in UV T-shirts or swimming costumes, applying high UV sunscreen, and avoiding direct sun during midday UV peaks.

7 Mental wellness

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed or lonely sometimes – moving countries can be hard. But you don’t need to suffer in silence; speak to a GP who can help. These are just a few of the health areas you should be aware of. Remember to seek support if you’re concerned about anything. The doctors at Osler Health are respected for their international outlook and gold-standard service