Health screenings Singapore: Why they matter

Health screenings test for early signs of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, as well as cancers like cervical, colorectal, and breast cancer.

Singapore’s Screening Test Review Committee (STRC) defines which tests are safe, cost-effective, and clinically justified for individuals who may not show symptoms.

Early detection through screening often allows for simpler interventions, less invasive treatments, and better outcomes than discovering illnesses later. Screenings also give doctors a chance to identify lifestyle-related risks early, such as weight, cholesterol, and blood sugar, and to guide patients toward healthier long-term habits.

Recommended screenings and timing by age group

The Ministry of Health (Singapore) recommends different types of screenings depending on your age and risk factors.

• Ages 18 to 39: Focus on basic risk assessments; blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes checks, alongside lifestyle counselling.
• Women aged 25 and above: Add cervical cancer screening through a Pap smear or HPV test at recommended intervals.
• Ages 40 and above: Include cardiovascular risk screening every three years for obesity, diabetes, lipids, and hypertension.
• Ages 50 and above: Add colorectal cancer screening (such as the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) or colonoscopy), and for women, regular mammograms within the recommended age bands.

Screening frequency and type may vary based on your family history, pre-existing conditions, or your doctor’s advice.

Read more about how preventative care can benefit you.

How often should you go for health screening in Singapore?

Most adults should undergo basic health screening once every 1 – 3 years, depending on age and health risks.

• Under 40: Every 2 – 3 years if healthy
• Above 40: Annually or as advised by your doctor
• With family history/chronic conditions: More frequent screening

Your enrolled Healthier SG GP (such as Parkway Shenton Clinics, some neighbourhood doctors, polyclinics, and Minmed Clinics, etc) can recommend a schedule based on your medical history.

Where to get screened in Singapore

Singaporeans have a wide range of options for getting screened, from subsidised public programmes to private medical packages.

1. Polyclinics and CHAS GP clinics: These clinics, which participate in the Screen for Life and Healthier SG programmes, offer subsidised national screening services.
2. Private clinics and hospitals: These often provide more comprehensive health screening packages, including optional add-ons such as imaging scans or advanced blood tests.
3. Specialist outpatient centres: For high-risk individuals or those requiring cancer-specific tests like mammograms or colonoscopies, screenings can be done in hospitals or referred specialist settings.

Singapore government subsidies and schemes that lower screening costs

The Healthier SG Screening programme offers subsidised rates for eligible citizens (often $5 or less) for national screening tests. Those enrolled in the Healthier SG may receive full subsidies (i.e. $0) for recommended screening tests at their enrolled clinic.

Cervical cancer screening and the first follow-up visit are free in CHAS GP clinics for Pioneer Generation, $2 for Merdeka Generation (MG) and CHAS blue and orange card holders, and $5 for other Singaporeans.

Mammograms at polyclinics are subsidised (e.g. $25 for Pioneer Generation, $50 for Singapore Citizens), and eligible Singaporeans aged 50–69 may use MediSave for mammogram payments.

Note that while certain tests are subsidised, not all types of screenings are, and many add-on tests fall outside subsidy schemes.

How health insurance helps with lowering costs

Most standard Integrated Shield Plans are designed to cover treatment, not prevention. This means that routine health screenings are usually not covered, as they are considered preventive in nature.

There are also corporate insurance policies that have annual basic health screenings. Employees can pay a top up amount for additional comprehensive tests.

If your screening test leads to diagnosis and you require treatment, subsequent follow-up or diagnostic procedures may be covered under your Integrated Shield Plan. Always check policy terms: some riders only reimburse specific tests, caps apply, and pre-approval may be required.

 Expert insights: How insurance can support your health journey

Insurer and corporate screening perks in Singapore

Tips to make health screenings more affordable

You don’t need to pay premium prices to stay proactive about your health. Here are some practical steps to keep screening costs low:

• Enrol in Healthier SG and visit your assigned clinic to enjoy full subsidies for eligible screenings.
• Check clinic participation in Screen for Life before making an appointment.
• Review your insurance policy to see if wellness riders or screening vouchers are included.
• Check with your HR to see if your corporate insurance or benefits provides coverage for health screenings.
• Choose essential tests that match your age and risk factors, rather than opting for unnecessary add-ons in premium packages.
• Stay consistent with screening intervals to catch changes early, which is always less costly than treating advanced conditions later.

Know your coverage, before you need it

Health screenings are one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect your long-term health, but they aren’t always covered by your health insurance. Start with national subsidy programmes like Screen for Life and Healthier SG as your baseline for affordable screening.

Schedule your screenings according to your age and family risk profile and speak with your doctor if you’re unsure which tests you need.

To safeguard your health and finances, pair good screening habits with the right health insurance plan. Check if your health insurance includes health screening.