Patient and Visitor Guide for International Patients 

The logistics of medical travel can feel overwhelming. Making a list of essential items and being organised can assist in focusing your efforts on getting the answers to your medical concerns.

Documents to bring along for your medical appointment

• Physical Passport (Make sure it is not expired) 
• Appointment confirmation email from NUH

Consultation Language and Translators

• The consultation will be conducted in English. 
• Please bring along a translator if you need translation.  
• We will require at least 3 working days' notice in advance if you require our assistance in engaging an external translator. Separate charges apply. 

Accommodation  

• We recommend that our patients and/or their family arrange for accommodation prior to arrival in Singapore, especially during peak holiday season. 

Packing List - Personal Items

• Light, loose, breathable clothing - Singapore is hot and humid year-round. Pack lightweight clothing. Natural fabrics like cotton work best.
• Raincoat or umbrella - Singapore gets frequent rainfall, especially during the monsoon seasons. Bring a foldable raincoat or small umbrella.
• Cash, credit card - Have local currency (SGD), cash, and a credit card in case you need to pay upfront for care. Inform your bank of international travel.
• Glasses, contacts - Bring extra pairs of glasses/contacts and your prescription.
• Toiletries - Pack any personal hygiene items, cosmetics, etc. that help you feel comfortable.
• Electronics - Phone, chargers, adapter plugs. Singapore uses a type G electrical outlet.
• Notebook and pen - For taking notes during appointments.

Packing List - Medical Items

• Medications - Bring enough of your prescription medications to last during the trip. Keep them in their labelled bottles. Bring a letter from your doctor if needed.
• Insurance cards - Bring your health insurance card and any travel insurance information. Know your coverage and pre-approvals needed.
• Letter from doctor - Have a letter from your home doctor explaining your condition and reason for visit. This can help the new doctor understand your case.
• Small first aid kit - Pack bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, etc. in case of minor injuries or pain.

Don’t worry if you forget to pack something or can't fit everything into your suitcase! We have some handy shops right on campus that are stocked with personal items, toiletries, earplugs, and anything else you might need.

We are looking forward to seeing you at your upcoming appointment at our clinic.

If for any reason you need to reschedule your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible by emailing [email protected] or calling +65 6779 2777. By letting us know in advance, we will be able to offer your appointment slot to another patient in need. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Please note that our clinics are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. If your appointment happens to fall on a Friday or the day before a public holiday, any tests ordered may need to be scheduled for the following business day. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

The following only applies to outpatient appointment at National University Centre for Organ Transplantation (NUCOT) and Viva University Children's Cancer Centre (VUCCC):  

• Prior to your consultation, the patient or caregiver is required to present the patient's passport and a photo of the Covid-19 negative result of the patient's same-day Antigen Rapid Test (ART) with the day of clinic visit date and time indicated on it.  Alternatively, the patient can do so at the clinic.  
• Complete and bring along the screening questionnaire (that will be sent to you prior to your appointment) on the day of the clinic visit.  

For your convenience, we accept credit cards at our counters and self-service kiosks. Credit cards are our preferred payment method.

If you need to pay in cash, please visit one of our payment counters located at:

• Central payment service counter
• Zone B, Medical Centre, Level 3
• Patient Service Centre 3 
• Zone D, Kent Ridge Wing, Level 3
• Zone F Pharmacy, Main Building, Level 1

Goods and Services Tax (GST) Refund for Medical Travellers
For our international visitors, you may be eligible for a GST tax refund on certain goods purchased from our medical centre. Here are some key details:

• You must spend at least SGD 100 (including GST tax) or provide 3 same-day receipts from NUH to qualify.
• You can claim a refund on medications that will be taken out of Singapore. However, if you've already used or consumed the medication, unfortunately it does not qualify.
• Items like dentures, hearing aids, and prosthetics need to be verified by Singapore Customs to qualify. Implanted devices like pacemakers cannot be verified, so they do not qualify.
• Medical services like doctor visits, lab tests, scans, and treatments do not qualify - the refund is only for goods you will bring out of Singapore.

Please visit our PLC helpdesk at 22KR, Medical Centre, Zone A/B, Level 2, #02-02, if you need more information or want to obtain an eTRS notification slip. 

Patient Liaison Centre (PLC) is a 24/7 one-stop service centre providing a wide spectrum of services and allowing our patients to gain coordinated access to our specialists and information at NUH. 

A team of administrative specialists serves as the primary and convenient point of contact for both local and international patients.  The team manages all queries from pre-arrival to post-discharge and coordinating patient appointments and their medical care.

We strive to provide a seamless patient experience journey and are committed to meeting the needs of our patients throughout their stay with us. 

The scope of our assistance includes:

• Arranging of outpatient medical appointments
• Liaison to accommodation and ground transportation providers
• Language translation
• Communication with the care team, including doctors, for the patients
• Direct admission coordination
• Enquiries on health screening and medical appointments
• Cost estimation and billing information
• Liaison with corporate partners and insurers for patient appointment enquires, appointment booking, letter of guarantee, and billing information
• Medical enquiries and appointment-booking for GP Partners and specialists
• Overseas medical evacuation (including emergency evacuation) and ambulance arrangements, specifically, for our global patients and returning Singaporeans.

For assistance, please contact:
24-Hour Helpline: +65 6779 2777
Email: [email protected]