Patient and Visitor Guide for International Patients 

Planning ahead can help make your medical journey smoother and allow you to focus on your treatment and recovery. We recommend preparing the following before your appointment at NUH.

Documents to bring

Please bring the following items for your medical appointment:

• Physical Passport  (Ensure it is valid and not expired) 
• NUH appointment confirmation email

Consultation Language and Translators Services

• Consultations are conducted in English.
• If you require language assistance, you may bring your own interpreter.
• Alternatively, NUH can help arrange an external interpreter upon request. Please contact us at least 3 working days in advance. Additional charges will apply.

Accommodation  

• We recommend arranging accommodation before arriving in Singapore, particularly during peak travel and holiday periods. Our team can assist with hotel recommendations if required.

Recommended 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.

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.

Need Something You Forgot?

If you are unable to bring everything with you, don't worry. A variety of retail stores and pharmacies on the NUH campus offer everyday essentials, including toiletries, personal care items, and other travel necessities.

Here are some handy tips for getting to NUH smoothly:

By Taxi or Private-Hire Vehicles 

• From Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE), towards Changi Airport.
• Take Exit 8 to South Buona Vista Road, turn right at traffic light and travel along South Buona Vista Road.
• Make a right turn at traffic light onto Lower Kent Ridge Road.
• Follow the sign to NUH Medical Centre, Kent Ridge Wing or Main Building, depending on your appointment location. 

By Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Train 
The most convenient way to reach NUH is via the Circle Line. Simply alight at Kent Ridge MRT Station, which is located directly next to the hospital.

• Exit C provides direct access to NUH Medical Centre (Zones A & B).
• If you are travelling from the East-West Line, including from Changi Airport MRT Station, transfer to the Circle Line at either Buona Vista or Paya Lebar Station.
• Take the Circle Line towards HarbourFront and alight at Kent Ridge MRT Station.

Click here for more information if you are travelling by other modes of transport. 

Getting around NUH 
We have a zone-based wayfinding system to help you get around the campus easily. Please click here for more information.

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

To reschedule your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible by emailing plc@nuhs.edu.sg 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 (VUC3):  

• 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
International visitors may be eligible for a GST refund on selected goods purchased from NUH Medical Centre.

• Minimum spend of SGD100 (inclusive of GST), or combine 3 same-day receipts NUH receipts.
• GST refunds can be claimed for medications that will be taken out of Singapore and not consumed before departure.
• Dentures, hearing aids, and prosthetics may qualify, subject to Singapore Customs verification.
• Implanted medical devices (e.g. pacemakers) cannot be verified and are therefore not eligible.
• Medical services such as doctor consultations, laboratory tests, scans, and treatments do not qualify for GST refunds. The scheme applies only to eligible goods that will be taken out of Singapore.

For more information or to obtain an eTRS Notification Slip, please visit the PLC Helpdesk at:

22KR, NUH Medical Centre, Zone A/B, Level 2, #02-02.

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: plc@nuhs.edu.sg 

Pre-Arrival
Q: Do I need a referral letter to make an appointment?
A: A referral letter is not mandatory, but it is recommended. It provides our specialists with relevant background information about your condition, helping to facilitate your consultation and avoid unnecessary delays.

Q: What documents do I need to bring for my first appointment?
A: Please bring the patient's passport, appointment confirmation email, and a valid payment method.

Q: How can I make an appointment?
A: You may call +65 6779 2777 or email the Patient Liaison Centre (PLC) at plc@nuhs.edu.sg to arrange an appointment after you obtain a referral letter.

Q: What methods of payment do you accept?
A: We accept cash, credit cards, and NETS.

Arriving in Singapore
Q: What vaccinations or health precautions do I need when traveling to Singapore?
A: Please refer to the latest travel and health advisories on the Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH) website before your trip.

Q: Do you provide airport transfer services?
A: No, airport transfer services are not available. Visitors may take a taxi or private-hire vehicle from the airport to NUH.

Q: What should I bring on my first hospital visit?
A: Please bring your passport, insurance card (if applicable), payment method, and any relevant medical records or imaging reports.

During Your Stay
Q: Are there accommodation options near the hospital?
A: Yes. Several nearby hotels offer special rates for patients and their families. Please contact the PLC at plc@nuhs.edu.sg for recommendations.

Q: Do you provide interpreter services?
A: We can provide a list of external interpreters upon request. Please email plc@nuhs.edu.sg for more information.

Q: Is there a pharmacy onsite?
A: Yes, pharmacies are conveniently located within the NUH campus. You can fill your prescriptions at the pharmacies on Level 1 of the Main Building, Level 3 of the Medical Centre, and Level 3 of the Kent Ridge Wing.

After Your Stay
Q: How can I request my medical records?
A: Click here for information on requesting medical records.

Q: How can I follow up with my doctor after returning home?
A: You may email plc@nuhs.edu.sg or contact your doctor directly to arrange a telemedicine consultation. Please allow 1 to 3 business days for a response.