I will start with what I am familiar with.

The premise is that in any country, insurance is necessary; commercial insurance is the minimum requirement. Of course, in some countries and regions, global insurance can also be purchased. For example, in Hong Kong, one can buy medical insurance for countries outside the United States.

Singapore: Seeing a doctor is as troublesome as dealing with a dog, and just as expensive.

If it’s not an emergency and doesn’t require hospitalization, you must first go to a small clinic. The doctor will delay as much as possible, prescribe medication if they can, and only if they clearly cannot handle it will they provide a referral letter to the hospital. When it comes to actually entering a hospital, expatriates generally choose private hospitals. On one hand, public hospitals lack subsidies and the waiting time is uncontrollable; on the other hand, the service experience is quite average. Fortunately, insurance usually covers private hospitals.

The medical level itself is above average; common illnesses, surgeries, and examinations are not a problem. However, when it comes to severe illnesses, complex treatments, or long-term plans, many people around me ultimately choose Japan or go directly to the United States. Therefore, Singapore is more like a country that is sufficient for daily needs but requires consideration for severe cases.

Japan: Language is the biggest barrier, and the time cost is extremely high.

The medical system is very solid, with high professionalism among doctors. Their patience for complex diseases, chronic illnesses, and severe cases is noticeably higher than in Southeast Asian countries. Prices are also relatively restrained among developed countries, but the biggest problem is always the same: language and processes.

In Japan, seeing a doctor often isn’t about whether you can be cured, but whether you can smoothly complete the entire process from start to finish. The friendliness towards English highly depends on the city and hospital. The processes are very detailed, and the time cost is high. However, once you enter the health insurance system, especially if you are a long-term resident, treatment in Japan is very stable.

Thailand: Good service experience, low cost.

The private system is actually very friendly to foreigners. Public hospitals are not very meaningful for expatriates. Top private hospitals have smooth English communication, efficient processes, and strong service awareness. Because labor costs are lower compared to Singapore and Japan, the service quality is better and prices are lower. As long as you have insurance, everything is generally manageable. Of course, don’t expect much for severe cases in Thailand, but basic and common illnesses are not a problem.

Malaysia and Vietnam: Minor illnesses locally, major illnesses abroad.

There isn’t much difference between these two places, but Malaysia is closer to Singapore, and the doctors have better backgrounds. Private hospitals can communicate in both Chinese and English, and more serious conditions can be treated in Singapore. Vietnam, on the other hand, is a bit more complicated. Although private hospitals are available, language remains an issue. International hospitals in big cities can be used for minor illnesses, but in small cities, you’re on your own.

If I were to compare Malaysia and Vietnam, I would rate Malaysia higher, and since it is very close to Singapore, slightly more severe cases can be treated directly in Singapore.

Overall, having insurance is essential. With insurance, many illnesses are not a problem, and if it really comes to it, you can fly.

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