The Big Story: Medical cost inflation to hit record high - Will healthcare become less affordable in Singapore?
Healthcare costs in Singapore are increasing at a faster pace than many anticipated. According to recent projections, medical inflation could reach 16.9% in 2026, placing Singapore at the top of the Asia-Pacific region.
At the same time, new insurance changes taking effect this April may result in higher out-of-pocket expenses for patients before coverage begins, even as premiums for some plans ease.
These developments raise important questions:
- What is driving the sharp rise in healthcare costs?
- Is the current system becoming less affordable for everyday Singaporeans?
- What does this mean for the long-term sustainability of healthcare in Singapore?
This is more than a policy discussion — it is a conversation about access, affordability, and the future of healthcare.
Listen to our latest feature, where Dr Akshar Saxena from our Economics programme shares his insights on the key factors behind these trends and what they could mean moving forward.
We invite you to explore the discussion and join the conversation:
https://audio.sph.com.sg/podcast-ep/01kn1psgax12jvggvb9zfyanfs/
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