By The Big Buy desk · Last verified 4 October 2026
Where you see a doctor in Singapore changes what you pay. Polyclinics are already heavily subsidised for Singaporeans, so CHAS does not apply there. At a private GP on the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS), cardholders get up to S$18.50 (Blue) or S$10 (Orange) off a common-illness visit, and bigger help for chronic conditions; CHAS Green covers chronic care but not coughs and colds. For a specialist, a referral from a polyclinic or CHAS GP to a public hospital clinic brings subsidies of 30% to 70% for citizens, depending on household income, and 25% for PRs. Residents aged 40 and above who enrol in Healthier SG get nationally recommended screenings and vaccinations fully subsidised at their chosen clinic.
Feeling unwell is bad enough without a surprise bill. Here is how to choose the right door and keep the cost sensible.
Quick facts
- Polyclinics: heavily subsidised for Singaporeans; CHAS subsidies do not apply there.
- CHAS Blue: household income up to S$1,500 a person a month (or home annual value up to S$21,000).
- CHAS Orange: S$1,501 to S$2,300 a person (or annual value S$21,001 to S$31,000); CHAS Green: above that.
- Specialist outpatient clinics at public hospitals: 30% to 70% subsidy for citizens, 25% for PRs, with a referral.
- The Government absorbs GST on subsidised services at polyclinics and public hospitals.
- Flexi-MediSave for those aged 60 and above rose from S$300 to S$400 a year from 1 October 2025.
What does CHAS give you at a private GP?
| Visit type | CHAS Blue | CHAS Orange | CHAS Green |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common illness (cough, cold, fever) | Up to S$18.50 a visit | Up to S$10 a visit | Not covered |
| Simple chronic condition | Up to S$80 a visit, capped at S$320 a year | S$50 a visit, capped at S$200 a year | Up to S$28 a visit, capped at S$112 a year |
| Complex chronic condition | Up to S$125 a visit, capped at S$500 a year | Up to S$80 a visit, capped at S$320 a year | Up to S$40 a visit, capped at S$160 a year |
Citizens aged 21 and above can apply online for their whole household at chas.sg. Public Assistance cardholders do not need to apply; they show the PA card.
How to get a subsidised specialist appointment
- See a polyclinic doctor or a CHAS GP first.
- Ask for a subsidised referral to a specialist outpatient clinic at a public hospital.
- The subsidy is applied automatically after means-testing; no separate application is needed.
- Citizens receive 70% if household income per person is S$1,500 or less, falling to 30% above S$7,000; PRs receive 25%.
- Going straight to a private specialist is faster but unsubsidised; check what your insurance covers first.
Worked example (illustrative bill): a CHAS Blue cardholder’s GP visit for a cold costs S$40. The CHAS subsidy of up to S$18.50 brings it to S$21.50. A CHAS Orange cardholder with a simple chronic condition who visits four times a year at S$50 subsidy each reaches the S$200 annual cap after the fourth visit.
What does Healthier SG add?
Healthier SG asks residents aged 40 and above to enrol with one family clinic, polyclinic or GP. The first health plan consultation is fully covered, and nationally recommended vaccinations and Screen for Life screenings are fully subsidised for enrolled citizens at that clinic. CHAS cardholders with chronic conditions can get medicines on the Healthier SG list at their enrolled GP at prices comparable to polyclinics. Enrolling also earns Healthpoints on the Healthy 365 app.
The WahLiao Verdict
If you are a Singapore citizen, apply for CHAS today, whatever your income; even a Green card helps with chronic care and opens the door to subsidised referrals from a private GP. If you are 40 or above, enrol in Healthier SG with a clinic near home and use the free screenings. For coughs and colds, a polyclinic is the cheapest door and a CHAS GP is often the quickest. For anything that needs a specialist, start with a referral rather than a private walk-in, unless your insurance clearly covers it.
Questions people ask
Can I use my CHAS card at a polyclinic?
No. Polyclinics are already heavily subsidised for Singaporeans, so CHAS subsidies do not apply there.
Do I pay GST at the doctor?
Not on subsidised services at polyclinics and public hospitals, where the Government absorbs it. Private GP bills generally include GST.
Does a PR get specialist subsidies?
Yes, a flat 25% at public specialist outpatient clinics with a subsidised referral, regardless of income.
I am 35. Can I join Healthier SG?
Enrolment has been rolled out to residents aged 40 and above. Check the Healthier SG site for any changes to eligibility.
Sources: Ministry of Health, CHAS criteria and subsidy amounts; Ministry of Health, specialist outpatient subsidies; HealthHub, CHAS and polyclinics; Ministry of Health, Healthier SG benefits; Ministry of Health, Flexi-MediSave change; Ministry of Health, absorbed GST. Clinic fees vary; ask before you are seen. The Big Buy explains; it does not advise.
Read next: MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans · CPF Accounts Explained · GST at 9% · Back to The Big Buy
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