Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Regency Specialist Hospital has witnessed a doubling in the number of Singapore patients using MediSave for their medical treatments, with a strong majority being women seeking maternity-related care.
- About 90% of MediSave users at Regency Specialist Hospital are women
- Maternity and gynecological services are among the top treatments
- Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link opening in 2027 may boost cross-border care
What happened
Regency Specialist Hospital, the only hospital in Johor Bahru currently participating in Singapore’s overseas MediSave scheme, has seen a significant surge in patients from Singapore since the pandemic. Approximately 90 percent of these patients are women seeking treatments mainly related to obstetrics and gynecology, including maternity care. The hospital handles around 150 to 200 international patients daily, primarily from Singapore and Indonesia.
The increase is attributed to the accessibility of healthcare services across the Causeway and the ability of Singaporeans to use their MediSave funds for approved treatments overseas. Patients undergo clinical assessments and financial counselling through Singapore-based healthcare providers before being eligible to tap into MediSave savings. This scheme, which started in 2010, applies the same withdrawal limits for overseas treatments as for local care.
Why it feels good
Patients are drawn to Johor Bahru for healthcare due to cost savings and accessible treatment options. While the overall dollar-to-dollar cost difference compared to Singapore may be modest, currency exchange benefits make treatments roughly one-third cheaper in Malaysia. This affordability, combined with good quality and safety standards at participating hospitals, provides a compelling option for Singaporeans, especially for planned, low-complexity procedures like maternity care.
Moreover, the option to use MediSave overseas offers financial assistance not typically available for international treatments. Patients can plan their care knowing part of their costs may be covered, making healthcare more manageable and reducing financial stress during important life events like childbirth.
What to enjoy or watch next
Looking ahead, the opening of the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link in January 2027 is expected to further ease cross-border travel and medical access. This could increase demand for healthcare services in Johor Bahru, prompting hospitals like Regency Specialist to expand their offerings to cater to Singapore patients seeking affordable and quality care.
Healthcare experts suggest that while cross-border medical care will grow as a valuable supplement to Singapore’s healthcare system, it is unlikely to replace local treatment entirely. Patients are encouraged to consider total costs, insurance coverage, and the complexity of their procedures when deciding where to seek care. Planned treatments with minimal follow-up care appear to benefit most from this growing cross-border healthcare trend.