Emergency Medical Assistance In Singapore: Who To Call, Where To Go, And What It Costs

In a sudden health crisis, knowing where to get emergency medical assistance in Singapore can make all the difference. Whether you’re facing severe pain, difficulty breathing, or uncontrollable bleeding, fast action saves lives. This guide walks you through the signs of a medical emergency, your options for ambulance services, hospital choices, and the associated costs.

What Is Emergency Medical Assistance?

Emergency medical assistance refers to immediate medical help provided during a health crisis. This could mean calling for an ambulance, rushing to an A&E department, or receiving urgent care to stabilise life-threatening symptoms.

Signs Of A Medical Emergency

Understanding when to seek emergency medical assistance is crucial. Here are seven key signs that you need urgent care:

• Sudden Or Severe Pain, Including Chest Pain
• Breathing Difficulty Or Shortness Of Breath
• Uncontrolled Bleeding Of Any Kind
• Sudden Confusion Or Disorientation
• Sudden Dizziness, Numbness, Weakness Or Vision Change
• Coughing Or Vomiting Of Blood
• Continuous Vomiting Or Diarrhoea

Do not wait. If any of these symptoms occur, seek help immediately.

Where To Get Emergency Medical Assistance In Singapore

In Singapore, you can seek emergency medical assistance by visiting an A&E (Accident & Emergency) department at a public or private hospital. You may also call an ambulance to get transported safely and quickly.

Option 1: Public Ambulance Services (SCDF – Dial 995)

• Emergency Number: 995
• Emergency Short Messaging Service (SMS): 70995 (specially catered for people who are deaf, hard-of-hearing or have speech impairment)
• Provider: Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF)
• Hospital Choice: Not available – You’ll be sent to the nearest suitable public hospital
• Ambulance Cost:
  • True Emergency: Free of charge
  • Non-Emergency: S$274 per trip (as of Apr 2025) (SCDF does not convey non-emergency cases to hospitals. This fee applies if it turns out that the case was non-emergency in nature)

✔️ Ideal for life-threatening situations
❌ No choice of hospital

Option 2: Private Ambulance Services (Direct To Private Hospitals)

If you want to be taken to a private hospital of your choice, you can call them directly for their ambulance service. This is a paid service, and the costs are typically not subsidised.

✔️ Lets you choose your hospital
❌ More expensive than public ambulance

Hospital Ambulance Hotlines And Estimated Costs:

Note: Additional charges apply for consumables, scans, lab work, treatment and follow-up.

Singapore Hospital Ward Charges

An added consideration is the ward charges in case you need to be warded for your medical emergency. Here are some eastimates:

Stay Calm, Act Fast

In a crisis, stay calm and call for emergency medical assistance right away. Whether through SCDF (995) or private ambulance hotlines, your priority should always be speed and safety. Keep the emergency numbers saved and know where your nearest hospitals are.

Quick Emergency Checklist:

• ✅ Recognise the symptoms of a medical emergency
• 📞 Dial 995 for public ambulance (SCDF)
• 📱 Call private hospital directly if you prefer your own provider
• 💵 Be aware of ambulance and A&E costs
• 🏥 Head straight to A&E if condition is critical

In An Emergency, Every Second Counts. Get Help Immediately.

Non-Emergency Medical Concierge Service

For non-emergencies medical consultations, if you would like to get an appointment with a specialist, we can help! Contact us via the button below.