Singapore Says Citizens 'Unvaccinated By Choice' Must Pay For COVID Treatment

The Singapore Ministry of Health announced on Monday that people who are “unvaccinated by choice” will no longer have COVID-related medical costs covered by the government.

The government’s decision will affect Singaporean citizens, permanent residents and holders of a long-term work pass. There is an exception for those who tested positive soon after returning from overseas travel.

“Currently, unvaccinated persons make up a sizable majority of those who require intensive inpatient care, and disproportionately contribute to the strain on our health care resources,” the ministry said Monday in a statement.

“Covid-19 patients who are unvaccinated by choice may still tap on regular health care financing arrangements to pay for their bills where applicable."

The ministry said it will continue to cover medical costs for those who are vaccinated and those who are ineligible to receive the shot, such as children 12 and under and people with certain medical conditions, the Washington Post noted. Singaporeans who are partially vaccinated will be covered until Dec. 31.

“While this is still manageable by stretching our health care manpower, we must not let down our guard and must avoid a resurgence of cases that could once again threaten to overwhelm our health care system,” the Health Ministry said Monday.

Currently, 82% of Singapore’s population is fully vaccinated while 83% have at least one dose. Meanwhile, an additional 13% have received a booster shot.

Under the ministry's new system, bills for the unvaccinated will still be “highly supported and highly subsidized,” Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said Monday at a news conference.

“Hospitals really much prefer not to have to bill these patients at all,” Ong said. “But we have to send this important signal to urge everyone to get vaccinated if you are eligible.”