Request to Switch to Lower Ward Type

All SGH patients can request to switch to lower ward types, depending on:

If you are switching to a lower ward type from private patient to subsidised patient, you will be subjected to means testing.

If there are beds available at the wards

Upon the approval of switching to a lower ward type, subsequent hospital charges will be computed at lower ward rate from the date of successful transfer.

Follow-up consultation at outpatient clinics will be charged at:

Subsidised rate - Subsidised patients will receive team-based care led by an assigned doctor. Your attending doctor may or may not be the same at each visit.
Private rate - Private patients will receive team-based care led by their choice of doctor. Patients will be charged at full rates.

You may approach our Patient Financial Services staff for more details.

Request to lower ward type >

FAQs

Means Testing & Subsidy

When is means testing required?

Means testing is required when there is a request for a switch to lower ward type from private (A Single Bed or B1 4-bedded) ward to subsidised (B2 6-bedded or C 9-bedded) ward.

Why is means testing required when switching from a private (A Single-bedded or B1 4-bedded) ward to a subsidised (B2 6-bedded or C 9-bedded) ward?

This is a standard practice at all public hospitals. Means testing will allow us to determine the eligibility for subsidies at B2 6-bedded or C 9-bedded ward type.

How can I reduce my hospital bill?

You can enjoy more subsidy if you are a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident, by choosing to transfer to a different ward type. In this way, you will reduce your hospital bill.

About the transfer

When will you start charging me at the lower rates?

Once your request to change to a lower ward type is approved, you will be charged at the lower rate of the new ward from the date of successful transfer.

After discharge

Will my ward choice determine the charges for my outpatient appointments?

No, your ward choice during your hospital stay will not affect the rates for your outpatient follow-up appointments. For subsequent outpatient appointments, you can choose again whether you want to enjoy subsidy or pay full rates as a private patient.

If you opt for subsidized outpatient care, you will be treated by a team led by a doctor assigned by the hospital. You will also enjoy more subsidy if you have CHAS card or Pioneer/Generation status.

If you opt for private outpatient care, you will be treated by a team led by a doctor of his choice.

Do I qualify for the bigger subsidy offered in the lower ward type?

Mdm Natasha had a fall and required surgery and hospitalization. She stayed in a private B1 4-bedded ward and the doctor informed her that she will require treatment in the hospital for another 2 weeks. Mdm Natasha was concerned with the potential bill size and used her mobile phone to access the Patient Financial Services website to seek their advice.

The billing officer informed her that:

she has to undergo mean testing in order to assess her eligibility for higher subsidies.
She has to be a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident
Her spouse and children have to submit their income information for means testing
If she is successful in getting a bed in the lower ward type, she will be charged at the lower (ie subsidized) rate from the date of transfer till her discharge.

Based on the total family income and headcount, Mdm Natasha was found to be eligible for "C" 8-bedded ward. The transfer was done as soon as a "C" 8-bedded ward was available.