Health Screening in Singapore: What You Need, When to Screen, and How to Choose the Right Package

Most people in Singapore go for a health screening at some point. Fewer do it regularly. And almost nobody feels entirely confident they are doing the right tests at the right time.

Part of that comes down to how health screening works here. There are subsidised national programmes, private packages, age-specific recommendations, and a wide range of tests – and if you have never had someone explain the system clearly, it can be easy to either skip screening entirely or end up doing tests that are not relevant to your age or health profile.

This guide breaks it down plainly: what Healthier SG Screening covers, what you should be screening for at each stage of life, what different types of packages include, and how to make an informed choice.

Why Health Screening Matters – Even When You Feel Fine

Most chronic conditions develop without symptoms in their early stages. Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and several cancers can all be present for years before a person notices anything. By the time symptoms appear, the condition may already be more difficult to manage.

This is the core purpose of screening: to find problems before they declare themselves. Early detection generally means more treatment options, better outcomes, and lower healthcare costs over time.

Screening does not replace a visit to a doctor when something is wrong. What it does is give you a regular picture of your health when everything appears normal – so that if something is shifting, you know about it early.

Healthier SG Screening: Singapore’s National Subsidised Programme

The Screen for Life programme has been renamed to Healthier SG Screening. It is the same programme under a new name, and the subsidies and eligibility criteria remain unchanged.

Healthier SG Screening is run by the Health Promotion Board (HPB) and provides subsidised health screenings for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents at CHAS GP clinics and polyclinics. The tests covered depend on your age, gender, pre-existing conditions, and when you last had a screening.

What Is Covered

Under Healthier SG Screening, subsidised tests include:

• Cardiovascular risk screening: Blood pressure, fasting blood glucose (for diabetes), and blood cholesterol – for eligible individuals aged 40 and above, or younger adults assessed to be at higher risk
• Cervical cancer screening: Pap smear for women aged 25 to 29 every three years; HPV test for women aged 30 and above every five years
• Colorectal cancer screening: Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) annually for those aged 50 and above
• Breast cancer screening: Mammogram every two years for women aged 50 to 69

What It Costs

For Singapore Citizens enrolled with Healthier SG, all eligible screening tests in a single visit and one follow-up consultation (if required) are covered at no charge at their enrolled clinic.

For Singapore Citizens who are not enrolled with Healthier SG, the subsidised rate at CHAS GP clinics is generally between $0 and $5, depending on CHAS status. Pioneer Generation and Merdeka Generation cardholders pay less.

For Permanent Residents, subsidised rates are available at polyclinics. Check with your clinic for current pricing.

If you are enrolled with a Healthier SG clinic, your screening eligibility and schedule can be checked through HealthHub or confirmed directly with your enrolled GP.

What Health Screening Should You Do by Age?

National subsidies cover the most common conditions by population risk. But your personal health picture – family history, lifestyle, existing conditions – should also shape what you screen for. Below is a practical guide by age group.

In Your 20s

Your 20s are a good time to establish a health baseline. Most people at this stage do not yet have chronic conditions, but this is when habits – and risks – begin to form.

Recommended screens:

• Blood pressure check – hypertension can develop early, especially with stress, high salt intake, or family history
• BMI and weight assessment
• Blood glucose and cholesterol – particularly if you have risk factors such as a family history of diabetes or heart disease
• Cervical cancer screening (Pap smear) for women aged 25 and above who have had sexual intercourse, every three years
• STI screening for sexually active individuals – HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B are worth checking, especially if partners or history are unknown

If your results are normal and you have no significant risk factors, a basic screen every two to three years is reasonable at this age. Your GP can advise based on your personal history.

In Your 30s

Chronic conditions are appearing earlier than previous generations. Hypertension and obesity among adults in their 30s have both increased in Singapore in recent years. If you have not had a screening since your 20s, now is a good time.

Recommended screens:

• Blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol – particularly if you have weight concerns, a stressful lifestyle, or family history of heart disease or diabetes
• Cervical cancer screening: HPV test for women aged 30 and above, every five years
• Liver function – relevant if you have hepatitis B, drink regularly, or have a family history of liver disease
• Thyroid function – particularly for women experiencing fatigue, weight changes, or hormonal symptoms
• STI screening if sexually active and relevant to your circumstances

For women in their late 30s with a family history of breast cancer, a discussion with a doctor about earlier mammogram screening is worthwhile.

In Your 40s

The 40s are typically when Healthier SG Screening subsidies kick in for cardiovascular risk. The risk of diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol rises with age, and many people receive their first diagnosis of a chronic condition in this decade.

Recommended screens:

• Fasting blood glucose and HbA1c (diabetes)
• Blood pressure
• Fasting lipids (cholesterol)
• Liver and kidney function
• Full blood count
• Mammogram for women – annually from age 40 to 49 if at risk; every two years from age 50
• Eye check – glaucoma and early diabetic eye changes can be detected before vision is affected
• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) for men concerned about prostate health – discuss with your doctor

If you have not been screened in several years, this is the decade to start a regular schedule. Annual or biennial checks become more important from here on.

In Your 50s

By your 50s, screening becomes less about detection and more about ongoing management. Some conditions may already have been identified; others are more likely to appear now.

In addition to the 40s screens, add:

• Colorectal cancer screening: FIT test annually from age 50; a colonoscopy if the FIT result is positive or if there is a family history of colorectal cancer
• Bone density scan (DXA) – particularly relevant for postmenopausal women, who are at higher risk for osteoporosis
• Cardiovascular tests such as an ECG or treadmill stress test if there are risk factors or new symptoms
• Abdominal ultrasound – assesses the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, and other organs
• Hearing and vision checks

In Your 60s and Beyond

Regular, comprehensive screening remains important. The frequency and breadth of checks may increase, and the focus shifts toward managing existing conditions and monitoring for late-onset diseases.

In addition to previous screens, consider:

• Continued colorectal cancer screening – those aged 70 and above should discuss with their doctor whether to continue FIT testing
• Cognitive function assessment if relevant
• Medication review – older adults are often on multiple medications; regular review reduces the risk of interactions and adverse effects
• Fall risk and mobility assessment
• Shingles vaccination if not yet received (recommended from age 60 under NAIS)
• Pneumococcal vaccination review (recommended from age 65 under NAIS)

Healthier SG enrolled seniors aged 65 and above with qualifying conditions receive influenza vaccinations at no cost at their enrolled clinic. Your GP can coordinate all of this within a single ongoing relationship.

Types of Health Screening Packages in Singapore

Beyond what Healthier SG Screening covers, a range of private packages are available at GP clinics and health screening centres. Understanding what each type contains helps you choose wisely.

Basic Package

Typically covers: full blood count, blood glucose, cholesterol (lipid profile), kidney function, liver function, urine analysis, and blood pressure. Often also includes BMI.

Suited for: Younger adults establishing a baseline, or those who want a straightforward annual check covering the main organ systems. Usually priced from around $50 to $150 at GP clinics.

Comprehensive Package

Expands on the basic package to include: thyroid function, uric acid, hepatitis B status, additional cancer markers, and sometimes an ECG or chest X-ray. May also include a doctor’s consultation to review results.

Suited for: Adults in their 40s and above who want a broader picture, or those with specific risk factors not covered in a basic screen. Typically priced from around $200 to $500 depending on the tests included.

Executive or Premium Package

The most comprehensive tier, often including: all of the above plus imaging (ultrasound abdomen, mammogram), specialised cancer markers, cardiovascular assessments, and a full in-person consultation.

Suited for: Those who want a thorough once-a-year review, particularly if they have not screened in a while. Private hospital packages at this level can cost $500 to over $1,000. GP clinic packages with similar scope are generally more affordable.

Gender-Specific and Specialised Packages

Many clinics offer targeted packages for women’s health (including gynaecological screening, hormonal panels, and breast imaging) and men’s health (including prostate and testosterone assessments). Pre-marital screening, executive corporate health screening, and packages for specific conditions such as fatty liver disease or thyroid disorders are also available.

How to Choose the Right Health Screening Package

There is no universal right answer. The right package is the one that matches your current life stage, risk profile, and what you have already had done recently. A few guiding questions:

• Are you already enrolled with a Healthier SG clinic? If so, start there – the subsidised screening your GP recommends based on your age and history is the most appropriate starting point.
• What is your family history? A family history of diabetes, heart disease, or certain cancers changes what you should be prioritising, often earlier than the general population guidelines suggest.
• When did you last have a screening? If it has been several years, a comprehensive package may be more appropriate than a basic one for your first visit back.
• Do you have any symptoms or concerns? Screening is for people who feel well. If something specific is bothering you, a clinical consultation is the right first step – not a screening package.
• What is your budget? Singapore’s subsidy framework means that for many people, the most important tests can be accessed at very low cost through Healthier SG Screening. Private packages add value through breadth and convenience, not necessarily by replacing what subsidised screening already covers.

The most practical approach for most people is to start with a GP consultation. Your doctor can review your history, advise on which tests are clinically relevant, and help you access whatever subsidies you qualify for before recommending additional private tests.

Preparing for Your Health Screening

A few practical things to know before your appointment:

• Fasting may be required. Blood glucose and cholesterol tests are typically done after 8 to 10 hours of fasting. Water is generally fine. Your clinic will advise.
• Bring your NRIC and CHAS or PG/MG card if you have one. This is needed to access subsidised rates under Healthier SG Screening.
• Inform the clinic about any medications you are taking. Some medications can affect test results and your doctor will need to account for this.
• Know your family history. Information about parents or siblings who have been diagnosed with diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or other conditions helps your doctor recommend the right tests.
• Results take time. Blood test results are typically available within a few working days. Your doctor will go through the results with you and advise on any follow-up needed.

Health Screening at Lion Health Clinic

Lion Health Clinic is a CHAS-accredited GP clinic with locations in Boon Keng and Yishun. We offer Healthier SG Screening for eligible Singapore Citizens, including subsidised cardiovascular risk screening, cervical cancer screening, and colorectal cancer screening where applicable.

We also provide a range of health screening packages for adults at different life stages, with the option to customise based on your personal health history and risk factors. After your screening, our doctors will go through your results with you and advise on any follow-up care or referrals needed.

If you are unsure where to start, a consultation with our GP is the simplest first step. We can help you work out what you need, what subsidies you qualify for, and when to come back.