Pre-Marital Health Screening in Singapore: Complete Checklist for Couples

Most couples preparing for marriage think carefully about their future. The home they will share, whether they want children, how they will manage finances. Health, though, is often left off the planning list entirely – until something comes up.

Pre-marital health screening is not about expecting bad news. It is about going into marriage with a clear picture of where both of you stand medically, so that if there are health considerations to plan around, you are making decisions together rather than being caught off guard.

Singapore’s healthcare system does not require pre-marital screening by law, but doctors widely recommend it for couples who plan to start a family, or for anyone who has not had a recent health check-up.

What Is Pre-Marital Health Screening?

Pre-marital health screening is a medical assessment designed to check the health of both partners before marriage. It looks at inherited conditions that could be passed to children, infectious diseases that could be transmitted between partners or affect a pregnancy, reproductive health markers, and general health indicators.

The results inform – but do not dictate. A couple may discover that both partners carry the same genetic trait, for example, and then work with a doctor or genetic counsellor to understand what that means for family planning. Knowledge enables options.

What Tests Are Included?

Packages vary between clinics, but a standard pre-marital health screen in Singapore typically includes the following categories:

Blood Group and Rhesus Factor

Blood type is checked for both partners. Rhesus (Rh) factor compatibility matters particularly during pregnancy, as an Rh-negative mother carrying an Rh-positive child may require medical management to prevent complications.

Full Blood Count

A full blood count (FBC) measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It can help identify anaemia, infections, and blood disorders.

Thalassaemia Screening

Thalassaemia is a hereditary blood disorder that affects the body’s ability to produce haemoglobin. Carriers are usually healthy and may not know they carry the trait. However, if both partners are carriers, there is a one-in-four chance with each pregnancy of having a child with severe thalassaemia – a condition requiring lifelong medical care.

In Singapore, around 3% to 5% of the population are thalassaemia gene carriers. Screening before marriage allows couples to understand this risk and, if needed, explore family planning options or genetic counselling.

G6PD Deficiency

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a common inherited condition in Singapore. People with G6PD deficiency have red blood cells that break down prematurely when exposed to certain triggers such as specific foods or medications. Knowing about this allows both partners and, eventually, their children to avoid unnecessary exposure.

Infectious Disease Screening

This typically includes:

• HIV: Early detection allows access to treatment that significantly changes long-term health outcomes.
• Hepatitis B: Chronic hepatitis B can be passed from mother to child during birth. Knowing your status enables appropriate vaccination of newborns and treatment if needed.
• Syphilis: Treatable when caught early; untreated syphilis can affect pregnancy and fetal health.
• Rubella (German measles) antibody test: Checks whether a woman has immunity. If she does not, vaccination before pregnancy is recommended.

Urine Test

A urine analysis screens for kidney function, urinary tract conditions, and diabetes indicators.

Additional Tests

Depending on the package or individual health history, additional screening may include:

• Cholesterol and lipid profile
• Liver function
• Thyroid function
• Fertility assessments (hormone levels, semen analysis) for couples who wish to evaluate reproductive health more closely

Is Pre-Marital Screening Compulsory in Singapore?

No. Pre-marital screening is not required by law in Singapore. It is, however, commonly recommended by doctors – particularly for couples who plan to have children, those with a family history of inherited conditions, or anyone who has not had a recent health check.

Some religious bodies in Singapore encourage or facilitate pre-marital screening as part of marriage preparation programmes, but participation is voluntary.

When Should Couples Do This?

Ideally, pre-marital screening is done several months before the wedding. This allows enough time for:

• Results to come back (typically two to three working days for blood tests)
• A consultation to discuss findings
• Any follow-up investigations if needed
• Vaccinations (such as rubella or hepatitis B) to take full effect before conception

There is no strict deadline, but leaving it very close to the wedding date limits your options if anything requires follow-up.

What Happens If a Test Comes Back with Something?

A result that requires attention is not the end of a planning conversation – it is the beginning of one. Many of the conditions detected in pre-marital screening are manageable, treatable, or simply need to be factored into family planning decisions.

For example, if a woman is not immune to rubella, she can be vaccinated before becoming pregnant. If both partners carry the thalassaemia trait, they can speak with a genetic counsellor about their options. If hepatitis B is detected, antiviral treatment is available and precautions can be taken to prevent transmission.

Your doctor will walk through the results and advise on appropriate next steps.

How Much Does Pre-Marital Screening Cost in Singapore?

Costs vary depending on the clinic and the tests included. Based on currently available pricing across GP clinics and health screening centres in Singapore, pre-marital health screening packages typically start from around $288 to $298 per individual. More extensive packages that include fertility assessments will cost more.

Consultation fees may be charged separately depending on the clinic. Contact the clinic directly to confirm current pricing and what is included before booking.

Pre-Marital Screening at Lion Health Clinic

Lion Health Clinic offers pre-marital health screening consultations at our clinics in Boon Keng and Yishun. Our doctors can advise on which tests are appropriate based on your health history, explain your results clearly, and refer you to the right specialists if follow-up is needed.

Starting your marriage with a clear understanding of both your health profiles is a practical step – one that many couples say they wish they had done earlier.