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Co-Payment Coverage – What Expats Need to Know
Understand how shared medical costs affect your coverage abroad.
When reviewing international health insurance plans, many expatriates come across the term “co-payment” or “co-pay.” But what does it actually mean—and how does it impact your healthcare expenses?
At InterExpat, we help expats in Singapore and beyond understand how co-payments work, and how to choose a plan that fits both your medical needs and your budget.
Expert Advice for Your Health Insurance Journey
Finding the right health insurance can be overwhelming. Let our licensed advisors guide you through the process with unbiased advice. We partner with multiple top-tier insurers to give you more choice and the best coverage suited to your needs.
What Is a Co-Payment?
A co-payment is a fixed percentage or amount you pay out of pocket each time you use a covered healthcare service. The insurer pays the rest.
For example:
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Your outpatient consultation costs S$100
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Your plan includes a 20% co-payment
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You pay S$20, and the insurer pays the remaining S$80
Co-payments can apply to:
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Doctor visits
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Specialist consultations
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Prescription drugs
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Diagnostic tests or physiotherapy sessions
Why Some Plans Include Co-Payments
Insurers offer co-payment models to:
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Help lower your premium
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Encourage responsible use of medical services
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Allow you to access comprehensive coverage at a better rate
Some expats prefer this model because it keeps premiums more affordable while still covering major expenses.
Important Considerations for Expats
Before choosing a plan with co-payment, ask:
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Is there a maximum out-of-pocket limit per year?
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Does the co-pay apply to all treatments or only outpatient care?
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Can I remove or reduce the co-pay by paying a higher premium?
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Are emergency or hospitalisation services exempt?
Some international plans (e.g., April International or Now Health) allow you to customise your co-payment settings when enrolling.
Smart Use of Co-Payment Coverage
Co-payment coverage is ideal for:
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Young professionals who need basic care
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Families managing routine doctor visits and prescriptions
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Healthy expats who want to reduce premiums but stay protected
If you have frequent medical needs or prefer full reimbursement, consider a no co-pay option instead.
Let’s Choose the Right Plan for You
Not sure how much co-payment makes sense for your situation? We’ll help you compare co-pay vs. full-cover plans and choose what’s right.
