Whether you’re hiring your first few employees or scaling your SME workforce, you’ll eventually ask:
Where should I buy Group Hospital Insurance (GHS)?
In Singapore, you have 3 main channels — each with its own pros and pitfalls.
Let’s break them down, and show you which options are worth considering — especially for small and mid-sized businesses.
1️⃣ Direct from Insurance Companies — Like QBE and Income
QBE Singapore
Though originating from Australia, they are one of the more popular providers for GHS among SMEs, especially for businesses that employ foreign workers. Why?
✅ High coverage limit options
✅ Reliable pre/post hospitalisation riders
✅ Fast claims turnaround
✅ Easy integration with MOM Work Permit Requirements
Income (Formerly known as NTUC Income)
Another locally trusted name, especially for companies that want straightforward, employee-only plans with local panel networks.
✅ Well-recognised brand and local support
✅ Simple claims for GP and specialist riders
✅ Good option for companies with mostly Singaporeans or PRs
However, going direct to insurers often means:
- You only see their products
- You’ll need to do your own comparison
- No one is advocating for your unique needs (e.g. multi-national workforce, mixed pass types, short-term contracts)
2️⃣ Through Online Brokers — Good, But Not Personal
There are now digital platforms offering instant quotes and GHS plan comparisons. While convenient, many SMEs find them:
⚠️ Lacking in post-sale support
⚠️ Inflexible with non-standard worker profiles (e.g. part-timers, freelancers)
⚠️ Hard to reach when claims go sideways
If your team is growing or changing rapidly, a one-click online plan might not age well with your company.
3️⃣ Buying Through an Insurance Agency — Why KCB Agency Stands Out
This is where an agency like KCB Agency becomes valuable — especially if you’re an SME owner who doesn’t have time to study policy wordings or sit through endless product briefings.
Agencies like KCB:
- Compare multiple insurers (QBE, Income, Sompo, etc.)
- Help structure a plan based on your team’s actual risk profile
- Know which plans avoid unnecessary riders to keep premiums lean
- Handle claims and appeals on your behalf
For example, KCB has helped companies blend:
- QBE’s high hospitalisation limits
- Income’s outpatient panel clinics
- At a cost below what most companies pay going direct
You also get support for claim disputes, and coverage advice for foreign vs local staff — without paying more in premiums.
Final Tip Before You Buy
Whichever route you go, always check that your chosen GHS plan aligns with MOM’s Employment Guidelines and CPF Contributions Rules.
Still unsure which GHS plan fits your team — or tired of insurance reps pushing one-size-fits-all plans?
Let KCB Agency build a smarter, cleaner proposal for you.
Get in touch here: https://www.your-insurance-guy.com/about-us/contact-us/