Most employers think Group Hospital Insurance (GHS) is all about hospital stays.
But what if I told you that outpatient care — simple GP visits, scans, even specialist consultations — is often where the real impact on your business begins?
Let me explain.
A logistics SME I recently worked with noticed a worrying trend: their foreign workers were skipping GP visits and self-medicating. Why? Because even though they were covered for major hospitalisation, there was no outpatient cover.
A few months later, one worker was rushed to the hospital for a condition that could’ve been caught early — if he had seen a doctor.
The final bill? Nearly $22,000.
The root cause? Untreated flu that developed into pneumonia.
Outpatient benefits don’t just reduce big claims — they prevent them.
With proper outpatient coverage under GHS:
- Workers are more likely to see a doctor early
- You reduce downtime from prolonged illnesses
- You build a culture of early intervention, not crisis control
And here’s the thing:
Most insurers now offer modular outpatient riders. You can choose between:
- Panel GP clinics for basic consultations
- Specialist outpatient care
- Diagnostic scans and lab tests
- Even traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in some cases
As a bonus? Your HR team spends less time sorting out reimbursement messes or checking on “MC fraud.” Everything goes through a defined network, with clear reporting.
If you’re already investing in GHS, make sure it works for you year-round — not just during a crisis
Want to know which outpatient benefits give the best bang for buck?
Let us help you compare options — no sales pitch, just real advice from someone who’s seen the hidden costs of skipping outpatient cover.
👉 Message us at your-insurance-guy.com
FAQs
What is outpatient coverage under Group Hospital Insurance (GHS)
Outpatient coverage under GHS refers to benefits that pay for medical care not requiring hospital admission, such as visits to GP clinics, specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, and sometimes TCM treatments. These are typically offered as optional riders to standard inpatient plans.
Is outpatient treatment included in all GHS plans?
No, most basic GHS plans in Singapore cover only inpatient treatment (hospital stays and surgeries). Outpatient benefits are optional add-ons and vary by insurer — you’ll need to request them specifically when customising your company’s plan.
Why should SMEs include outpatient benefits in their GHS plans?
Outpatient cover encourages employees to seek early treatment, reducing the risk of minor illnesses escalating into serious, expensive conditions. It also cuts down sick leave duration and helps maintain workplace productivity — making it a smart investment for SMEs.