Mental health support for British nationals in Singapore
Information about support for British nationals experiencing mental health difficulties in Singapore.
Read guidance on mental health abroad for broader advice on mental health issues while travelling or living abroad.
What to do in an emergency
In an emergency or for urgent medical attention call 995 and ask for the ambulance or police or go to the emergency department at any general hospital. Alternatively you could attend the walk in centre at the Institute of Mental Health.
For less urgent medical attention visit the Ministry of Health Website, or attend a local SingHealth Polyclinic.
The national care support line can be contacted on 1800 202 6868.
Bringing medicines in to Singapore
Read guidance on taking medicine in or out of the UK and Singapore travel advice - GOV.UK.
Accessing medicines in Singapore
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Check to see whether you need approval from the Health Sciences Authority to bring in medication from the UK.
Not all medicines from the UK are available in Singapore. Make sure you have a prescription from your GP and check with a doctor in Singapore who may be able to issue a prescription for a local equivalent. See the HCI Directory for a listing of licensed healthcare institutions.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
If you need a repeat or replacement prescription while you are in Singapore, you should approach a local pharmacy who can provide advice and a list of local doctors.
Bring a copy of your prescription to Singapore. This can help doctors find the exact or similar medication.
Admission to hospital for mental health reasons
Hospitals with mental health facilities are widely available in Singapore.
To access inpatient care voluntarily in Singapore the Institute of Mental Health operates a walk in 24 hour service, for further information please see Institute of Mental Health.
People experiencing a mental health crisis may be detained in hospital and treated against their wishes if they are thought to be a risk to themselves or others. In Singapore this is called involuntary detention.
This is comparable to ’sectioning’ in the UK but there are significant differences in procedure and law. UK mental health law is non-transferrable to other countries so even if a person is sectioned in the UK, this cannot be used to admit them to hospital abroad. The same applies to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) laws.
To assist health professionals treating you, you may be asked to provide a medical history or help in accessing UK medical records.
Outpatient treatment
You may also be able to access outpatient care in Singapore. You can find a list of hospitals that offer outpatient mental health care in our list of doctors and medical facilities for Singapore.
Treatment outside of hospital
Mental health care, including non-urgent treatment, is also available in Singapore outside of hospital. See our list of medical facilities for places that may be able to offer treatment.
Medical bills and insurance
Hospital bills and other medical fees may be high in Singapore without adequate travel insurance. If you are treated in hospital against your wishes, you may still be charged medical fees.
The cost of hospitalisation may be covered by your travel insurance.
Make sure you declare any pre-existing conditions to your insurance provider to ensure your insurance is valid. Enquire where possible ahead of any treatment about likely cost and whether it will be covered by your insurance.
If you do not have adequate insurance, you will need to cover costs from your own personal funds. Read about medical emergencies, treatment and hospitalisation abroad and foreign travel insurance.
Making decisions on behalf of someone lacking mental capacity
To make decisions on behalf of someone ‘lacking mental capacity’, speak to a lawyer in Singapore for advice.
In the UK, you can apply to become someone’s deputy if they ‘lack mental capacity’ but UK deputies are unlikely to be recognised in Singapore.
Support from agencies and organisations in Singapore
Contact these organisations in Singapore for mental health support and advice:
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National Care Hotline: 1800 202 6868
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Samaritans of Singapore: 1800 221 4444
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Mental Health Helpline (Institute of Mental Health): +65 6389 2222
International organisations
These international organisations may be able to help you whilst you are overseas:
Returning to the UK
If you are abroad and need help to return to the UK, the FCDO can try to assist in making plans for your return. See what the FCDO can and cannot do.
You may not automatically be entitled to state benefits if you have never lived in the UK, or if you have lived abroad for some time. This includes free NHS hospital treatment. See our returning to the UK guidance for more information, including on healthcare.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this guide is intended for your general guidance only, it is not a substitute for obtaining your own medical and legal advice. For more information, read our consular information disclaimer.