SINGAPORE – When Singaporeans overseas have accidents or emergency health issues, they may require emergency medical evacuation to the nearest facility that can treat them.

They may be repatriated to Singapore if deemed medically necessary. Here are five things to know about medical evacuation and repatriation.

Check that your travel insurance covers overseas medical expenses, medical evacuation and repatriation. Look for exclusions and caveats. People with pre-existing conditions usually need to pay an extra premium for coverage of medical emergencies arising from those conditions, or may have limited coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation.

Always call local emergency services first to ensure the patient receives medical attention as soon as possible. Have the emergency contact numbers of your travel insurer on hand.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs cannot help with medical or travel expenses, but can help notify friends and family in case of an accident overseas.

Patient liaison services at public hospitals such as Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) and Singapore General Hospital (SGH) can assist with transferring the patient to Singapore for medical treatment.

For the SGH Patient Liaison Department, fill in the evacuation form here and call (+65) 6326-5656 on weekdays, 8.30am to 5.30pm. After office hours, call (+65) 6222-3322. 

Call the Pearl Liaison Centre at TTSH at (+65) 6357-1590 on weekdays, 8.30am to 5.30pm, or e-mail