Skip to content
Running out of your medication while traveling can be stressful. The good news is that getting a refill in Singapore is quite easy. The healthcare system is modern and simple to use, even for travelers. Here’s what you need to know.
Why You Usually Need a Local Doctor’s Prescription
You usually can’t use a prescription from your home country in Singapore. Pharmacies here need a prescription from a local doctor.
This is a safety rule to make sure you get the right medicine. It might sound like a hassle, but seeing a doctor in Singapore is quick and simple.
How to Get a Prescription Refill: A Step-by-Step Guide
Getting your medication refilled just takes a few easy steps.
Step 1: Find a Doctor or Clinic
The easiest place to go is a General Practitioner (GP) clinic. You can find them everywhere, including in most shopping malls. Many of them don’t require an appointment, so you can just walk in.
If you’re not just refilling a prescription and need to know what to do if you get sick in Singapore, a GP can help with that too. To make it even easier, the Air Doctor app can connect you with a local, English-speaking doctor in Singapore for a clinic visit, video call, or even a visit to your hotel.
Step 2: Prepare for Your Appointment
To make your visit go smoothly, bring a few things with you:
- Your current medication in its original box.
- Your prescription from home (or a doctor’s letter).
- Your passport or ID.
This helps the Singaporean doctor quickly understand what you need.
Step 3: During the Consultation
The doctor will look at your current medicine and ask a few questions to understand your health. Then, they will write you a new prescription that you can use in Singapore.
Feel free to ask them anything. For example, the brand name of your medicine might be different here, so it’s a good time to check.
Step 4: Filling Your Prescription at a Pharmacy
After you get your new prescription, it’s time to get your medicine. Many doctor’s clinics have a pharmacy right inside, so you can get your medication on the spot and get back to the fun things to do in Singapore.
You can also take the prescription to a pharmacy like Guardian, Watsons, or Unity. You’ll find them in any shopping mall.
What to Know About Restricted Medications
Some medicines have stricter rules in Singapore. These include strong painkillers, sleeping pills, and certain medications for anxiety or ADHD.
Getting a refill for these can be more difficult and might require seeing a specialist. Before you travel, it’s a good idea to check the rules on Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) website. For most personal medicines, you can bring up to a 3-month supply with you without any special approval.
Estimating the Costs
As a visitor, you’ll need to pay for your medical care.
- Doctor’s Visit: A visit to a GP clinic usually costs between S$20 and S$55.
- Medicine: The price of the medicine will vary.
Make sure to keep all your receipts. Your travel insurance might cover these costs, so you can claim the money back later.
Alternatively, you could use the Air Doctor app, and cut down on the costs.
Tips for a Smooth Process
A little preparation can make the whole experience feel less stressful. For more general advice, you can also read our guide with Singapore travel tips.
- Don’t wait until the last minute. Try to get a refill when you still have a few pills left.
- Bring a doctor’s letter. A note from your doctor at home is very useful.
- Know that brand names can be different. A pharmacist can help you find the right one.
- Use an app to find a doctor. An app like Air Doctor makes it simple to find a good clinic nearby, which is especially helpful if you’re on a long layover and short on time.
In Short
- You will almost always need to see a local doctor in Singapore to get a new prescription.
- Bring your existing medication and your home prescription or a doctor’s letter to the appointment.
- GP clinics are widely available, and many accept walk-ins.
- Pharmacies are located within clinics or as standalone stores like Guardian and Watsons.
- Plan ahead, especially if you take a controlled medication, by checking HSA guidelines before you travel.
About The Air Doctor App
With the Air Doctor app in your pocket, you can access medical care and receive expert medical guidance anywhere you travel.
Air Doctor offers a wide range of benefits, including:
- A global network of multi-lingual doctors and specialists
- Choice of clinic, at-home (hotel), and video consultations
- 24/7 multi-lingual support
- Transparent pricing and reviews
- Valid, local prescriptions
- Most common medical specialties, including cardiologists, ENT specialists, and GPs
FAQs
Yes, tourists can easily see a doctor in Singapore. Private GP clinics are set up to handle walk-in appointments for visitors.
No, you often don’t. Most GP clinics in Singapore accept walk-in patients, which is perfect for a simple prescription refill.
No, you need a prescription for antibiotics in Singapore. You will have to see a doctor first.
