SINGAPORE – More care options for seniors and greater support for mental wellness are among the changes Singapore’s healthcare sector will see in 2026.
This follows developments such as the launch of a new government agency to lead Singapore’s pandemic preparedness efforts, and the continued expansion of the country’s healthcare capacity in 2025.
The Straits Times highlights what to look out for in 2026, as well as key developments in the past year.
In 2026, Singapore is projected to join other countries such as Japan and South Korea in becoming a super-aged society, where at least 21 per cent of the population are aged 65 or older.
In 2026, Singapore is projected to join other countries such as Japan and South Korea in becoming a super-aged society, where at least 21 per cent of the population are aged 65 or older.
ST PHOTO: GIN TAY
Currently, 20.7 per cent of Singaporeans are already in this group, up from 13.1 per cent in 2015. By 2030, about a quarter of all Singaporeans will be at least 65 years old.
To meet the needs of its rapidly ageing population, Singapore has been enhancing and diversifying measures to care for seniors.
In 2026, 200 community care apartments – which integrate senior-friendly housing with care services – will be launched near Caldecott MRT station in Toa Payoh, where about a quarter of residents are at least 65 years old.
From early 2026, an enhanced Home Personal Care service will be rolled out islandwide, offering greater support for seniors who choose to live in their own home, as well as tech-enabled monitoring and response for falls and other incidents.
The first quarter of 2026 will also see
the launch of the $260 million Perennial Living project
, Singapore’s first private assisted living development for seniors, which includes 200 suites, 100 nursing home beds and a 1.5ha therapeutic park.
Age Well Neighbourhoods initiative was announced
, which provides seniors with convenient access to social activities and healthcare in their neighbourhood, beginning with Toa Payoh and other areas with a higher concentration of seniors.
From April 1, new Integrated Shield Plan (IP) riders will
not be allowed to cover minimum deductibles patients have to pay before insurance kicks in
.
The annual co-payment cap will also be doubled from $3,000 to $6,000, meaning IP holders with the new riders will also need to pay a larger portion of their bills.
IPs provide optional health coverage by private insurers on top of national insurance scheme MediShield Life, which covers all Singaporeans, while riders are sold to cover the deductible as well as the remainder of the bill not covered by MediShield Life and IPs.
The changes are aimed at addressing rising insurance premiums and private healthcare costs.
They come on the back of six private insurers increasing premiums for most IPs or riders in 2025, citing pressures from rising claims, medical inflation and expanded benefits.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) estimates that premiums for the new riders will be about 30 per cent lower than those of existing ones with maximum coverage.
