8 in 10 Singaporeans delay medical care for work, family

More than half said they lacked the right information to make treatment decisions.

The majority (83%) of Singapore residents reported delaying medical care over the past year, according to a report by Economist Impact commissioned by Prudential plc.

These delays were linked to obligations to prioritise work over self-care and concerns about being a financial or caregiving burden on family.

Ambiguity around the healthcare process was also cited, with 61% saying they lacked the right information to make treatment decisions.

Meanwhile, 39% of respondents said they preferred healthcare that minimally disrupted daily life, while 31% valued guidance throughout the process.

Another key factor was financial concerns, with 23% citing cost as a reason for delaying care.

Over 60% expressed worry about their ability to pay for necessary treatment, and around half encountered higher-than-expected medical bills in the past year.