You have decided to make time for a health screening. The next question may be: should you visit a GP clinic or book an executive health screening?
Both options can help you understand your health, but they are not simply the same service offered in different locations. The main differences include the screening scope, setting, diagnostic options and whether government subsidies can apply.
Understanding these differences can help you choose an option based on your needs rather than simply selecting the programme with the most tests.
Two Ways to Screen Together
Our current Healthier Together Programme includes:
- GP Clinic Health Screening Package for Two from S$188 nett↗
- Executive Health Screening Bundle for Two from S$690 nett↗
These options provide different levels of screening. Read on to understand which may better suit your needs.
Eligibility, availability and terms apply.
What Is GP Clinic Health Screening?
GP clinic health screening offers a convenient way to complete routine health checks close to home. It may suit people looking for a focused assessment based on their health needs and national screening guidelines.
Depending on the package, screening at a GP clinic may include:
- Clinical measurements such as blood pressure, body mass index and waist circumference
- Blood tests for conditions such as diabetes and high cholesterol
- Selected cancer screening based on your age and eligibility
GP clinics may offer both private health screening packages and subsidised screening under the Healthier SG Screening programme. Government subsidies apply only to eligible patients and tests covered by the national programme.
If imaging or more specialised investigations are needed, you may require a separate appointment or referral to a screening, radiology or specialist centre.
What Is Healthier SG Screening?
Healthier SG Screening is Singapore's national subsidised screening programme for eligible Singapore Citizens. Eligibility and the screening tests covered depend on factors such as age, sex, existing diagnoses and when you last had screening.
Depending on your eligibility, the programme may cover:
- Cardiovascular risk screening, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity
- Cervical cancer screening with a Pap test or HPV test
- Annual faecal immunochemical test (FIT) for colorectal cancer screening from age 50
- Subsidised mammograms for eligible women at selected polyclinics
Healthier SG Screening is available at participating Healthway Medical CHAS GP clinics for eligible screening tests. Breast cancer screening under the programme is offered at selected polyclinics. Eligible Singapore Citizens may receive subsidised health screening, depending on their eligibility.
Check which screenings you are due for before booking, as eligibility and subsidy levels may vary.
What Is an Executive Health Screening?
Executive health screening offers a broader assessment at a dedicated health screening centre. Programmes may combine a medical consultation, clinical measurements, laboratory tests and selected diagnostic assessments.
It may be considered if you are looking for a broader health baseline or if your family history, previous results or health concerns suggest that further assessment may be useful.
Executive health screening programmes are generally private services and are not eligible for Healthier SG Screening subsidies.
Executive Health Screening Programme at Healthway Screening Centres
Healthway’s executive health screening programmes offer different levels of laboratory screening and selected diagnostic tests. Your age can provide a starting point, but your family history, existing conditions, previous results and specific concerns also matter.
| Programme | Who it may suit | Main difference |
|---|---|---|
| Core | Adults seeking their first health baseline | Foundational health screening |
| Ember | Adults who want a baseline assessment with flexibility to explore one area further | Choice of 1 selected diagnostic test |
| Eunoia | Adults with emerging risks, family history or changing health needs | Expanded laboratory screening and 2 selected diagnostic tests |
| Noir | Adults who want additional cardiovascular or focused profile screening | Additional focused screening and 3 selected diagnostic tests |
| Ivory | Adults for whom colonoscopy is appropriate based on their screening needs and history | Includes colonoscopy and 4 selected diagnostic tests |
In addition to the main health screening programmes, Healthway offers specialised health screening programmes focused on particular health areas and life stage needs.
GP Clinic vs Executive Health Screening at a Glance
| What to consider | GP clinic health screening | Executive health screening |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Routine or focused health screening | A broader health assessment with specific options |
| Setting | At a neighbourhood GP clinic | At a Healthway Screening Centre with private screening pods designed for comfort and privacy |
| Screening scope | Essential health checks and eligible population screening | Wider laboratory screening with selected diagnostic options |
| Healthier SG Screening | Available at CHAS GP clinics for eligible screening tests. Participating Healthway Medical GP clinics are part of the programme | Not covered by Healthier SG Screening subsidies |
| Imaging and diagnostic tests | May require a separate appointment or referral | Available as selected options in applicable programmes |
| Time required | Typically takes about 1 hour or longer, depending on the selected screening package. | Typically takes around 1.5–3 hours, depending on the selected package and may take longer depending on appointment schedules. |
| Who it may suit | People seeking routine checks, a convenient location or subsidised screening | People seeking a broader baseline or assessment based on additional risks and concerns |
| Follow up | Review and follow up with a GP where required | Medical report and review according to the selected programme |
Neither option is automatically better. The more suitable choice depends on what you are due to screen for and how broad an assessment you require.
Which Type of Health Screening May Suit You?
GP clinic health screening may suit you if:
- You want routine or essential health checks
- You prefer to screen at a clinic near your home
- You are eligible for Healthier SG Screening subsidies
- You do not currently need a broad range of diagnostic tests
- You want to discuss your screening needs with your regular GP
Executive health screening may suit you if:
- You want a broader health baseline
- Your family history or previous results require more consideration
- You are interested in selected diagnostic assessments
- You prefer a dedicated health screening centre
If you are still unsure, start by checking which recommended screening you are due for. You can then discuss whether a focused GP clinic screening or a broader executive health assessment is more appropriate.
Find a Screening Option That Suits Your Needs
If you are looking for routine health checks close to home, book an appointment for health screening at one of our GP clinics.
If you prefer a broader assessment with selected diagnostic options, book an appointment for executive health screening at Healthway Screening Centres.
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
This article is intended for general educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Screening recommendations are based on Singapore Ministry of Health and Health Promotion Board guidelines. Please consult a doctor for advice specific to your health profile.
Medically Reviewed by Dr Zhang Junjie
Family Physician at Healthway Screening
