Role of Overseas Missions Towards Singaporeans in Distress in Foreign Countries

Mr Sitoh Yih Pin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs (a) what is the role of our Overseas Missions towards Singaporeans and their family members who face unfortunate and sudden circumstances such as a serious illness, accident or death in a foreign country; and (b) in such circumstances, to what extent will our Overseas Missions assist Singaporeans with logistical arrangements to receive medical care and/or repatriation to Singapore, if necessary.

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: Our Overseas Missions provide timely consular assistance, support and advice to Singaporeans in distress overseas. For major incidents such as serious illness, injury or death, we will contact the local authorities to ensure that appropriate medical care is provided; and help the family with the administrative processes to bring the affected Singaporean home.

For example, following a bus accident in Makkah last year, our Consulate-General in Jeddah visited several hospitals, worked with the local authorities to locate all affected Singaporean pilgrims, and ensured that those injured received due medical care. Unfortunately, one Singaporean passed on. Our officers rendered consular assistance to his family who arrived from Singapore, and facilitated the burial in Makkah. MFA also worked closely with MUIS and the travel insurance company to facilitate the medical repatriation of another Singaporean, as well as the safe return of the remaining pilgrims.

We will continue to do our best to provide prompt and effective consular service to Singaporeans. While MFA cannot bear the expenses incurred for medical care and repatriation, we will liaise with the family and work with relevant Singapore agencies such as MOH, CPFB and MSF, to explore if overseas medical expenses and associated costs can be covered under Medisave or other forms of assistance. In order to have adequate financial protection against unexpected emergencies, Singaporeans should always purchase travel and medical insurance when travelling overseas. ****