Private Nurse Cost in Singapore: What You Need to Know

Private Nurse Cost Singapore: As Singapore’s population continues to age, more families are seeking quality healthcare solutions for their elderly loved ones. Among the options available, hiring a private nurse stands out as a flexible and personalized choice—especially for patients recovering at home, managing chronic conditions, or requiring post-surgical care.

However, one of the most frequently asked questions is: How much does a private nurse cost in Singapore?

The cost of private nursing services can vary widely depending on the type of care required, the duration of service, and the nurse’s qualifications. In this article, we break down the costs involved, factors that influence pricing, and how to determine if hiring a private nurse is the right choice for your family.

What Is a Private Nurse?

A private nurse is a registered or enrolled nurse hired to provide individualized medical care outside a hospital setting. They are typically engaged to offer one-on-one attention in a patient’s home, a nursing home, or a rehabilitation facility.

Private nurses are trained to handle:

• Post-operative care

• Wound management

• Medication administration

• Tube feeding (e.g., NGT or PEG)

• Catheter care

• Mobility assistance

• Vital signs monitoring

Depending on the needs of the patient, a private nurse may provide short-term, long-term, or live-in care.

Types of Private Nursing Services in Singapore

Understanding the different types of private nursing services can help you make an informed decision. The main categories include:

1. Hourly Private Nursing Care

Ideal for patients who require care for just a few hours per day. Common use cases include:

• Medication supervision

• Vital sign checks

• Post-surgery wound care

Cost Range: $80 – $150 per visit (typically 1–2 hours)

2. Overnight Private Nursing

This option provides monitoring and assistance during the night, especially useful for patients at risk of falls, confusion, or requiring frequent toileting.

Cost Range: $180 – $280 per night (usually 10–12 hours)

3. 24-Hour or Live-in Private Nursing

Designed for patients who need round-the-clock medical attention, such as those recovering from major surgery or living with conditions like stroke, late-stage cancer, or advanced dementia.

Cost Range: $6000 – $10,000 per month

4. Specialized Nursing Procedures (One-Off)

These are one-time services such as:

• IV therapy

• Tracheostomy care

• Tube reinsertion

• Catheterization

Cost Range: $80 – $200 per procedure

Factors Affecting Private Nurse Cost in Singapore

The cost of private nursing care is influenced by several variables:

1. Level of Nurse Qualification

• Registered Nurse (RN): Holds a degree or diploma in nursing, licensed under the Singapore Nursing Board. Typically more experienced.

• Enrolled Nurse (EN): Has basic nursing training. Charges are usually lower.

RN services command higher rates due to advanced training and clinical skills.

2. Complexity of Care

The more specialized the care (e.g., managing ventilators, administering IV medications), the higher the cost. Patients requiring complex post-operative care or palliative support usually need experienced registered nurses.

3. Duration and Frequency

• Hourly or ad-hoc services cost more on a per-hour basis but may be more affordable for short-term or low-intensity needs.

• Monthly live-in services typically come with a more favorable overall rate due to bundled pricing.

4. Timing and Urgency

• Services requested on weekends, holidays, or with short notice may incur premium charges.

• Overnight and holiday shifts are priced higher due to staffing challenges.

5. Agency vs Independent Hire

Hiring through a licensed agency offers more reliability, background checks, and insurance coverage—but often comes at a slightly higher cost. Independent nurses may be less expensive, but carry more risk in terms of accountability and continuity.

Comparing Private Nurses vs Other Care Options

Is Hiring a Private Nurse Worth the Cost?

When It Makes Sense:

• You need medical expertise at home, not just companionship or basic help.

• The patient is recovering from surgery or has a complex condition like stroke, cancer, or Parkinson’s.

• You want to avoid hospital readmissions or support palliative care at home.

• You seek personalized, one-on-one attention and professional monitoring.

While the cost may seem high, many families find that the comfort, continuity, and quality of care justify the investment.

Cost-Saving Tips for Families

If you’re concerned about the financial impact of hiring a private nurse in Singapore, here are some ways to manage costs:

1. Use Government Subsidies

Singapore citizens and permanent residents may qualify for schemes such as:

• Home Caregiving Grant ($250/month)

• Pioneer Generation / Merdeka Generation subsidies

• Means-tested subsidies under the Ministry of Health (via Agency for Integrated Care)

2. Insurance Reimbursement

Check if the patient’s integrated shield plan, hospitalisation insurance, or critical illness plan covers home nursing care.

3. Short-Term Usage

If the situation is temporary (e.g., post-surgery recovery), consider hourly or daily care instead of committing to full-time services.

4. Combine Services

You can use a domestic helper for daily tasks and hire a private nurse only for specific medical procedures or monitoring.

How iKare Home Delivers Reliable Private Nursing Care

At iKare Home, we provide professional private nursing services tailored to meet the unique needs of every client. Our team includes registered nurses with clinical experience in hospital and home settings. Services are available on an hourly, daily, or live-in basis, depending on your requirements.

Our private nurses are equipped to handle:

• Wound care and dressing changes

• Medication administration

• Tracheostomy and tube care

• Palliative support

• Monitoring of vital signs and chronic conditions

We prioritize safety, comfort, and dignity, offering peace of mind to families across Singapore. All our nurses are vetted, certified, and trained in compassionate elder care.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does it cost to hire a private nurse for home care in Singapore?

On average, hourly care ranges from $80–$150 per visit, overnight care from $180–$280, and full-time live-in care from $6000–$10,000 per month, depending on complexity and frequency.

What’s the difference between a private nurse and a caregiver?

A private nurse is a medically trained professional who can handle clinical tasks like injections, wound care, and tube feeding. A caregiver or domestic helper typically assists with daily living activities but cannot provide medical care.

Are private nursing services available 24/7?

Yes. Many agencies, including iKare Home, offer 24-hour or live-in nursing care for patients who require round-the-clock attention.

Can I claim insurance for private nursing costs?

Some insurance policies, especially integrated shield or critical illness plans, may cover part of the cost. It’s best to consult your insurer for specific coverage details.

Do I need a doctor’s referral to hire a private nurse?

While not always necessary, having a doctor’s note or care plan helps the nurse understand the medical needs of the patient and deliver the most appropriate care.

Final Thoughts

The cost of a private nurse in Singapore can seem substantial, but the benefits often outweigh the expense—especially when professional care, medical oversight, and patient comfort are top priorities. Whether your loved one needs temporary post-surgery care, long-term palliative support, or expert medical attention at home, private nursing offers a flexible and high-quality solution.

At iKare Home, we’re committed to delivering trusted, qualified, and compassionate care tailored to your needs. Let us help you provide the best for your loved ones—because home is where healing happens best.