Inpatient Hospice Palliative Care Services (IHPCS)
End-of-life care for those who cannot be cared for at home.
Introduction
Inpatient Hospice Palliative Care Service (IHPCS) provides medical and emotional support for patients with serious illnesses who can no longer be cared for at home. The goal is to improve their quality of life by relieving pain and discomfort, and support both the patient and their caregivers.
Who is this service for
This is for patients with a serious illness with:
- Prognosis of less than 3 months AND
- Require specialised care that cannot be provided at home, at a centre or in a nursing home
- Prognosis of 12 months or less AND
Require time-limited care of up to 28 calendar days for severe symptoms that cannot be managed in the community
Services provided
Services include:
- Specialist palliative care focusing on the management of symptoms such as pain, breathlessness, nausea and vomiting
- Emotional, spiritual and grief support and counselling
- Palliative rehabilitation, including physiotherapy and occupational therapy
- Music and art therapy
IHPCS is available at inpatient hospices and most community hospitals.
To find IHPCS service providers near you, search this map using a postal code, address or your device’s current location.
Cost
You can check with the IHPCS service providers on the cost. The amount varies based on your household’s income.
To qualify for government subsidies, your loved one will need to be a Singapore Citizen or PR. Subsidies are also means-tested (ie there is an income criteria).
Click here to find out more about means-testing.
MediShield Life and MediSave can also be used to cover costs. If you still need help with the fees, please check with the service provider if there are any other forms of financial assistance.
How to apply
An application for IHPCS can be made by any doctor caring for your loved one.
Upon reviewing the application, the hospice will inform the referring doctor/ institution on the outcome.
Approved applications will then be allocated a date for the hospice admission.
You may also visit an AIC Link to get help with the application.
FAQs
FAQs
Household monthly income per person is the criteria used when there is a household income. (“Household” refers to the NRIC address)
It is calculated as the total gross household monthly income divided by the total number of family members living together in the household. Gross monthly household income includes basic employment income, trade/self-employed income, overtime pay, allowances, cash awards, commissions, and bonuses.
When there is no household income, Annual Value (AV) is used instead. AV is the estimated gross annual rent of a property if it were to be rented out, excluding furnishings and maintenance fees. It is determined by IRAS, and may be checked via IRAS website. Subsidy levels in 2026 will be determined using 2025 Annual Values.
To check or update your household information for means-testing, please use the MediShield Life Household Check e-Service. Alternatively, you can call the Medishield Life Hotline at 1800 222 3399.