The haze is back, and unfortunately, so are the itchy eyes, runny noses, and bouts of coughing. While nobody wants to make a trip to the doctor, especially when medical bills are involved, getting treated shouldn’t have to burn a hole in your wallet either.
Thankfully, the government has activated the Haze Subsidy Scheme (HSS) from 12th October 2026, which lets eligible Singaporeans receive subsidised treatment for haze-related conditions at participating clinics.
Here’s what you need to know about the scheme, including the eligibility criteria and where to go.
The HSS lets eligible Singaporeans get subsidised outpatient treatment for haze-related conditions at all polyclinics and participating Public Health Preparedness Clinics (PHPCs).
For context, the PHPC scheme was first introduced in 2014 to help clinics respond to public health emergencies and provide care to the community. It was last activated in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, and is now back to help Singaporeans cope with haze-related illnesses.
The good news is that all Singapore Citizens can receive subsidised treatments for haze-related conditions at polyclinics.
Image credit: Phoenix Medical Group via Google Maps
However, if you’d rather visit your usual GP, take note that the eligibility criteria are different at participating PHPCs – subsidies are only available to Singapore Citizens aged 18 and below or 65 and above, as well as those who qualify under any of the following schemes:
You can head to the GPGoWhere website to find participating PHPCs near you – look out for clinics marked as PHPCs on the website.
Alternatively, keep an eye out for the PHPC decal and/or HSS poster displayed at the clinic when you visit.
Image credit: People’s Action Party via Facebook
Here’s a quick overview of the subsidies available, depending on whether you’re seeking treatment at a polyclinic or participating PHPC, as well as the scheme you’re under:
| Clinic type | Eligible group | Subsidised treatment fee |
| Participating PHPCs | Children aged 18 & below Seniors aged 65 & above CHAS Blue and Orange cardholders MFEC cardholders | $10 or the total bill, whichever is lower |
| Pioneer Generation (PG) cardholders Merdeka Generation (MG) cardholders | $5 or the total bill, whichever is lower | |
| Public Assistance (PA) cardholders | Fully subsidised, with no out-of-pocket payment | |
| Polyclinics | All Singapore Citizens | $10 or the total bill, whichever is lower |
| Pioneer Generation (PG) cardholders Merdeka Generation (MG) cardholders | $5 or the total bill, whichever is lower | |
| Public Assistance (PA) cardholders | Fully subsidised, with no out-of-pocket payment |
No additional GST will be charged on the subsidised treatment fees listed above.
Image credit: Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels
According to HealthHub, the HSS covers several haze-related conditions, including:
Your doctor will assess your condition and determine whether it’s caused by the haze and is therefore eligible for coverage under the scheme.
Image credit: Anna Shvets via Pexels
If you’d rather skip the trip to the clinic, teleconsultations may also be subsidised under the HSS, provided you’re eligible and diagnosed with a haze-related condition, and your doctor deems a virtual consultation clinically appropriate.
But if your doctor needs to examine you in person to assess your condition, you may be asked to head down to the clinic instead; the HSS subsidies will apply to your in-person consultation.
If you’re feeling under the weather, check if you’re eligible for the HSS before heading to a participating PHPC. If you don’t qualify for subsidies at PHPCs, you can still visit a polyclinic, where all Singapore Citizens are eligible. The wait might be a little longer, but it’s better to get your symptoms checked early than to let them worsen and leave you feeling even more sian.
More guides to help you survive the haze:
Cover image adapted from: Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels, SingHealth Polyclinics
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