Paediatric Urgent Care in Singapore: A Complete Guide for Parents

When your child becomes unwell, especially outside clinic hours, it is natural to feel unsure about where to turn. Questions about urgency, safety, and timing often come up all at once.

Paediatric urgent care can offer timely medical assessment for many childhood illnesses and concerns without the long waits of A&E. Knowing what urgent care can help with – and when emergency care is still needed – can ease uncertainty and help you feel more confident in those stressful moments.

Does your child need urgent care?

Paediatric urgent care sits between a regular clinic and A&E. It is for children who need medical attention within hours rather than days but who are stable and not in immediate danger. 

Unlike A&E, which is designed for life-threatening emergencies, paediatric urgent care focuses on timely assessment and treatment without the intensity or long waiting times of an emergency department.

Your child might be a good fit for urgent care if they have:

• Fever that is high or persistent

• Febrile seizure

• Asthma attacks or breathlessness

• Respiratory tract infections (such as common cold, bronchiolitis, pneumonia)

• Vomiting or diarrhoea that is not stopping

• Allergic reactions

• Minor injury, cuts, or burns

• Uncontrolled pain or bleeding

If your parent’s gut is telling you something isn't quite right, that's reason enough. Urgent care gives you a way to get your child checked quickly without having to wait days for a GP appointment or sit in A&E for hours when it's not an emergency.

Finding a paediatric urgent care centre in Singapore

Once you've decided urgent care is the right move, the next step is knowing where to go and how to get there fast. Having this information ahead of time can save precious minutes, reduce anxiety, and help you get your child seen as quickly as possible.

Below are some paediatric urgent care options in Singapore and how you can access them without unnecessary delays.

Do you need an appointment, or can you walk in?

Most Urgent Care Centres (UCC) in Singapore, including Thomson Medical Centre, take walk-ins. Some centres also let you register online beforehand, which can help cut down your waiting time.

If you're not sure how it works at a particular centre, a quick phone call before you head out can save you some stress.

How long will you wait to see a doctor?

Most of the time, you're looking at somewhere between 30 minutes and 2 hours at paediatric urgent care, which is usually much quicker than sitting in A&E. That said, the exact timing will depend on how busy things are when you arrive and your child’s condition compared to the other kids there.

Urgent care centres use a triage system. That means the doctors see the sickest children first, regardless of who got there earlier. So, if your child has a high fever but is otherwise stable, and another child comes in struggling to breathe, that child will be seen before yours. It's not about queue jumping – it's about medical priority.

This can feel frustrating if you've been waiting a while, especially while worrying about your child. If at any point you feel more concerned or notice your child’s condition getting worse, let the nurse or doctor know, and your child can be reassessed and prioritised if needed. You are not expected to manage this alone.

Will your child be seen by a paediatrician or a general doctor?

It depends on which centre you go to. 

Urgent care clinics can be staffed by:

• Paediatricians, who specialise in children

• Emergency physicians with paediatric training

• General practitioners who are trained in urgent paediatric care

All urgent care doctors are trained to spot serious illness in children, know when something needs immediate attention, and arrange hospital referrals when needed. Even if you don't see a paediatrician immediately, you're still seeing someone who knows what to look for and when to escalate.

Will your insurance cover urgent care?

In Singapore, most health insurance plans do cover outpatient urgent care visits, including the consultation itself, X-rays, and basic tests. But it depends on which insurer you have, what type of plan you're on, and whether the clinic you're going to is part of their network.

It’s important to bring your insurance card with you and ask the clinic staff to check your coverage before any treatment starts. Most places are used to this and can quickly tell you what's covered and what's not.

And if you don't have insurance? Urgent care is still usually a lot cheaper than going to A&E for the same issue. You'll get the care your child needs without the hefty hospital bill.

What should I bring to a paediatric urgent care?

When you're rushing out the door with a sick child, it's hard to think straight. But grabbing a few key things before you leave can make the whole visit go much more smoothly.

• For your child:

  • ID or birth certificate (if you have it handy)

  • Vaccination record

  • Any recent medical reports or hospital discharge letters

  • A list of medications or supplements they're taking

• For yourself:

  • Insurance card or app ready on your phone

  • Your own ID

• Other helpful items:

  • Nappies, wipes, and snacks or milk, as a hungry, uncomfortable child makes everything harder

  • A favourite toy, stuffed animal, or blanket to keep your children calm and occupied

Don't panic if you forget something – the clinic can usually work around missing paperwork. But having these things with you from the beginning just means less stress and fewer trips back to the car or home.

In moments of uncertainty, knowing that paediatric urgent care is available can help you pause, breathe, and get your child the care they need without feeling rushed or alone.

FAQ

Is paediatric urgent care open on weekends and public holidays?

Most paediatric urgent care centres in Singapore are open on weekends and public holidays, and some operate late into the night or 24/7.

Is urgent care more expensive than seeing our regular paediatrician?

Urgent care is usually more expensive than a regular clinic visit, but it is often much more affordable than going to A&E for the same condition.

Can urgent care do X-rays and blood tests on-site for children?

Yes, most paediatric urgent care centres can perform X-rays, blood tests, urine tests, and rapid infection tests on-site.

What should I bring with me for the urgent care visit?

Bring your child’s ID, vaccination record if available, any medications they are taking, and your insurance details.

What if my child’s condition gets worse while we’re waiting?

It’s best to tell a doctor or nurse immediately. Your child will be re-triaged and seen more urgently if their condition changes.

Can urgent care prescribe antibiotics and other medications for children?

Yes, urgent care doctors can prescribe antibiotics, inhalers, pain relief, and other necessary medications for children when appropriate.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations based on your medical conditions, request an appointment with Thomson Medical.