HIV in Singapore
Mediway Medical Centre provides confidential HIV testing, prevention (PrEP and PEP), and long-term HIV care at our clinic at The Riverwalk, Clarke Quay. This page explains what HIV is, how it spreads, symptoms to know, and your options for testing, prevention and treatment in Singapore.
Results 1–5 days
Daily or on-demand
Walk-in anytime
$38 consultation
Not shared by default
Clarke Quay MRT, Exit E
What is HIV?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body's CD4 immune cells, the cells that help the body fight infection. Without treatment, HIV progressively weakens the immune system and can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
The good news: HIV is no longer a death sentence. With modern antiretroviral therapy (ART), most people diagnosed with HIV today can expect a near-normal lifespan and, when the virus is fully suppressed, cannot pass it to sexual partners, known as "U=U" (Undetectable = Untransmittable).
In Singapore, HIV is a manageable chronic condition with well-established clinical pathways, government subsidy schemes, and confidential care options at both public and private clinics.
How HIV spreads (and how it doesn't)
HIV is transmitted through four main routes in Singapore.
HIV does NOT spread through:
- Hugging, shaking hands, sharing food or utensils
- Sharing toilets, swimming pools, or gym equipment
- Mosquito or insect bites
- Kissing (saliva does not transmit HIV)
- Sneezing or coughing
- Casual social contact of any kind
HIV symptoms by stage
HIV progresses through three clinical stages if untreated. Many people have no symptoms for years, which is why testing is the only way to know your status.
Acute HIV infection
- Fever, night sweats
- Sore throat, swollen lymph nodes
- Rash, muscle aches, fatigue
- Mouth ulcers
Many people have no symptoms or mistake them for a cold. HIV is highly transmissible at this stage.
Chronic (asymptomatic) HIV
- Often no noticeable symptoms
- Virus continues to replicate
- Immune system slowly damaged
- Can last 10+ years untreated
Regular testing is the only way to detect HIV in this stage.
AIDS
- CD4 count drops below 200
- Opportunistic infections (PCP, TB, Kaposi's sarcoma)
- Severe immune compromise
- Life-threatening complications
With modern ART started early, progression to AIDS is preventable.
HIV testing at Mediway
Four HIV test options at our clinic, ranging from $30 to $300. The right test depends on how recent your potential exposure is and how early you need a reliable result:
- $30: HIV Antibody Test (lab-based, detects from 4 weeks post-exposure)
- $55: Rapid Fingerprick 3rd Gen (detects from 3–4 weeks)
- $85: Rapid Fingerprick 4th Gen Combo (earliest rapid, from 3 weeks)
- $300: HIV RNA PCR (earliest available, from 10–14 days)
For full test details, preparation, window-period guidance, and booking, see our HIV Testing page.
HIV prevention
Three pillars of HIV prevention at Mediway.
Safer sex
Consistent condom use during vaginal, anal, and oral sex remains the foundational prevention method. Condoms also reduce risk of other STDs including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and hepatitis B.
STD overview →PrEP: Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
Daily or on-demand medication taken by HIV-negative people to prevent HIV infection before potential exposure. Over 99% effective when taken correctly. Truvada (generic) or Descovy (branded).
Full PrEP service →PEP: Post-Exposure Prophylaxis
Emergency 28-day medication course after potential HIV exposure. Must start within 72 hours: the earlier the better. Truvada + raltegravir or dolutegravir.
Full PEP service →Additional: Hepatitis B vaccination shares transmission routes with HIV and is commonly co-offered. Regular STI testing reduces baseline risk by catching concurrent infections early.
HIV treatment at Mediway
If you test positive for HIV, treatment is available. Modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) suppresses the virus to undetectable levels, stopping immune damage and preventing transmission to partners (U=U).
At Mediway we provide:
- Confidential HIV diagnosis and counselling
- ART initiation and ongoing prescription
- Quarterly monitoring: viral load, CD4 count, kidney function, lipid panel
- Adherence support and side-effect management
- Stable long-term HIV management
For complex cases (drug-resistant HIV, co-infections (tuberculosis, hepatitis), or advanced immune suppression), we refer to infectious-disease specialists at public hospitals (NCID, DSC Clinic) or private consultants.
Treatment is lifelong, but modern single-tablet regimens are well-tolerated and highly effective.
Book HIV Treatment Consultation →Living with HIV in Singapore
A HIV-positive diagnosis is life-changing, but not life-ending. Here's what Singapore residents with HIV should know.
Medication access and subsidies
Antiretroviral medications are available through public schemes (MediShield Life, MOH subsidies, Medical Assistance Fund for eligible citizens). Most patients can access affordable ART; our team helps you navigate schemes during treatment consultations.
Partner disclosure
Singapore's Infectious Diseases Act requires disclosure to sexual partners in certain contexts. Our team provides guidance on how to have these conversations safely, plus partner-notification information sheets.
Insurance and employment
- Existing life and health insurance policies generally continue after HIV diagnosis
- New insurance applications may face exclusions, check before disclosing
- Most employers cannot legally discriminate based on HIV status, and workplace testing is generally not permitted
Travel
Singapore no longer restricts travel for HIV-positive people (rules changed in 2015). Check destination country rules if travelling abroad.
Mental health and support
Action for AIDS Singapore (AFA) offers peer support groups and counselling. Our clinical team can refer to counselling services if helpful.
Your privacy, fully protected
HIV-related care is especially sensitive. Here's how we protect privacy end-to-end.
- Discreet clinic locationBasement level of The Riverwalk, inside a shared medical floor, not a street-front storefront.
- No records shared with insurers or employers by defaultHIV testing results, PrEP/PEP use, and treatment records are not shared with insurers, employers, or other third parties unless you specifically request it. (See note below on MOH notification for confirmed HIV-positive diagnoses, which is a separate legal requirement under the Infectious Diseases Act.)
- Self-pay optionPay privately, keep the visit entirely outside insurance systems.
- Digital result deliveryPhone, WhatsApp, or secure email, your preference.
- PDPA-compliant handlingAll data managed per Singapore's Personal Data Protection Act. See our full Privacy Policy.
Note on positive results: Singapore law (Infectious Diseases Act) requires doctors to notify MOH of confirmed HIV-positive diagnoses for public-health surveillance. This notification happens after a confirmed positive diagnosis and is separate from testing: if you are only screening and results are negative, no notification occurs. We explain this in full at consultation.
If you have questions about privacy before booking, please message our team on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
01 Can HIV be cured?
02 How long after exposure can I test for HIV?
03 What's the difference between PrEP and PEP?
04 Is PrEP safe long-term?
05 Will Mediway notify MOH, my insurer, or employer if I test positive for HIV?
06 How much does HIV treatment cost long-term?
07 Can I still get life or health insurance if I'm HIV-positive?
08 Is U=U real? Can someone with suppressed HIV not transmit the virus?
09 If my partner has HIV, should I take PrEP?
10 What do I do if I think I was just exposed to HIV?
Book HIV Testing or Consultation
Located at The Riverwalk, a 2-minute walk from Clarke Quay MRT (Exit E). PEP must start within 72 hours of exposure.
Directions
Located in central Singapore, just a 2-minute walk from Clarke Quay MRT.
Mon–Fri before 5/6pm: $2.00 for 1st hr, $1.00 for next subsequent 30min from 7am to 5pm
Mon–Fri after 5/6pm: $3.21/entry from 5pm to 7am the following day
Sat: $2.00 for 1st hr, $1.00 for next subsequent 30min from 7am to 5pm, $3.21/entry from 5pm to 7am the following day
Sun/PH: $3.21/entry from 7am to 7am the following day
Exit E. 2-minute walk along the river towards The Riverwalk building. We are at #B1-26/29.