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Haze in Singapore: Health Effects, Symptoms and the Haze Subsidy Scheme
Broader Protection Against Pneumococcal Disease
Medically reviewed by Dr Amaris Lim, MBBS, MMed (Fam Med), Grad Dip Sports Med – last reviewed October 2026
Haze can affect air quality and cause health symptoms, particularly among children, older adults, and people with existing heart or lung conditions. Understanding how haze affects your health and knowing what precautions to take can help you stay well during periods of poorer air quality.
With the Haze Subsidy Scheme activated in Singapore from 12 October 2026, eligible Singapore Citizens can also receive subsidised treatment for certain haze-related medical conditions at participating GPs and polyclinics.
What Causes Haze in Singapore?
Haze in Singapore is often associated with smoke from forest and vegetation fires in the region. Weather conditions, including dry periods, low rainfall and wind direction, can influence how haze travels and affects local air quality.
The Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) is used to indicate the severity of air pollution. A 24-hour PSI reading of 101 or above is classified as unhealthy.
How the haze can affect your health depends on several factors, including the level of air pollution, how long you are exposed to it, the intensity of outdoor activities and their pre-existing health conditions.
How Can Haze Affect Your Health?
Exposure to haze may cause irritation of your eyes, nose and airways, and also aggravate certain existing medical conditions.
Common symptoms and haze-related conditions include:
- Eye irritation: Eyes may feel itchy, uncomfortable or watery.
- Nose and throat irritation: Some people may experience sneezing, a runny nose, throat irritation or discomfort.
- Allergic rhinitis: Haze may aggravate symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing and a runny nose.
- Asthma: Exposure to air pollutants may trigger symptoms of an asthma attack.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Haze can worsen pre-existing symptoms of coughing and phlegm, and trigger episodes of wheezing and breathlessness.
Who Is More Vulnerable to Haze?
Although the haze can affect anyone, certain groups may be more susceptible to its effects.
These include:
- Children
- Older adults
- Pregnant women
- People with chronic lung conditions, such as asthma or COPD
- People with existing heart conditions
If you or your family members fall into these groups, pay attention to air quality updates and follow the relevant health advisories. Those who are unwell, especially individuals with existing medical conditions, should seek medical advice when necessary.
How Can You Protect Yourself During Haze?
Taking simple precautions can help reduce exposure to haze and its potential effects on your health.
1. Check the Latest Air Quality Updates
Monitor the latest PSI forecasts and one-hour PM2.5 readings through official sources such as the National Environment Agency (NEA). Use the relevant health advisories to decide whether to adjust your outdoor activities.
2. Adjust Outdoor Activities
When air quality deteriorates, reduce or avoid prolonged and strenuous outdoor physical activity according to the prevailing health advisory.
3. Keep Prescribed Medication Available
If you have an existing medical condition, particularly asthma or another chronic respiratory condition, ensure that your prescribed medication is available and follow your usual treatment plan.
Do not change or stop prescribed medication without consulting your healthcare professional.
4. Pay Attention to Symptoms
Take note of any new or worsening symptoms during periods of haze. If you experience breathing difficulties, worsening respiratory symptoms or other concerning changes in your health, seek medical attention.
Severe breathing difficulties require urgent medical attention.
What Is the Haze Subsidy Scheme in Singapore?
The Haze Subsidy Scheme (HSS) was activated from 12 October 2026 to help eligible Singapore Citizens access subsidised treatment for certain haze-related medical conditions.
The Haze Subsidy Scheme is available at all of our clinics for all Singapore Citizens who meet the following criteria:
- Children aged 18 and below
- Adults aged 65 and above
- Public Assistance beneficiaries
- Pioneer Generation members
- Merdeka Generation members
- CHAS Blue and Orange cardholders
- Medical Fee Exemption Card holders
How Much Does Treatment Cost Under the Haze Subsidy Scheme?
For eligible treatment under the scheme, the maximum out-of-pocket fees are:
- Public Assistance beneficiaries: Fully subsidised
- Pioneer Generation and Merdeka Generation seniors: Up to $5
- Other eligible Singapore Citizens: Up to $10
The HSS applies for individuals diagnosed with certain haze-related conditions, including allergic rhinitis, asthma, bronchitis, COPD, conjunctivitis and upper respiratory tract infections.
Our family doctors will assess your condition to determine whether the treatment qualifies under the scheme. Treatment for unrelated conditions is not covered under the Haze Subsidy Scheme.
For the latest eligibility requirements and official information, refer to the Ministry of Health’s Haze information page.
If you experience persistent eye, nose or throat irritation, worsening respiratory symptoms or symptoms that interfere with your daily activities, consider seeking medical advice.
People with existing heart or lung conditions should be particularly attentive to changes in their symptoms during periods of haze. Seek urgent medical attention for severe breathing difficulties.
A healthcare professional can assess your symptoms, consider your medical history and advise on appropriate treatment.
All Frontier Healthcare clinics participate in the Haze Subsidy Scheme. Eligible patients may receive subsidised treatment for covered haze-related conditions, subject to the scheme’s eligibility criteria.
Book an appointment with a Frontier Healthcare clinic for a medical assessment if you are feeling unwell.
This article is for general health education and should not replace professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for advice specific to your condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Haze Subsidy Scheme in Singapore?
The Haze Subsidy Scheme (HSS) is for Singapore Citizens who are children aged 18 and below, adults aged 65 and above, Public Assistance beneficiaries, Pioneer Generation or Merdeka Generation members, CHAS Blue or Orange cardholders, or Medical Fee Exemption Card holders. Eligible patients can receive subsidised treatment for covered haze-related conditions at participating GP clinics and polyclinics.
How much does treatment cost under the Haze Subsidy Scheme?
Under the Haze Subsidy Scheme (HSS), Public Assistance beneficiaries are fully subsidised. Pioneer Generation and Merdeka Generation seniors pay up to $5, and other eligible Singapore Citizens pay up to $10 for treatment of covered haze-related conditions. Treatment for conditions unrelated to the haze is not covered.
Which conditions are covered under the Haze Subsidy Scheme?
The Haze Subsidy Scheme covers treatment for certain haze-related conditions, including allergic rhinitis, asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), conjunctivitis and upper respiratory tract infections. Your doctor will assess your condition to determine whether your treatment qualifies under the scheme.
Can I use the Haze Subsidy Scheme at Frontier Healthcare Group?
Yes. All Frontier Healthcare group clinics participate in the Haze Subsidy Scheme, which was activated from 12 October 2026. Eligible Singapore Citizens may receive subsidised treatment for covered haze-related conditions after an assessment by our family doctors, subject to the scheme’s eligibility criteria.
What PSI level is considered unhealthy in Singapore?
In Singapore, a 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) reading of 101 or above is classified as unhealthy.
What are the common symptoms of haze exposure?
Haze can cause itchy, watery or uncomfortable eyes, sneezing, a runny nose and throat irritation. It may also worsen existing conditions such as allergic rhinitis, asthma and COPD, triggering coughing, phlegm, wheezing or breathlessness. Children, older adults, pregnant women and people with heart or lung conditions are more vulnerable.
When should I see a doctor for haze-related symptoms?
See a doctor if you have persistent eye, nose or throat irritation, worsening respiratory symptoms, or symptoms that interfere with your daily activities. People with existing heart or lung conditions should watch closely for changes in their symptoms. Seek urgent medical attention if you have severe breathing difficulties.
Author
Dr Amaris Lim
MBBS, MMed (Fam Med), GDip (Sports Med)
Dr Amaris is a Family Physician at Frontier Healthcare with a special interest in Sports Medicine. She also contributes as one of the Core Faculty for the Family Medicine Residency Program with the National University Health System (NUHS). She currently practices at Canberra and Bukit Batok.
