Polyclinic or private GP, which is actually worth it for common illnesses?

Use both strategically, that's the real answer. For a simple acute thing, cough, flu, mild infection, a private GP is usually worth the extra dollars: you're in and out in a fraction of the time, often with evening or weekend hours, and the total isn't that much more than a polyclinic once you value your time and MC convenience. The polyclinic shines for two situations. One, chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, where subsidised follow-ups, medication and the Chronic Disease Management Programme with Medisave use make it far cheaper over the long run. Two, if you need subsidised specialist referrals, lab tests or imaging, the polyclinic route unlocks subsidised rates that private GPs can't. Also check if your GP is on the CHAS or Healthier SG scheme, enrolling with a regular GP under Healthier SG can give you subsidised chronic care with the convenience of private, best of both. My rule: acute and minor, GP for speed, chronic and subsidy-heavy or needing referrals, polyclinic. Match the visit to the need.