A colonoscopy is an examination of the inside of your big intestine. The purpose of this examination is to identify gastrointestinal illnesses such as colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in Singapore. However, it is also preventable as most colorectal cancers take time to develop from colon or rectal polyps. In this regard, colonoscopy is also a good form of colorectal cancer prevention as it enables doctors to remove polyps before they become cancerous. In Singapore, it is recommended that people without any colorectal cancer risk factors start colonoscopy screening from aged 50. People with increased risk of developing this cancer should start screening earlier. Colonoscopy cost in Singapore might vary depending on a number of factors.
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Colonoscopy In Singapore
Colonoscopy costs for routine screening are typically lower than the costs of diagnostic colonoscopies to diagnose a particular ailment on average. Due to the added complexity, histological evaluation (by a pathologist), and use of specialised instruments during the process, the expenses will rise with the addition of procedures like removing growths, taking biopsies, or other treatments carried out using colonoscopy.
The hospital or clinic you select and whether you decide to receive the operation as an outpatient or an inpatient are other factors to take into account. Due to government subsidies, outpatient colonoscopies at public hospitals are typically more affordable for Singaporean citizens and permanent residents. To determine whether an endoscopy is necessary, a polyclinic doctor must first assess the patient before sending a referral letter to a specialist for additional testing. CHAS/MG/PG cardholders can receive subsidised referrals to public SOCs through CHAS clinics, which include their Healthier SG GPs. You will be considered a subsidised patient and will receive care from a team of doctors/dentists. Patients who wish to choose a specific doctor at the SOC will have to pay private rates. You should confirm with your GP if their referral qualifies you to receive subsidised treatment.
Some patients might want a more tailored experience, the ability to select the specialist of their choice, or faster service. They can consider seeing a private surgeon or gastroenterologist instead for the procedure to be performed at a private facility.
Average Colonoscopy Cost In Singapore
For colonoscopy cost in Singapore, we can expect to pay around $2,000 – $3,500 in private clinics or hospitals. Requirements for biopsies or polyp removal will result in additional costs.
MOH historical data also shows that a median cost of about $1,700 for day-surgery procedures (“colonoscopy with removal of tissue or abnormal growth with scope”) done in public hospitals (with government subsidies), and about $5,600 at restructured hospitals without subsidies.
Colonoscopy Price Comparison – Singapore, Malaysia And Thailand
For those who find the cost of colonoscopy in Singapore prohibitive, an alternative is to undergo the procedure in a neighbouring country where medical costs are generally lower. Based on online sources, the starting prices of stand-alone colonoscopy procedures in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand range from:
| Country | Starting Cost | Remarks |
| Singapore | S$2,000 to S$3,500 | Singapore private healthcare is world-class in quality and has the benefit of convenience for Singapore-based patients. |
| Malaysia | S$400 to S$880 | Many Malaysian hospitals are internationally-accredited and delivers excellent service. At this price range, exclusions may include pre-admission and post-procedure consultation, examination, and medication. Additional charges apply for further consultation, medication, investigation, and treatment. |
| Thailand | S$810 to S$1,620 | Many Thailand hospitals are internationally-accredited and delivers excellent service. |
The actual cost will vary depending on the choice of hospital and the type of sedation used. This would also be before the cost of any other related procedures such as polyp removal or biopsies, or additional medication required.
MediSave And Insurance Support For Colonoscopy In Singapore
MediSave can be claimed for colonoscopy screening at all public healthcare institutions and approved private hospitals and medical institutions, for Singaporeans aged 50 years old and above and provided it is a day surgery procedure. Based on CPF guidelines (as of 10 Dec 24):
| 1) Day Surgery | Up to a maximum of $300 per day for daily hospital charges, including investigations, medicines and doctor’s attendance fees. |
|---|---|
| 2) Operation | A fixed operation limit of either $950 or $1,250, depending on the type of operations performed. |
Fees for colonoscopies which are deemed “medically necessary” are claimable under Integrated Shield Plans and private insurance plans (depending on coverage offered under each specific plan, and whether the doctor is on the panel of your insurance company). Colonoscopies undergone purely for screening purposes (i.e. no signs and symptoms of relevant medical conditions) are generally not insurance claimable.
As MediSave policies may change from time to time, you should check with CPF on the latest updates. You should similarly check with your insurance provider on the coverage details for your particular insurance policies.
Cost of Colon & Rectal Cancer Treatment In Singapore
Cancer Surgery Costs
MOH’s listing of the average cost of surgeries for the most common cancers in Singapore are:
| Procedure | Type of Hospital | Average Cost (Data accessed in Jul 24) |
| Colorectal (SF803C) | Private | $51,739 (Inpatient) |
| Public (Unsubsidised) | $22,613 (Ward A) | |
| Public (Subsidised) | $5,187 (Ward C) |
Chemotherapy Costs
Chemotherapy costs in Singapore depend on the type and of drugs used, and the number of times they have to be administered.
Data from MOH (accessed in Sep 2024) provided these average chemotherapy costs in Singapore (Code: R63Z):
| Type of Hospital(Inpatient) | Average Cost (data accessed in Sep 24) |
| Private | $3,152(data accessed in May 22) |
| Public (Ward A, Unsubsidised) | $1,711 |
| Public (Ward C, Subsidised) | $544 |
In addition, The National University Cancer Institute Singapore provides the following estimates (data as of Jan 2023):
| Cancer | Total Chemotherapy Cost |
| Colorectal Cancer | $728 |
Note: NCIS’s estimated out-of-pocket expenses are based on unsubsidised Singaporean patients and they exclude consultation fee and cost of laboratory investigations and scans. The final hospital bill depends on the patient’s condition and the chemotherapy regimen, and may differ from the estimated out-of-pocket expenses provided here. Patients should be prepared for a range of potential scenarios.
Medisave, MediShield And Insurance For Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatment is claimable under MediSave, MediShield, and various insurance policies.
MediSave covers:
- Medicines
- Investigations
- Surgical operation fee
MediSave covers up to:
- Medical/surgical inpatient cases
Up to S$450 per day for daily hospital charges (patient must stay in hospital at least 8 hours unless he/she is admitted for a day surgery). This includes a maximum of S$50 for doctor’s daily attendance fees. - Approved day surgeries
Up to S$300 per day for daily hospital charges. - Surgical operations (inpatient and day surgery), with coverage limits depending on the complexity of the operation
- Certain outpatient treatments, with coverage limits depending on the treatment.
You may find the following resources useful:
National Cancer Cancer Singapore – guide to using MediSave
Ministry Of Health (MOH) – FAQs on cancer treatment financing
For insurance, you will need to check with your insurance provider on the specifics of cancer coverage under your policies, and also to ensure that your chosen doctor is on the panel of your insurance company.
[Updated 10 Dec 24]
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This article is informative only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.