A gastroscopy is an examination of the inside of your upper gastrointestinal tract. The purpose of this examination is to identify gastrointestinal illnesses such as stomach cancer. Stomach cancer is a silent killer disease and one of the top cancers in Singapore. Gastroscopy the gold standard for stomach cancer screening and is also a good form of stomach cancer prevention as it enables doctors to detect and removes the polyps before they become cancerous. People without any stomach cancer risk factors can consider starting gastroscopy screening from around age 40. People with increased risk of developing this cancer should start screening earlier. Gastroscopy cost in Singapore might vary depending on a number of factors.
Learn More: Stomach Cancer In Singapore >>
Gastroscopy In Singapore
Gastroscopy costs for routine screening may typically be lower than the cost of diagnostic gastroscopies to diagnose a certain 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 gastroscopy.
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 gastroscopies 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. Some patients might want a more tailored experience or the ability to select the specialist of their choice. That will require a visit to a private surgeon or gastroenterologist instead for the procedure to be performed at a private facility.
Cost Of Gastroscopy In Singapore
Based on MOH recommended benchmarks, for gastroscopy (SF701I – Intestine/Stomach, Upper GI endoscopy with / without biopsy; as of 12 Dec 24) the average bill at a private hospital for gastroscopy is S$2,780. In a public hospital, it is S$384 (subsidised) and S$1,296 (unsubsidised)
Based on online sources, the estimated starting prices of stand-alone gastroscopy procedures in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand range from:
| Country | Starting Cost | Remarks |
| Singapore | From S$2,500 | Singapore private healthcare is world-class in quality and has the benefit of convenience for Singapore-based patients. |
| Malaysia | From S$659 | 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 | From S$1,100 | Many Thailand hospitals are internationally-accredited and delivers excellent service. |
Cost Of Stomach Cancer Treatment In Singapore
MOH’s listing of the average cost of stomach cancer surgery in Singapore:
| Type of Cancer | Type of Hospital | Average Cost (Updated: data accessed in Jul 24) |
| Stomach (SF710S) | Private | $14,600 – $23,300(MOH recommended surgeon fee. Not a historic fee average) |
| Public (Unsubsidised) | Information not available. | |
| Public (Subsidised) | $7,501 (Ward C) |
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 |
MediSave And Insurance Support For Gastroscopy In Singapore
MediSave can be claimed for gastroscopy screening provided it is a day surgery procedure. Based on CPF guidelines:
| 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 gastroscopies 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). Gastroscopies 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.
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 12 Dec 24]
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Learn More:
Guide To Finding The Best General Surgeon In Singapore For Stomach Surgery >>
Guide To Finding The Best Gastroenterologist In Singapore >>
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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.