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, MOH recommends 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 $3,800 – $5,000 in private clinics or hospitals. Requirements for biopsies or polyp removal will result in additional costs.
MOH historical data (TOSP Code: SF704C Colon, Colonoscopy, fibreoptic with removal of polyp (single or multiple less than 1cm)) – as of 28 Mar 2025 – shows that a median cost of about S$2,674 for day-surgery procedures done in public hospitals (without government subsidies), and about S$4,374 at private hospitals.
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$3,800 to S$5,000 | Singapore private healthcare is world-class in quality and has the benefit of convenience for Singapore-based patients. |
| Malaysia | From S$859 (RM 3,000) (Johor Bahru – KPJ Bandar Dato Onn) Approx. S$1,361 (RM 4,500) (Kuala Lumpur – Prince Court Medical Centre) S$1,512 (RM 5,000) (Kuala Lumpur – Gleneagles Hospital) | Many Malaysian hospitals are internationally-accredited and delivers excellent service. Additional charges may apply e.g. for further consultation, medication, investigation, and treatment. |
| Thailand | Approx. S$750 (THB 19,000) (Bangkok – Vimut Hospital) | 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.
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What Do 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 Aug 2025):
| 1) Day Surgery | Up to a maximum of $830 per day for daily hospital charges, including investigations, medicines and doctor’s attendance fees. |
|---|---|
| 2) Operation | A fixed operation limit of either $1,120 or $1,390, 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.
What Is The Cost of Colorectal Cancer Treatment In Singapore?
Cancer Surgery Costs
MOH’s listing of the average costs for colorectal surgery in Singapore are:
| Procedure | Type of Hospital | Average Cost (Data accessed in 7 Aug 2025) |
| Colorectal (SF803C – Colon, Various Lesions, Right/Left Hemicolectomy) | Private | S$55,865 (Inpatient) |
| Public (Unsubsidised) | S$23,887 (Ward A) | |
| Public (Subsidised) | S$6,288 (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 provided these average chemotherapy costs in Singapore (Code: R63Z):
| Type of Hospital | Average Cost (data accessed in 7 Aug 2025) |
| Private (Day Surgery) | S$12,766 |
| Public (Subsidised) (Day Surgery) | S$485 |
| Public (Ward A, Unsubsidised) (Inpatient) | S$2,058 |
| Public (Ward C, Subsidised) (Inpatient) | S$930 |
In addition, The National University Cancer Institute Singapore provides the following estimates (accessed 7 Aug 2025):
| 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.
What Do Medisave, MediShield And Insurance Cover 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.
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FAQs On Colonoscopy & Colorectal Cancer Treatment Cost In Singapore
The cost of a colonoscopy in Singapore ranges from about S$3,800 to S$5,000 in private hospitals and clinics, while public hospital charges (without subsidy) is typically around S$2,700. Prices may increase if biopsies or polyp removals are needed, and costs are also influenced by whether the procedure is outpatient or inpatient and the choice of hospital or specialist.
Singaporeans aged 50 and above can use MediSave for colonoscopy screening at approved institutions, claiming up to S$300 per day for hospital charges and either S$950 or S$1,250 as a fixed operation limit, depending on the procedure. Screening colonoscopies for individuals without symptoms are generally not claimable under insurance, but medically necessary procedures may be covered by Integrated Shield Plans and private insurance, depending on policy terms.
For those who find Singapore’s costs prohibitive, undergoing a colonoscopy in neighbouring countries such as Malaysia or Thailand can be more affordable, with starting prices from S$750 to S$1,500, depending on the facility. However, patients should factor in additional expenses such as travel, potential follow-up care, and potential differences in service quality and accreditation
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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.