Insurance
Our surgery is on the panel of most of the major insurance companies and if you are covered by corporate insurance, you may be entitled to a cashless visit to our clinic.
Get In Touch
Table of Contents
The cost of a colonoscopy in Singapore can vary depending on why the procedure is being done, where it’s performed, and whether additional procedures are needed.
At Advanced Colorectal and General Surgery, we’ll assess your condition and advise you on what to expect, ensuring you know your claim options and any possible additional charges.
Estimated Cost of Colonoscopy in Singapore at a Specialist Clinic
Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP) | Code | Procedure | Price Range |
2C | Diagnostic colonoscopy (with or without biopsy) | $2,792 – $3,827* | |
2C | Screening colonoscopy (with or without biopsy) | $2,137 – $3,284^ | |
3A | Colonoscopy with removal of small polyp(s) | $3,863 – $4,986* | |
3B | Colonoscopy with removal of larger or multiple polyps | $4,662 – $6,447* | |
3A | Screening colonoscopy with removal of small polyp(s) | $2,682 – $3,938^ | |
3B | Screening colonoscopy with removal of larger or multiple polyps | $2,900 – $4,483^ | |
3C | Colonoscopy with EMR for large polyps | $6,742 – $9,606* | |
4A | Colonoscopy with ESD for large polyps | $6,007 – $9,170^ Excl. Anaesthetist’s fee |
*Price ranges include the operation fee and other charges (if applicable), such as ward fees, doctor’s attendance and consultation, consumables, medication, and tests.
^Fees include the surgeon’s fee, anaesthetist’s fee, and inpatient doctor’s attendance. Higher surgeon fees may apply for more complex cases. Prices don’t include medications, injections, special procedures, and investigations (e.g. laboratory or imaging tests).
Colonoscopy Cost in Singapore: What the Price Typically Includes
Consultation and Pre-Procedure Specialist Assessment
Endoscopy Suite, Equipment, and Procedure Fees
The procedure is typically performed in an endoscopy suite using a flexible instrument known as a colonoscope.
Therefore, the procedure fee typically covers the:
- Use of the facility
- Equipment needed to examine the colon
- Medical staff who assist throughout the examination
Sedation and Monitoring During the Procedure
Colonoscopies are typically performed under sedation, so the total cost may include:
- The medication used for sedation
- Monitoring of your vital signs throughout the procedure to ensure your safety
Immediate Post-Procedure Review and Discharge Assessment
Once the procedure is complete and the sedation has worn off, we’ll review the findings with you. We’ll also advise you on recovery, follow-up care, and whether further treatment or testing is recommended.
What Affects the Cost of Colonoscopy in Singapore?
While colonoscopies generally follow the same process, the final colonoscopy cost may differ from one patient to another. Here are the factors that affect the colonoscopy cost in Singapore.
Extend of The Procedure
Some colonoscopies are performed simply to examine the colon. In other cases, we may need to also remove polyps, take a biopsy, or control bleeding.
When additional procedures are required, specialised instruments and lab analysis may be involved, which can increase the overall cost of the colonoscopy in Singapore.
Type of Sedation Used
The type of sedation used during the colonoscopy can also influence prices in Singapore. Depending on your medical condition and the expected complexity of the examination, deeper sedation or anaesthesia support may be recommended.
Complexity of the Examination
Certain clinical factors may make the procedure more technically demanding. Previous abdominal surgery, anatomical variations, or difficulty navigating the colon can lengthen the colonoscopy procedure and affect the overall price in Singapore.
Post Procedure Medications
Any required medications after the procedure, such as pain relievers or antibiotics, can add to the total cost.
Specialist’s Experience and Qualifications
More experienced and qualified specialists in Singapore may price their colonoscopy services higher for their expertise.
Colonoscopy Price in Singapore for Screening vs Diagnostic Procedures
The cost of a colonoscopy may also vary depending on why you need the procedure. In general, colonoscopies are performed either for preventive screening or to investigate specific symptoms.
Colonoscopy Screening Cost for Preventive Care
We may recommend a colonoscopy screening if you’re at risk of colorectal conditions because of your age or family history, even if you don’t have any symptoms.
During this procedure, we examine the colon for polyps or early changes before symptoms develop. If no abnormalities are detected, the examination is typically more straightforward.
Diagnostic Colonoscopy Price When Symptoms Are Present
A diagnostic procedure is used to determine the cause of your symptoms, such as:
Rectal bleeding
Persistent abdominal pain
Unexplained changes in bowel habits
Iron deficiency anaemia
Think you need a colonoscopy? Get professional advice from a specialist at Advanced Colorectal And General Surgery. Book your consultation today!
Is the Cost of Colonoscopy in Singapore Covered by Insurance?
In Singapore, insurance may cover part of the cost of a colonoscopy. Advanced Colorectal and General Surgery is on the panel of corporate insurance providers and is a partner for several MediSave-approved Integrated Shield Plans.
Insurance Coverage for Diagnostic Colonoscopy
Insurance plans typically cover a colonoscopy performed for diagnostic reasons, allowing you to claim part of the procedure cost. The exact amount covered depends on your:
- Policy terms
- Panel eligibility
- Whether the procedure involves additional treatment
If you have corporate insurance and our clinic is on your insurer’s specialist panel, you may be eligible for a cashless visit, where the insurer pays the covered portion directly. Some insurers may also require a referral from a general practitioner (GP) before you see a specialist.
Coverage Limitations for Screening Colonoscopy
Because screening procedures are preventive, some insurance plans may not cover the full cost of a colonoscopy in Singapore. Your insurance coverage depends on your policy, and some plans may only cover screening under specific conditions.
If your insurance is provided through your employer, you should confirm with your HR department or insurer whether screening colonoscopy is claimable.
Common Exclusions and Claim Considerations
Advanced Colorectal and General Surgery works with several Integrated Shield Plan insurers, including:
- Singlife with Aviva
- HSBC Life
- NTUC Income
- Prudential
- Great Eastern
- Raffles Health Insurance
If you have an Integrated Shield Plan, you may be able to claim part of the cost for hospitalisation or surgical procedures, depending on your policy terms.
If you’re unsure about your insurance coverage, contact us for assistance. Our team can help check your eligibility and prepare the necessary documents for your claim.
Can MediSave Be Used for Colonoscopy in Singapore?
MediSave can be used to cover the cost of a colonoscopy in Singapore. The amount you can claim depends on the procedure code assigned and whether additional procedures are necessary.
MediSave Withdrawal Limits for Colonoscopy
The final claimable amount depends on the actual procedure performed during the colonoscopy.
Code | Procedure | |
2C | Diagnostic colonoscopy (with or without biopsy) | $1,120 |
2C | Screening colonoscopy (with or without biopsy) | $1,120 |
3A | Colonoscopy with removal of small polyp(s) | $1,390 |
3B | Colonoscopy with removal of larger or multiple polyps | $1,740 |
3A | Screening colonoscopy with removal of small polyp(s) | $1,390 |
3B | Screening colonoscopy with removal of larger or multiple polyps | $1,740 |
3C | Colonoscopy with EMR for large polyps | $1,920 |
4A | Colonoscopy with ESD for large polyps | $2,380 |
Eligibility Criteria for Medisave Claims
You may be eligible to claim MediSave for a colonoscopy if:
- The colonoscopy is performed to investigate symptoms or abnormal test results
- The procedure has a claimable surgical procedure code
- The procedure is carried out in a MediSave-approved medical institution
- You have sufficient MediSave balance in your account
Differences Between Screening and Therapeutic Colonoscopy Claims
A colonoscopy performed for routine screening may not always meet the eligibility criteria unless additional procedures are carried out during the examination.
Let us help you check your eligibility and assist with the MediSave claim submission before the procedure.
Is Colonoscopy Painful and Does It Affect the Cost?
A colonoscopy in Singapore is typically performed under sedation, which can add to the final cost.
Role of Sedation in Comfort and Pricing
During a colonoscopy, sedation medication is given through a small intravenous (IV) line. It may be:
- Conscious or moderate sedation, where you remain relaxed and may drift in and out of sleep during the procedure.
- Deeper sedation, typically administered by an anaesthetist, where you’re fully sedated while your breathing and vital signs are closely monitored.
When Should You Consider a Colonoscopy Despite the Cost?
You don’t need to wait to experience or notice symptoms to go for a colonoscopy in Singapore.
Age-Based Screening Recommendations
According to the Singapore Cancer Registry Annual Report, thousands of new cases are diagnosed each year.
Because risk increases with age, national screening guidelines recommend regular colorectal cancer screening from age 50 for individuals at average risk.
Family History and Colorectal Cancer Risk
Your personal risk may be higher if a family member has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer or advanced colon polyps.
In these cases, we may recommend starting screening earlier than the usual age or repeating colonoscopy at shorter intervals. The exact recommendation depends on the number of affected relatives and their age at diagnosis.
Long-Term Cost Savings Through Preventive Screening
Detecting colorectal disease earlier means you can begin treatment earlier, too avoiding extensive treatment, hospitalisation, or complex surgery in the future.
Book a Colonoscopy Consultation to Discuss Cost and Coverage
If you’re considering a colonoscopy, the first step is to speak with a specialist who can assess whether the procedure is appropriate for your situation. Then you can discuss expected costs and other concerns.
A colonoscopy at Advanced Colorectal and General Surgery is performed by Dr Q M Leong, a colorectal surgeon with more than 20 years of experience managing conditions affecting the colon and rectum. He has performed over 10,000 endoscopic procedures, including diagnostic and therapeutic colonoscopies.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Cost of a Colonoscopy in Singapore
How much does a colonoscopy cost in Singapore with MediSave
MediSave may cover part of the procedure based on the assigned procedure code. Claim limits for common colonoscopy procedures typically range from $1,120 to $2,380.
Is colonoscopy cost covered by insurance in Singapore?
Colonoscopy cost coverage in Singapore depends on your policy. Some plans cover diagnostic colonoscopy, while routine screening may not always be claimable.
Are colonoscopy prices in Singapore subsidised?
Yes. After government subsidies are deducted from your medical bill, a colonoscopy may cost an average of $1,500 in Singapore.
When Should I have a Colonosocpy?
Average-risk individuals should be screened for colorectal cancer when they reach the age of 50 and above.
Is a Colonosocpy painful?
A colonoscopy procedure may seem daunting for some, but most individuals can tolerate it well. You will be given an intravenous injection to keep you relaxed and comfortable.
Will you get Colonoscopy results immediately?
Yes, your doctor will show you the pictures he has taken during the colonoscopy. If polyps have been removed, your doctor will see you again for the histology results.
About Dr QM Leong
Colorectal & Hernia Surgeon in Singapore
Dr Leong is a general and colorectal surgeon in Singapore who graduated from the University of London in 2000. He obtained his membership to the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 2003 and started working in Tan Tock Seng Hospital in 2003. He started his Advanced Specialist Training in 2005 and passed his fellowship exams in 2008. Dr Leong was awarded the prestigious MOH HMDP scholarship to train under Prof Kim Seon Hahn in Korea University for Laparoscopic and Robotic colorectal surgery in 2010.
Dr Leong is amongst a handful of hernia and colorectal surgeons in Singapore who practice Single Incision Laparoscopic surgery. This is a technical and complex procedure that is minimally invasive, speeds up recovery, and confers excellent cosmetic results. Dr Leong also routinely trains basic and advanced specialist trainees in laparoscopic surgery, and regularly proctors consultant surgeons in complex colorectal cases.
Beyond laparoscopic surgery, Dr Leong also performs a repertoire of minimally invasive General Surgery procedures. He is also an experienced endoscopist with more than 10000 procedures, performing diagnostic and therapeutic scopes for elective and emergency surgical conditions. He performs direct access colonoscopies and oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy for patients and will strive to perform the procedures on the same day if possible for patients’ convenience.
Insurance
Our surgery is on the panel of most of the major insurance companies and if you are covered by corporate insurance, you may be entitled to a cashless visit to our clinic.
Get In Touch
Corporate Insurance Partners
Personal Insurance Partners
