What is a colposcopy?
A colposcopy is an exam that uses a special magnifying instrument to examine the cervix. The instrument also may be used to look at the vagina and vulva.
A colposcopy may be recommended if a Pap test result shows something concerning. If your doctor finds a suspicious area of cells during your colposcopy procedure, a sample of tissue may be collected for testing.
Why should I get a colposcopy?
A colposcopy can help diagnose:
Inflammation of the cervix, called cervicitis.
Noncancerous growths on the cervix, such as polyps.
Precancerous changes in the tissue of the cervix.
Precancerous changes in the tissue of the vagina.
Precancerous changes of the vulva.
Cervical cancer.
Vaginal cancer.
Vulvar cancer.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for general knowledge only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice.If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, request an appointment with our specialists at Thomson Medical for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
What is the cost of a colposcopy in Singapore?
Costs for Colposcopy in Singapore vary significantly depending on whether you choose a public or private hospital.
Colonoscopies are under TOSP codes SI707C, SI810C, SI842U, and SI720V.
Day surgery
A colposcopy done for day surgery will usually cost between SGD 1,700 and SGD 7,840 depending on which TOSP code your procedure falls under. It is best to discuss directly with your healthcare providers what procedure you will be undergoing and the TOSP codes it is under to figure out the most accurate pricing.
Inpatient surgery
For inpatient surgeries, the costs will range between SGD 1,200 and SGD 10,400 depending on the procedure and whether you choose a private clinic with inpatient care and facilities or to be an inpatient at a private hospital.
MOH provided a breakdown of the fees for private hospitals and clinics as perSI720V - Vulva/Vagina, Various Lesions, Colposcopy, and Laser Vaporisation:
Breakdown of Fees
However, additional charges may arise from expenses such as pre-surgery consultations, imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans, medications, and post-surgery follow-up appointments.
This article was written in June 2025. Hence, prices for colposcopy may have changed since then. For more accurate benchmarking prices, please visit the MOH website and discuss with your doctor for more details.
Are there any subsidies for colposcopy?
Yes, there are several schemes in Singapore that can help offset the total costs of colposcopy.
These include MediSave, MediShield Life, and Integrated Shield Plans. Each offers different levels of coverage for your colposcopy, depending on your eligibility and insurance arrangements.
MediSave
MediSave is a national medical savings scheme that allows Singaporean citizens and permanent residents to use their savings for hospitalisation expenses.
For hospitalisation, you can use up to SGD 1,130 per day for the first two days and SGD 400 per day for subsequent days for inpatient hospital charges. These charges include daily ward changes, treatment fees, investigations, and medications.
For day surgeries, you can use up to SGD 830 per day for hospital charges for day surgery, which include daily ward charges, daily treatment fees, investigations, and medicines.
For example, according to the CPF website, SI720V is classified under 1B on the Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP). Hence, the withdrawal limit for colposcopy is SGD 420.
However, other colposcopy procedures may be under different TOSP codes, so it is best to double-check which TOSP code your procedure is classified under to see a more accurate representation of the withdrawal limit.
This article was written in June 2025. Colposcopy costs may therefore have changed since then. For more accurate benchmarking prices, please visit the CPF website for more details.
MediShield Life
MediShield Life is a basic health insurance plan for all Singaporeans and PRs, designed to help pay for large hospital bills and selected costly outpatient treatments.
It will cover a portion of the surgical and hospitalisation costs for colposcopy, and similar to MediSave, there are claim limits.
For hospitalisation, the claim limits are SGD 830 per day for normal wards and SGD 5,140 for intensive care unit (ICU) wards, which include an additional SGD 800 per day for the first two inpatient days.
For surgical procedures, MediShield Life also follows the TOSP, meaning that there will be a claim limit for colposcopies under SI720V at SGD 420.
This article was written in June 2025. Hence, prices for Colposcopy may have changed since then. For more accurate benchmarking prices, please visit the CPF website for more details.
Integrated Shield Plans
Integrated Shield Plans (IPs) are private insurance policies that offer additional coverage beyond what is provided by MediShield Life. They can cover a larger portion of your hospital bill, especially if you opt for private hospitals or higher-class wards.
Many IPs also offer “as-charged” benefits, meaning they cover the actual bill amount, subject to policy terms and annual limits.
Coverage details and claim limits vary depending on the insurer and the specific plan and the additional riders purchased.
If you are curious how much you can claim from your IPs for your colposcopy, it is best to talk to your insurance provider directly to discuss the details of your plan. For those under Prudential, please contact us via the Prudential medical concierge form if you have any further questions.
What factors affect the cost of my colposcopy?
Several key factors influence the final bill for Colposcopy in Singapore:
Pre-surgery expenses
Initial consultation fees
Diagnostic imaging tests
Pre-operative assessments
Specialist referrals
Surgery-related costs
Surgical fees and anaesthesias
Type of surgery
Public hospital vs private hospital
Complexity of surgery
Post-surgery expenses
Follow-up consultations
Gynaecologist at Thomson Medical
Loading...
Dr Ryan Lee is an obstetrician and gynaecologist at Thomson Medical. Dr Ryan’s practice encompasses general gynaecology and high-risk obstetrics with a special interest in maternal medicine.
Case Study 1: Private Hospital with Integrated Shield Plan
Profile: A 37-year-old female requiring a colposcopy (day surgery) at a private hospital covered by Integrated Shield Plan.
| Estimated total bill | Insurance coverage | Final out-of-pocket expenses |
|---|---|---|
| SGD 1,700 and SGD 7,840* | Since 2019, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has mandated that all new IP riders include a minimum 5% co-payment—to encourage prudent use of healthcare services and avoid overconsumption.
| The patient would need to pay from SGD 85 to SGD 392, which can usually be covered either partially or fully by MediSave. |
Please note that for the most accurate estimate of insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses, you should consult their insurance provider directly, as coverage details vary by plan and insurer.
*For the most accurate pricing, please contact your healthcare provider directly to discuss with them the potential costs for the procedure.
Case Study 2: Private Hospital with Integrated Shield Plan
Profile: A 40-year-old male requiring a colposcopy (inpatient) at a private hospital covered by Integrated Shield Plan.
| Estimated total bill | Insurance coverage | Final out-of-pocket expenses |
|---|---|---|
| 1,200 and SGD 10,400* | Since 2019, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has mandated that all new IP riders include a minimum 5% co-payment—to encourage prudent use of healthcare services and avoid overconsumption.
| The patient would need to pay from SGD 60 to SGD 520, which can usually be covered either partially or fully by MediSave. |
Please note that for the most accurate estimate of insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses, you should consult their insurance provider directly, as coverage details vary by plan and insurer.
*For the most accurate pricing, please contact your healthcare provider directly to discuss with them the potential costs for the procedure.
*This article was written in June 2025. Prices may have changed since then. For more accurate benchmarking prices, please discuss with your doctor what specific procedure you may need and visit the MOH website under the relevant TOSP code for more details.
How do I process my insurance claims?
To process an insurance claim at a hospital in Singapore, you typically need to inform the hospital staff of your intent to claim, gather required documents like final bills and receipts, and submit the claim to your insurance provider through their designated channels (online portal, email, etc.).
For some insurance policies, the hospital may handle the claims process directly, especially for cashless claims. Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Understand your coverage:
Before you schedule your treatment, meet your financial advisor to discuss the costs and coverage available for you should you undergo a colposcopy.
Inform the hospital:
When you are admitted to the hospital, inform the hospital staff that you wish to make an insurance claim. They may guide you through the necessary paperwork and forms.
Gather the required documents:
Ensure you have all the original, final bills and receipts for all treatments, including hospital stays, procedures, and medications.
If available, gather any relevant medical reports, diagnostic test results, and discharge summaries.
If you used your MediSave account for payment, you'll need a statement showing the Hospital Registration Number (HRN).
You may need to download and complete a claim form from your insurance provider's website.
Submit the claim:
Many insurers offer different portals for submitting claims, including online portals, mobile apps, email, or direct paper submission to your financial advisor.
If the hospital handles the claim directly, they will submit it on your behalf.
Follow up and track progress:
You should receive an acknowledgement of your claim submission.
Check the status of your claim through your insurer's online portal or app.
Do note that claim processing typically takes about 2 to 3 months from the date of submission (e-filing).
Some complex cases may take longer, especially if additional documents or clarifications are required.
If you don't receive updates after 3 months or have more questions, contact your insurer or the hospital for assistance.
At Thomson Medical, the insurance claims process is streamlined for your convenience.
The hospital provides e-filing services, submitting claims directly to MediSave, MediShield Life, and Integrated Shield Plan providers on your behalf.
This approach reduces paperwork and ensures claims are processed efficiently, allowing you to focus on recovery.
FAQ
How painful is a colposcopy?
A colposcopy is relatively painless. You may feel slight pressure when the speculum enters your vagina or a slight burning or stinging when the solution comes into contact with your cervix. If you need a biopsy, you may feel a sharp pinch or a sensation like a period cramp when the tissue sample is excised.
Is a colposcopy like a Pap smear?
A Pap smear collects cells for testing. Conversely, a colposcopy involves a closer examination of the cervix, vagina, and vulva using a magnifying instrument called a colposcope.
Can colposcopy confirm cancer?
In rare cases, the results of a colposcopy and biopsy will show cervical cancer. If this happens, treatment should be started as soon as possible. You'll be referred to a team of specialists, who will advise you about your treatment. Cervical cancer diagnosed through screening tends to be found at an earlier stage.
What is a colposcopy test done for?
A colposcopy is a test to take a closer look at your cervix. The cervix is the opening to your womb from your vagina. A colposcopy is often done if a cervical screening finds changes to your cells that are caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). These changed cells can turn into cervical cancer cells.
Do I need a colposcopy if I have HPV?
If you have tested positive for HPV, especially high-risk strains, a colposcopy may be recommended to further examine your cervix. A colposcopy is a procedure where a doctor uses a magnifying instrument to closely inspect the cervix and, if necessary, take a biopsy of any abnormal areas. This helps determine if there are any precancerous cell changes that need monitoring or treatment.
Do you get colposcopy results right away?
If no abnormal cells were found, then you will usually be told straight away by the doctor or nurse. You will still need to attend routine cervical screening appointments in the future. If you had a biopsy, you may need to wait 4 to 8 weeks to get your results.
Disclaimer: The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice on pricing and services, contact us at Thomson Medical today.
For more information, contact us:
Thomson Fertility Centre
- Paragon: 6252 7766
Thomson Specialists (Women's Health)
Thomson Women's Clinic
Request an Appointment