What is ACL surgery?
ACL surgery, or anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, is a procedure to replace a torn ACL—the key ligament that stabilises the knee joint.
The ACL is commonly injured during sports or accidents involving sudden stops, changes in direction, or a direct impact on the knee.
ACL surgery typically involves removing the damaged ligament and reconstructing it using: 1) autograft (a graft, which is usually taken from the patient’s own hamstring or quadriceps tendon) or 2) allograft (from a donor).
The operation is performed arthroscopically, using small incisions and a camera, which allows for less tissue disruption, reduced pain, and quicker recovery. The goal of ACL surgery is to restore knee stability, prevent further injury, and enable a return to normal activities or sports.
When should I get ACL tear surgery?
ACL surgery is typically recommended if you have knee instability, recurrent giving way, or if you wish to return to sports or physically demanding activities.
Surgery is also considered if there are associated injuries such as meniscus tears or if conservative treatment fails to restore knee function.
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.
Is physiotherapy covered under my insurance?
Physiotherapy after ACL surgery is essential for optimal recovery. Coverage depends on your insurance plan. Most hospitalisation shield plan insurances cover outpatient physiotherapy up till 1 year after hospitalisation.
MediSave can be used for approved outpatient physiotherapy at accredited centres, subject to withdrawal limits.
Integrated Shield Plans and employer health benefits may also cover physiotherapy, but you should confirm entitlements with your insurer or hospital billing department.
Remember to always check with your insurance providers on what your coverage offers.
What is the cost of ACL surgery in Singapore?
Costs for ACL surgery in Singapore vary significantly depending on whether you choose a public or private hospital.
Inpatient
At private hospitals, the price ranges from SGD 29,600 to SGD 50,000.
These price ranges generally cover the operation fee, implant fee, and other ad hoc fees as per MOH's SB701K / SB703K / SB704K bills and fee benchmark.
MOH provided a breakdown of the fees for private hospitals and clinics:
Breakdown of Fees
However, additional charges may arise from expenses such as pre-surgery consultations, imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans, medications, post-surgery follow-up appointments, and extended rehabilitation.
This article was written in May 2025. Hence, prices for ACL surgery may have changed since then. For more accurate benchmarking prices, please visit the MOH website for more details.
Are there any subsidies for ACL surgery?
Yes, there are several schemes in Singapore that can help offset the total costs of ACL surgery.
These include MediSave, MediShield Life, and Integrated Shield Plans. Each offers different levels of coverage for your ACL surgery, 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 surgery, you can claim up to SGD 830 per day for hospital charges related to the procedure. For surgery, you can use between SGD 240 and SGD 5,290 from your MediSave, depending on the complexity of the surgery.
According to the CPF website, ACL surgery is classified under 5C on the Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP). Hence, the withdrawal limit for ACL surgery is SGD 2,770.
This article was written in May 2025. ACL surgery 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 ACL surgery, 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 ACL surgery at SGD 3,270.
This article was written in May 2025. Hence, prices for ACL surgery 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 additional riders purchased.
If you are curious how much you can claim from your IPs for your meniscus surgery, 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 ACL surgery?
Several key factors influence the final bill for ACL surgery in Singapore:
Pre-surgery expenses
Initial consultation fees
Diagnostic imaging tests
Pre-operative assessments
Specialist referrals
Surgery-related costs
Surgical fees and anaesthesias
Day surgery vs inpatient costs
Post-surgery expenses
Follow-up consultations
Physiotherapy sessions
Orthopaedic Surgeons at Thomson Medical
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Dr Jerry Chen specialises in ERAS, hip and knee conditions, joint replacement and preservation surgery, sports injuries, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, and trauma fractures of the upper and lower limbs.
Case Study: Private Hospital with Integrated Shield Plan
Profile: A 32-year-old with an ACL tear requiring ACL surgery with an overnight stay.
| Estimated total bill | Insurance coverage | Final out-of-pocket expenses |
|---|---|---|
| SGD 29,600 to SGD 50,000 | 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 1,480 to SGD 2,500, which can usually be covered 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.
*This article was written in May 2025. Prices may have changed since then. For more accurate benchmarking prices, please visit the MOH website 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 ACL surgery.
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 much does ACL surgery cost?
ACL surgery costs range from SGD 4,200 to SGD 36,500 in public hospitals and from SGD 25,000 to SGD 50,000 in private hospitals, depending on factors such as complexity, whether it is day surgery or inpatient surgery, and the type of hospital.
Will I be 100% after ACL surgery?
After 9-12 months, most people who have had ACL reconstruction have returned to sports. You should be full weight bearing on the affected side, with a normal gait and full range of motion. You should be able to dance.
Is ACL a major surgery?
Even though ACL reconstruction is usually performed as a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure, it's considered a moderate surgery because of how complex and demanding it is on your body.
Will insurance cover ACL surgery?
MediSave and MediShield Life will typically cover ACL surgery. However, for your personal insurance coverage, it may vary depending on the specific insurance plan and the insurance provider. Please consult directly with your financial advisor for more information.
Is ACL reconstruction worth it?
It depends on the initial injury and if there's associated damage. With an isolated tear, for example, a patient undergoing surgery has an excellent prognosis of returning to high-level activities. A patient with much additional cartilage damage and bone bruising will have a more challenging time fully recovering.
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 Specialists (Thomson Medical Centre) — Orthopaedic
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