What is bunion surgery?
A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, often causing pain, swelling, and difficulty with footwear.
Bunion surgery, also known as a bunionectomy or hallux valgus correction, is a surgical procedure designed to correct the deformity of the big toe joint by removing the bony bump and realigning the bones.
In addition to realigning the bones, bunion surgery aims to relieve pain and restore normal function to the foot, especially when conservative treatments have failed. It can be performed through minimally invasive or open surgery, with the choice depending on the severity of the bunion and the individual's needs.
Minimally invasive surgery offers smaller incisions, less pain, and quicker recovery, while open surgery may be preferred for severe cases.
What are the different types of bunion surgery?
There are four different types of bunion surgery procedures:
Osteotomy
An osteotomy is the most common type of bunion surgery.
It is a surgical procedure that involves cutting through a bone to alter its shape, position, or length.
It's commonly used to correct misalignments, relieve pain, or reshape bones in conditions like arthritis or deformities.
The bones are usually held in place with screws or pins until they heal.
Arthrodesis (Joint fusion)
An arthrodesis, or joint fusion, is usually reserved for severe bunions or those associated with arthritis.
It is a surgical procedure that permanently joins two or more bones in a joint, typically to treat severe joint pain, instability, or other issues that haven't responded to conservative treatments.
By fusing the bones, the joint's movement is eliminated, reducing pain and improving stability.
Soft tissue procedure
Soft tissue procedures for bunions involve surgically correcting the imbalances in tendons and ligaments around the big toe joint to help realign the toe and alleviate pressure.
These procedures are often combined with bone surgeries like osteotomies to address both bone and soft tissue deformities.
Minimally invasive surgery
Minimally invasive bunion surgery is often referred to as "keyhole" surgery.
It is a procedure that corrects bunions using smaller incisions and specialised instruments compared to traditional open surgery.
This technique involves making tiny incisions near the big toe, through which bone-cutting instruments can be inserted to reshape and realign the bone.
Why do I need bunion surgery?
Bunion surgery is recommended when non-surgical treatments such as footwear modifications, orthotics, pain medication, and physiotherapy do not provide sufficient relief.
Surgery may be necessary if you experience persistent pain, face difficulty walking that causes limited movement, or if the bunion is causing other foot problems such as deformities like hammertoes or chronic inflammation that affect your quality of life.
When should I get bunion surgery?
You can consider bunion surgery if:
Pain is severe and persistent
Inflammation and swelling is not improving
Bunion is causing other toe problems
Deformity is worsening
You face difficulties with footwear
Symptoms are impacting your daily activities
Your doctor will assess your symptoms, lifestyle, and overall health to determine the best timing for surgery.
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.
How do I prepare for bunion surgery?
Your healthcare provider will inform you of any necessary steps to prepare for bunion surgery.
You may need to get a physical exam to ensure your body is ready for surgery. Your doctor may also ask you to get:
Blood tests
An electrocardiogram (EKG)
A foot X-ray, MRI, or CT scan
You may have to stop certain prescriptions or over-the-counter supplements and medications before surgery. Remember to tell your doctor which medications and supplements you take.
Your doctor will also let you know if and when you need to fast before your surgery. You will usually need to fast for eight hours before the surgery.
What will I experience during the procedure?
On the day of your surgery, you will receive anaesthesia to make sure you don’t feel any pain. You won’t usually need general anaesthesia to put you to sleep during a bunion surgery.
An anaesthesiologist may use a few different types of anaesthesia that numb you anywhere from the waist down or just your foot and the area around it. What happens during your surgery depends on which type you need.
Most bunion surgeries will take an hour or less. The type of surgery and the severity of your misalignment will determine how long it takes. If you require more information, it is best to discuss directly with your surgeon.
What happens after bunion surgery?
Following the surgery, your healthcare providers will monitor you for several hours to ensure a smooth recovery from the anaesthesia. They will also monitor your vital signs and pain level.
Most bunion surgeries are considered outpatient procedures, meaning you can go home the same day. It is best to plan ahead for someone to pick you up or arrange another type of transportation to get home, as you won’t be able to drive after surgery.
Orthopaedic Surgeons at Thomson Medical
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What is the cost of bunion surgery in Singapore?
Costs for bunion surgery in Singapore vary significantly depending on whether you choose a public or private hospital.
These price ranges generally cover the operation fee, implant fee, and other ad hoc fees as per MOH's SB732F bills and fee benchmark.
The information for private hospitals on the cost of bunion surgery was not included in the SB732F fee benchmarks. However, 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 bunion surgery may have changed since then. For more accurate benchmarking prices, please visit the MOH website for more details.
Are there any subsidies for bunion surgery?
Yes, there are several schemes in Singapore that can help offset the total costs of bunion surgery.
These include MediSave, MediShield Life, and Integrated Shield Plans. Each offers different levels of coverage for your bunion 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 medicines.
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, bunion surgery is classified under 3C on the Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP). Hence, the withdrawal limit for bunion surgery is SGD 1,920.
This article was written in May 2025. Hence, prices for bunion surgery may 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 bunion 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 bunion surgery at SGD 1,920.
This article was written in May 2025. Hence, prices for bunion 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 bunion 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.
Implant Subsidy List
The Implant Subsidy List (ISL) aims to extend subsidies to lower-income patients and encourage the use of clinically effective and cost-effective implants to improve patient outcomes.
Implants for bunion surgery are not listed on the ISL can be broadly classified into two groups:
1. Implant categories that have yet to transit to the ISL
Patients who use these implants will continue to be eligible for subsidies under the Capped Implant Subsidy Framework:
Singapore Citizens: Up to 50%, capped at $1,000
Permanent Residents: Up to 25%, capped at $500
2. Implants that have been assessed to be not clinically- and cost-effective
Patients may use implants that are not listed on the ISL, though this is generally not encouraged.
Implants that are not clinically and cost-effectively approved will not receive subsidies, so patients can expect to pay more. Patients may approach their public healthcare provider to explore the subsidised options listed on ISL.
What factors affect the cost of my bunion surgery?
Several key factors influence the final bill for bunion surgery in Singapore:
Pre-surgery expenses
Initial consultation fees
Diagnostic imaging tests
Pre-operative assessments
Specialist referrals (when necessary)
Surgery-related costs
Surgical fees and anaesthesias
Medical devices and implants (when necessary)
Day surgery vs inpatient costs
Post-surgery expenses
Follow-up consultations
Physiotherapy sessions
Protective footwear and orthotics
Wound care supplies
Case Study 1: Private Hospital with Integrated Shield Plan
Profile: A 38-year-old active individual with a severe bunion, impacting sports activities, requiring osteotomy with an overnight stay.
| Estimated total bill | Insurance coverage | Final out-of-pocket expenses |
|---|---|---|
| SGD 10,000* | 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 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 for bunion surgery are currently not available for private hospitals, so an estimate was included. This may have changed since then. For more accurate benchmarking prices, please visit the MOH website for more details.
Case Study 2: Private Hospital with Self-Payment
Profile: A 62-year-old with a severe bunion and arthritis requiring joint fusion surgery with bone grafting, an extended recovery period, and multiple follow-up visits.
| Estimated total bill | Insurance coverage | Final out-of-pocket expenses |
|---|---|---|
| SGD 12,500* | None
| SGD 11,670
Self-funded, with a structured payment plan arranged with the hospital after MediSave deductions. |
Please note that for the most accurate estimate for out-of-pocket expenses, you should consult healthcare providers directly.
*This article was written in May 2025. Prices for bunion surgery are currently not available for private hospitals, so an estimate was included. This 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 up with your financial advisor to discuss the costs and coverage available for you should you undergo bunion 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 it cost to have a bunion removed?
Costs range from SGD 4,000 to SGD 12,000, depending on the complexity, hospital type, and length of stay.
Is bunion surgery worth the cost?
For patients with persistent pain and functional limitations, surgery can provide lasting relief and improved quality of life.
Is bunion surgery covered by insurance?
MediSave, MediShield Life, and Integrated Shield Plans can help offset costs, subject to policy terms and procedure eligibility.
Can you correct a bunion without surgery?
Nonsurgical treatments such as orthotics, footwear changes, and physiotherapy can alleviate symptoms but do not correct the deformity.
What happens if a bunion is left untreated?
Untreated bunions may worsen over time, leading to increased pain, deformity, and difficulty with footwear.
Why avoid bunion surgery?
Surgery carries risks such as infection, nerve injury, and recurrence. It is usually recommended only when conservative measures fail.
What age is best for bunion surgery?
There is no specific age, but surgery is generally considered when the bunion causes significant discomfort and impacts daily life.
What happens if you don't remove bunions?
The deformity may progress, leading to chronic pain, difficulty walking, and potential development of other foot problems.
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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