Colonoscopy Cost at Private Hospitals in Singapore: What to Expect

What is a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a procedure where doctors examine the inside of your large intestine, which includes your colon, rectum, and anus. It’s a type of endoscopy, which means that it uses an endoscope, a flexible tube with a lighted camera on the end that’s inserted into your body. 

There are different types of endoscopes for different parts of your body. In a colonoscopy, the colonoscope passes through your anus and rectum into your colon. Along the way, it sends pictures of the inside of your large intestine to a screen.

Why should I get a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy may be preventive, diagnostic, or therapeutic. 

Your healthcare provider may advise you to have a colonoscopy for routine cancer screening if you’re at a statistically higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. 

Since anyone can have colorectal cancer at any time without warning or symptoms, screening is the best way to stay ahead of it. While screening, your gastroenterologist may also remove suspicious tissues for testing and prevention.

A colonoscopy can diagnose conditions such as:

• Chronic colitis, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.

• Intestinal ischaemia and ischaemic colitis.

• Diverticulosis and diverticulitis.

• Ulcers and perforations.

• Large bowel obstructions.

• Colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer.

Colonoscopies can also enable your doctor to address certain  problems that may be discovered during the procedure. Endoscopists receive training to perform minor procedures with special tools that they pass through the endoscope. 

During a colonoscopy, they commonly remove any polyps (abnormal growths) that they find and test them for cancer. Removing polyps also prevents possible cancer from developing or spreading.

During your colonoscopy, your doctor can:

• Remove polyps (polypectomy).

• Seal wounds.

• Inject medications.

• Remove blockages.

• Place stents.

• Treat tissues with laser therapy.

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.

When should I get a colonoscopy?

You should get a colonoscopy if you have symptoms such as:

• Unexplained rectal bleeding or discharge.

• Unexplained changes in your bowel habits, such as diarrhoea, constipation, or incontinence.

• Unexplained persistent abdominal pain.

• Unexplained weight loss or lack of weight gain in children.

You should also consider getting a colonoscopy if you:

• Are older than 45 and haven’t had one.

• Haven’t had one for 10 years.

• Had tissue removed during your last colonoscopy.

• Have a family history of colorectal cancer.

• Have an inherited disease that raises your risk, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome.

• Have inflammatory bowel disease.

Ultimately, you should consult your doctor about your worries or symptoms to see if a colonoscopy is the best option.

What is the cost of a colonoscopy in Singapore?

Costs for colonoscopy  in Singapore vary significantly depending on whether you choose a public or private hospital.

Colonoscopies are under TOSP codes SF702C, SF703C, SF704C, SF705C, SF706C, SF707C, SF708C, and SF807C.

Day surgery

A colonoscopy done for day surgery will usually cost between SGD 2,800 and SGD 9,610 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 2,600 and SGD 19,200 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 per SF702C - Colon, Colonoscopy, Fibreoptic With/Without Biopsy:

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 colonoscopy  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 colonoscopies?

Yes, there are several schemes in Singapore that can help offset the total costs of colonoscopies.

These include MediSave, MediShield Life, and Integrated Shield Plans. Each offers different levels of coverage for your colonoscopy, 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, SF702C is classified under 2C on the Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP). Hence, the withdrawal limit for colonoscopy  is SGD 1,120. 

However, other colonoscopy 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. Colonoscopy 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 colonoscopy, 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 colonoscopies under SF702C at SGD 1,120.

This article was written in June 2025. Hence, prices for colonoscopy  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 colonoscopy, 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 colonoscopy?

Several key factors influence the final bill for colonoscopy  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

Dr Chong Choon Seng is a senior consultant specialising in colorectal surgery. 

His main expertise lies in the field of colorectal surgery, namely colorectal cancer, piles surgery, anal fistula treatment, colonoscopy, endoscopic submucosal dissection, and colonic stenting.

Case Study 1: Private Hospital with Integrated Shield Plan

Profile: A 45-year-old female requiring a colonoscopy (day surgery) at a private hospital covered by Integrated Shield Plan.

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 60-year-old male requiring a colonoscopy (inpatient) at a private hospital covered by Integrated Shield Plan.

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 colonoscopy.

• 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

Is a colonoscopy a painful process?

What diseases can be detected during a colonoscopy?

How long does it take to recover from a colonoscopy?

What diseases can a colonoscopy detect?

Does it hurt to poop after a colonoscopy?

What age should a woman get a colonoscopy?

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.