Endoscopy Cost at Private Hospitals in Singapore: What to Expect

What is an endoscopy?

An endoscopy is a procedure done to examine structures inside your body up close. During an endoscopy, a doctor will place a long, thin tube (endoscope) inside your body until it reaches the organ or area they need to check. 

Most endoscopes have a light and special camera at the end. The scope captures images or videos of organs or other body parts. It will display the images on a screen so that your doctor can review them

Many endoscopes have special channels inside. Doctors can insert operating instruments to remove tissue or perform surgery during an endoscopy.

What are the different types of endoscopies?

There are many types of endoscopy procedures, but they all work in the same basic way. Some key differences will include the procedure name and the type of scope. Some examples of endoscopic procedures include:

• Anoscopy:

  • A scope goes through your anus (butthole) to look at your anus and rectum.

• Arthroscopy:

  • The scope goes through an incision above your joint to look for damage or conditions like arthritis.

• Bronchoscopy:

  • A scope goes through your mouth or nostril to look at your trachea (windpipe) and lungs.

• Colonoscopy:

  • A scope goes through your anus to look at your entire large intestine (colon).

• Cystoscopy:

  • A scope goes through your urethra (the tube that allows pee out of your body) to look at it and your bladder.

There are more examples of endoscopic procedures, but it is best to discuss with your doctor to determine what type you will require based on your unique situation and condition.

Why should I get an endoscopy?

Doctors often use endoscopies to screen for conditions and diagnose diseases that affect your:

• Digestive system, including gastrointestinal diseases, colon polyps, and colon cancer.

• Head and neck, including swallowing disorders and laryngitis.

• Joints, including arthritis, tears, and dislocations.

• Nervous system, including brain tumours.

• Respiratory system, including lung disease and infections.

• Urinary system, including urinary tract infections (UTIs) and kidney stones.

• Reproductive system, including abnormal uterine bleeding, endometriosis, and fertility issues.

Nowadays, endoscopy can also be used for treatments. Doctors will use endoscopy with different instruments that allow them to:

• Seal wounds.

• Inject medicine.

• Drain fluid.

• Stop internal bleeding.

• Remove damaged tissue or tumours.

• Fix blockages or widen organs that are too narrow.

• Place stents (tiny tubes that open a blocked or damaged organ).

• Perform surgeries such as laparoscopies.

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 an endoscopy in Singapore?

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

Day surgery

An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is under the TOSP code SF701I. Hence, based on the breakdown of fees, it will cost around SGD 2,700 to SGD 3,700.

Inpatient surgery

For inpatient surgeries, the costs will range between SGD 2,110 and SGD 14,800 depending on 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 SF701I:

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 endoscopy 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 endoscopies?

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

These include MediSave, MediShield Life, and Integrated Shield Plans. Each offers different levels of coverage for your endoscopy, 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, SF701I is classified under 1B on the Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP). Hence, the withdrawal limit for endoscopy is SGD 420. 

However, other endoscopy 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. Endoscopy 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 endoscopy, 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 hysterectomies under SF701I at SGD 420.

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

Several key factors influence the final bill for endoscopy 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 Toh Bin Chet’s subspecialties include upper gastrointestinal surgery, bariatric weight loss and metabolic endoscopic surgery, and advanced endoscopy. 

He treats general surgical conditions, hernias, gallbladder stones, gastro-oesophageal reflux, upper gastrointestinal cancer, and bariatric metabolic disorders. 

He is skilled in minimally invasive surgery and advanced endoscopy, including endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with stenting/spyglass.

Case Study 1: Private Hospital with Integrated Shield Plan

Profile: A 30-year-old female requiring an endoscopy (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 42-year-old female requiring an endoscopy (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 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 an endoscopy.

• 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 endoscopy very painful?

What is endoscopy used to detect?

Do they fully put you to sleep for an endoscopy?

What diseases can be detected by endoscopy?

How long does it take to recover from an endoscopy?

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.