What is keyhole knee surgery?
Keyhole knee surgery, also known as knee arthroscopy, is a minimally invasive procedure where surgeons use a tiny camera and surgical tools to diagnose or treat problems inside the knee joint.
Why do I need keyhole knee surgery?
Your doctor might recommend keyhole knee surgery if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
Persistent knee pain or swelling
A clicking, locking, or unstable knee
Pain from a sports injury
Limited range of motion
Suspected ligament or cartilage damage
Keyhole knee surgery is often suggested after imaging tests, such as MRIs, have shown that a physical repair is needed and more conservative, non-surgical treatments, such as rest, physiotherapy, and medication, are ineffective.
What is the cost of keyhole knee surgery in Singapore?
Costs for keyhole knee 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 SB808K and SB700H bills and fee benchmark.
Day surgery
Currently, the specific fee benchmark data for SB808K procedures in private hospitals are not available.
However, according to MOH’s fee benchmarks under SB700H, the estimated cost ranges from SGD 16,487 to SGD 18,754.
Inpatient surgery
For inpatient surgeries, the cost will range from SGD 14,998 to SGD 21,257 (SB808K) and SGD 19,282 to SGD 24,617 (SB700H) at private hospitals.
MOH provided a breakdown of the fees for private hospitals and clinics under SB700H:
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 keyhole knee surgery may have changed since then. For more accurate benchmarking prices, please visit the MOH website (SB808K) (SB700H) for more details.
Are there any subsidies for keyhole knee surgery?
Yes, there are several schemes in Singapore that can help offset the total costs of keyhole knee surgery.
These include MediSave, MediShield Life, and Integrated Shield Plans. Each offers different levels of coverage for your keyhole knee 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, keyhole knee surgery is classified under 4A on the Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP). Hence, the withdrawal limit for keyhole knee surgery is SGD 2,380.
This article was written in May 2025. Hence, prices for keyhole knee 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 keyhole knee 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 keyhole knee surgery at SGD 2,380.
This article was written in May 2025. Hence, prices for keyhole knee 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 keyhole knee 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 keyhole knee surgery?
Several key factors influence the final bill for keyhole knee 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
Orthopaedic Surgeons at Thomson Medical
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Case Study: Private Hospital with Integrated Shield Plan
Profile: A 48-year-old recreational runner experiencing persistent knee pain and locking due to a torn meniscus. After consultation and an MRI, he was advised to undergo keyhole knee surgery. The procedure was performed as a day surgery in a private hospital.
| Estimated total bill | Insurance coverage | Final out-of-pocket expenses |
|---|---|---|
| SGD 16,487 to SGD 18,754* | 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 824 to 938, 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 keyhole knee 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 keyhole knee 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
Will I be able to walk after the surgery?
Yes, you may need crutches for the first few days after surgery, depending on the specific repairs made. Most people walk without aid within 1–2 weeks.
How long does recovery take?
It can take from around 1 week to several months to recover fully from an arthroscopy.
Is it painful?
There may be soreness and stiffness for a few days, managed with medication and rest. Most patients report mild discomfort compared to open surgery.
Will I need physiotherapy after the surgery?
Yes. It’s a critical part of your recovery, especially after ligament or cartilage repair, to regain strength and mobility.
How many hours is keyhole knee surgery?
The length of the surgery varies, depending on the type of surgery being carried out. Most operations last between 30 minutes and four hours. The surgeon will give you an estimate of how long the operation will take when he or she is explaining it to you.
How big is a keyhole knee surgery wound?
Unlike traditional open surgery, which often requires a large incision, keyhole knee surgery involves small incisions of about 0.5 to 1 cm. This minimally invasive approach leads to reduced scarring, which is beneficial for both cosmetic reasons and long-term skin integrity
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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