Knee Replacement Surgery Costs at Private Hospitals in Singapore: What to Expect

What is knee replacement surgery?

Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a procedure designed to relieve pain and restore function in severely diseased or damaged knee joints. 

The operation involves removing the damaged cartilage and bone from the ends of the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia), and occasionally the back of the kneecap (patella), and replacing them with artificial components made of metal and plastic. These prosthetic implants are shaped to recreate the natural movement of the knee, allowing for improved mobility and reduced pain. 

The surgery is most commonly performed for people suffering from severe osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or significant knee injuries that have not responded to other treatments

There are two main types of knee replacement: total knee replacement, where both sides of the joint are replaced, and partial knee replacement, which targets only the affected part of the knee. 

What is the cost of knee replacement surgery in Singapore?

Costs for knee replacement surgery in Singapore vary significantly depending on whether you choose a public or private hospital and whether you get partial or total knee replacement surgery.

In private hospitals, the cost of knee replacement surgery typically ranges from SGD 35,000 to SGD 50,000, before any insurance subsidies.

These price ranges generally cover the operation fee, implant fee, and other ad hoc fees as per MOH's SB810K bills and fee benchmark.

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 knee replacement surgery may have changed since then. For more accurate benchmarking prices, please visit the MOH website for more details.

Are there any subsidies for knee replacement surgery?

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

These include MediSave, MediShield Life, and Integrated Shield Plans. Each offers different levels of coverage for your knee replacement surgery, depending on your eligibility and insurance arrangements.

As of 2023, MOH has also introduced the 'Implant Subsidy List' (ISL). ISL aims to provide further subsidies for low-income patients that require high-cost surgical implants.

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 each subsequent day 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, knee replacement surgery is classified under 6A on the Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP). Hence, the withdrawal limit for knee replacement surgery is SGD 3,260.

This article was written in May 2025. Hence, prices for knee replacement 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 knee replacement 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 knee replacement surgery at SGD 3,540 and an SGD 7,000 claim for implants per treatment.

This article was written in May 2025. Hence, prices for knee replacement 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 knee replacement 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.

Those requiring knee implants for your knee replacement surgery qualify for acute inpatient subsidies, day surgery and day operation subsidies, and specialist outpatient clinics.

Singaporean citizens and permanent residents are eligible for up to 80% and 50% subsidies, respectively.

Subsidy levels are determined through household means-testing using Monthly Per Capita Household Income (PCHI) to account for the overall financial resources of the household to support the household members. For households with zero PCHI, the annual value of their residential property is used to determine subsidy levels.

This article was written in May 2025. Hence, the subsidies for ISL may have changed since then. For more accurate benchmarking prices, please visit the MOH website for more details.

What factors affect the cost of my knee replacement surgery?

Several key factors influence the final bill for knee replacement surgery in Singapore:

• Type of knee replacement:

  • Partial knee replacements are generally less expensive than total knee replacements.

  • Bilateral (both knees) procedures cost more than single knee replacements.

• Choice of implant materials:

  • Standard implants are more affordable.

  • Custom or advanced materials (such as ceramic components) increase costs.

• Hospital ward:

  • Higher-class wards (A or B1) in both public and private hospitals incur higher daily charges

  • Subsidised wards (B2 or C) are generally more affordable.

• Surgeon experience:

  • Senior or highly experienced surgeons typically charge higher fees than junior surgeons.

• Complexity of case:

  • Complicated cases, such as revisions or those requiring additional procedures, will cost more.

• Pre- and post-operative care:

  • Expenses for consultations, imaging, medications, and physiotherapy add to the total cost.

• Length of hospital stay:

  • Longer stays increase overall costs due to additional room and nursing charges.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS)

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a multidisciplinary approach to surgical care that follows established protocols for patient recovery following major surgical procedures. These protocols are based on published medical evidence and are designed to address surgical stress response and postoperative complications.

ERAS protocols may help you by:

• Improving recovery time

  • Some patients following ERAS protocols may experience different recovery patterns compared to traditional surgical approaches. Recovery varies for each person based on their health, type of surgery, and how well they follow care instructions.

• Reducing the length of your hospital stay

  • In certain cases, patients may have shorter hospital stays. Some patients may be able to go home in less than 23 hours after surgery, depending on their condition and doctor's assessment. This varies by individual and type of procedure.

• Reducing healthcare costs

  • Shorter hospital stays may result in different healthcare costs for some patients. Cost considerations vary based on individual circumstances, insurance coverage, and specific medical needs.

It is important to note that not all patients are suitable for ERAS protocols. Recovery experiences differ from person to person, so your doctor will assess if ERAS is appropriate for your situation. 

Individual results may vary. Patients should discuss treatment options, risks, and expected outcomes with their healthcare provider. This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.

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: 58-year-old patient with private insurance (Integrated Shield Plan) needs total knee replacement and is planning to stay at a private hospital.

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. Hence, prices for knee replacement surgery 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 knee replacement 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 a knee replacement cost in Singapore?

Knee replacement surgery costs within a range of SGD 6,000 to SGD 60,000 depending on whether you go to a public or private hospital.

What affects the total cost of knee replacement surgery?

Different factors such as insurance subsidies, the material of the implant, hospital stay, and more affect the total costs of knee replacement surgery. For a more in-depth breakdown of the costs, please speak directly to your healthcare provider.

Which hospital offers knee replacement surgery in Singapore?

Many public and private hospitals offer knee replacement surgery in Singapore. If you have a hospital or doctor in mind, it is better to liaise with them directly if they offer knee replacement surgery.

Is knee replacement a big surgery?

Yes, knee replacement is considered a major surgical procedure, as it involves removing damaged bone and cartilage and replacing them with artificial joint components. However, it is a routine procedure with a high success rate.

How do I know which subsidies I can qualify for for my knee replacement surgery?

Liaise directly with your insurance provider, your financial advisor, or the hospital to see if you qualify for any government subsidies or if your own personal insurance coverage will help subsidise the cost of your knee replacement surgery.

Can I reduce the cost of my knee replacement surgery?

A way you can reduce the cost of your knee replacement surgery is by checking if your personal insurance or MediSave/MediShield Life can cover part of your expenses. Another way to reduce cost is to reduce the length of your hospital stay by undergoing treatment such as ERAS.

Disclaimer: The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical or financial advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice on pricing and services, contact us at Thomson Medical today.