What is meniscus tear surgery?
Meniscus tear surgery is a procedure performed to treat a torn meniscus. This is a common knee injury that involves the cartilage, which cushions and stabilises the joint.
The surgery is typically carried out using minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques, where a small camera and specialised instruments are inserted through tiny incisions around the knee.
Depending on the location, type, and severity of the tear, the surgeon may either trim away the damaged portion of the meniscus (meniscectomy) or repair the tear with sutures (meniscus repair).
The goal of surgery is to relieve pain, restore knee function, and prevent further joint damage.
When should I get meniscus tear surgery?
Surgery is usually recommended if you have persistent knee pain, swelling, or locking that does not improve with rest, medication, or physiotherapy.
Acute tears in active individuals, large or complex tears, or those associated with mechanical symptoms often require surgical intervention for optimal recovery.
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.
Is physiotherapy covered under my insurance?
Physiotherapy may be covered under your Integrated Shield Plan, depending on your policy. MediSave can also be used for approved outpatient physiotherapy at MediSave-accredited centres, subject to withdrawal limits.
Remember to always check with your insurance providers on what your coverage offers.
What is the cost of meniscus tear surgery in Singapore?
Costs for meniscus tear surgery in Singapore vary significantly depending on whether you choose a public or private hospital.
Day Surgery
The cost of day surgeries at private hospitals will range from SGD 19,200 to SGD 28,000.
Inpatient
At private clinics and hospitals, the price ranges from SGD 17,000 to SGD 32,000.
These price ranges generally cover the operation fee, implant fee, and other ad hoc fees as per MOH's SB715K bills and fee benchmark.
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 meniscus tear surgery may have changed since then. For more accurate benchmarking prices, please visit the MOH website for more details.
Orthopaedic Surgeons at Thomson Medical
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Are there any subsidies for meniscus tear surgery?
Yes, there are several schemes in Singapore that can help offset the total costs of meniscus tear surgery.
These include MediSave, MediShield Life, and Integrated Shield Plans. Each offers different levels of coverage for your meniscus tear 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 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, meniscus tear surgery is classified under 5A on the Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP). Hence, the withdrawal limit for meniscus tear surgery is SGD 2,610.
This article was written in May 2025. Meniscus tear surgery 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 meniscus tear 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 meniscus tear surgery at SGD 2,700.
This article was written in May 2025. Hence, prices for meniscus tear 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 meniscus 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 meniscus tear surgery?
Several key factors influence the final bill for meniscus tear surgery in Singapore:
Pre-surgery expenses
Initial consultation fees
Diagnostic imaging tests
Pre-operative assessments
Specialist referrals
Surgery-related costs
Surgical fees and anaesthesias
Surgeon expertise (senior surgeons may incur higher charges than junior surgeons)
Day surgery vs inpatient costs
Post-surgery expenses
Follow-up consultations
Physiotherapy sessions
Case Study 1: Private Hospital with Integrated Shield Plan
Profile: A 28-year-old with repairable meniscus tear requiring a meniscus tear surgery
| Estimated total bill | Insurance coverage | Final out-of-pocket expenses |
|---|---|---|
| SGD 17,000 to SGD 32,000 | 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 850 to SGD 1,600, 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 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 meniscus tear 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 meniscus tear surgery?
Surgery costs range from SGD 3,300 to SGD 18,000 in public hospitals and from SGD 19,200 to SGD 32,000 in private hospitals, depending on factors such as complexity, whether it is day surgery or inpatient surgery, and the type of hospital.
Is meniscus knee surgery worth it?
For patients with persistent pain, swelling, or mechanical symptoms, surgery can provide significant pain relief and restore function.
Can you get back to normal activities after meniscus surgery?
Many patients return to full activity, especially after partial meniscectomy. Recovery after meniscus repair may take longer but offers better long-term joint health.
What happens if too much meniscus is removed?
Removing too much meniscus can increase the risk of early knee arthritis and long-term joint problems.
Can a meniscus tear heal 100%?
Small tears in the outer edge of the meniscus may heal with rest and physiotherapy. Larger or complex tears often require surgical intervention for full recovery.
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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