What is ovarian cyst removal surgery?
Ovarian cyst removal surgery, also known as ‘ovarian cystectomy,’ is a surgical procedure done to remove ovarian cysts. An ovarian cyst is a sac or pouch on your ovary that contains fluid. Some ovarian cysts may cause difficulty in conceiving or lead to fertility issues, especially if they are associated with conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis.
When should I get ovarian cyst removal surgery?
Ovarian cysts are often caused by:
Hormonal disorders like PCOS
Ovulation or ovulation-inducing drugs
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Cancer
However, not all ovarian cysts will need to be removed surgically. Ovarian cysts are fairly common and often go away on their own without treatment.
Your doctor may recommend that you get ovarian cyst removal surgery if:
It does not go away on its own after a long period of time
They suspect it is cancerous
The cyst is large, measuring more than 6 to 8 centimetres in diameter
You experience pain due to the cyst
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 are the two different types of ovarian cyst removal surgeries?
Depending on the size and nature of your ovarian cysts, such as whether they suspect it is cancerous or if it possesses qualities that increase the complexity of your surgery, your surgeon may choose one of two surgical approaches for your ovarian cyst removal.
Laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy
During laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy, your surgeon inserts a tiny camera with a light on the top (laparoscope) through a small incision in your abdomen. This device lets them view your reproductive and pelvic organs.
The surgeon makes two other small incisions and places their surgical tools inside. Then, they remove the ovarian cyst through those incisions.
Open cystectomy (laparotomy)
Your surgeon uses one large incision in your abdomen to remove the ovarian cyst. They may choose this method if the ovarian cyst is large or if they suspect it is cancerous.
Surgeons prefer laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy because it’s minimally invasive and easier for you to recover from than open surgery. However, if they suspect cancer or if the cyst is too large for a laparoscopic removal, an open surgery may be the only option
What is the cost of ovarian cyst removal surgery in Singapore?
Costs for ovarian cyst removal surgery in Singapore vary significantly depending on whether you choose a public or private hospital.
Day surgery
Ovarian cyst removals are performed as day surgeries and can range from SGD 6,200 to SGD 14,000 depending on whether you choose public or private hospitals.
If you would like a review on the accurate price ranges for ovarian cyst removal surgery, or ‘ovarian cystectomy,’ it is best to directly contact your healthcare provider for more information.
MOH provided a breakdown of the fees for private hospitals and clinics as per SI812O:
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 ovarian cyst removal surgery 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 ovarian cyst removal surgery?
Yes, there are several schemes in Singapore that can help offset the total costs of ovarian cyst removal surgery.
These include MediSave, MediShield Life, and Integrated Shield Plans. Each offers different levels of coverage for your ovarian cyst removal 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 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.
According to the CPF website, ovarian cyst removal surgery is classified under 4A on the Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP). Hence, the withdrawal limit for ovarian cyst removal surgery is SGD 2,380.
This article was written in June 2025. Ovarian cyst removal 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 ovarian cyst removal 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 ovarian cyst removal surgery at SGD 2,310.
This article was written in June 2025. Hence, prices for ovarian cyst removal 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 ovarian cyst removal 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 ovarian cyst removal surgery?
Several key factors influence the final bill for ovarian cyst removal surgery 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
Surgeon expertise (senior surgeons may incur higher charges than junior surgeons)
Public hospital vs private hospital
Size and location of ovarian cyst
Post-surgery expenses
Follow-up consultations
Gynaecologists at Thomson Medical
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Dr Ryan Lee is an obstetrician and gynaecologist at Thomson Medical. Dr Ryan’s practice encompasses general gynaecology and high-risk obstetrics with a special interest in maternal medicine.
Case Study: Private Hospital with Integrated Shield Plan
Profile: A 34-year-old female with multiple ovarian cysts requiring laparoscopic bilateral ovarian cystectomy at a private hospital with an overnight stay in a single room, covered by Integrated Shield Plan.
| Estimated total bill | Estimated total bill | Final out-of-pocket expenses |
|---|---|---|
| SGD 14,000 | 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 700, 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.
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 ovarian cyst removal 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 for ovarian cyst removal surgery in Singapore?
The cost for ovarian cyst removal surgery will vary based on different factors, such as whether you stay in a public or private hospital. Surgeon fees at private hospitals range from around SGD 7,848 to SGD 11,009 inclusive of GST, according to MOH’s SI820O fee benchmark.
However, for a full, detailed hospital fee range, it is best to direct your queries to your healthcare provider to properly advise you.
Should a 7 cm ovarian cyst be removed?
While most ovarian cysts don't need treatment, your doctor will monitor your cyst and perform an ultrasound to determine whether you need surgery. Surgical removal will be recommended if a cyst causes pain or grows bigger than 10 centimetres, ruptures, and continues to bleed (though this is rare).
What is the alarming size of an ovarian cyst?
It may be alarming if a cyst is bigger than 5 to 6 cm in diameter. However, the possibility of surgical removal depends on what the cyst looks like and what symptoms it causes. Ovarian cysts are so common that nearly every woman will have one at some stage in her life. Many women will have no problems related to the cyst.
What size of ovarian cyst is curable?
An ovarian cyst usually varies in size from 1 cm to 10 cm, though it can sometimes be much larger. Small cysts, less than 5 centimetres across, are considered benign (non-cancerous). In general, if an ovarian mass is more than 5 centimetres across, it is considered dangerous and should be surgically removed.
How long does it take to recover from ovarian cyst removal?
After laparoscopic surgery, most patients will go back to work within a week and resume vigorous physical activity, like running, within two weeks. If you've undergone open surgery, you'll need to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for six weeks.
What happens to your body after ovarian cyst removal?
After the ovarian cyst removal, you may feel pain in your tummy, which should improve in a few days.
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 Fertility Centre
- Paragon: 6252 7766
Thomson Specialists (Women's Health)
Thomson Women's Clinic
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